C.M. Cooper

C.M. Cooper
http://cmcooperfineart.com/CM Cooper refers to herself as a “contemporary traditionalist.” Her impressionistic paintings blend classic aesthetics with the modern figure. Women, children, dancers and animals in contemporary settings come to life through her bold impressionistic brush strokes. Cooper’s delicate color sensitivity and wonderful sense of light create images that are filled with emotion and feeling. Born and raised in Southern California, Cooper was educated at Art Center College of Design where she earned her BFA. A career in fashion advertising followed, along with freelance work in editorial illustration. But her travels to Europe---including an opportunity to live and study in Paris---began to focus her interest towards a fine art career. Her studies continued at the Associates in Arts Masters Program and 4 years of study with Joseph Mendez. Rare opportunities to observe and study under the highly respected artists Howard Terpning and Raymond Everett Kinsler further enhanced her artistic abilities and vision. Today she is a full time gallery painter and art instructor. Cooper’s work is featured at several galleries across the nation, from Westfield, New Jersey to Laguna Beach, California. She has won numerous awards including the Salon International’s 2010 Top Award, Third Place in Show. The Museum Director’s Choice Award at the California Art Club’s 92nd annual Gold Medal Juried Exhibition in 2002 was another highly coveted honor. She is a member of several prestigious art organizations including the Oil Painters of America and the American Society of Portrait Painters. Cooper has been a featured artist in Southwest Magazine’s Figurative Issue, November 2003, and was selected as an “Artist to Watch” in November 2002. She was also recommended in their “Collector’s Choice” issue in October 2003. Other publications include International Artist Magazine’s “100 Ways to Paint People and Your Favorite Subject” in 2003 – 2004, along with several other publications. Art instruction is another major aspect of Cooper’s artistic calling. She believes that “Teaching enriches my life as an artist.” Cooper provides a solid foundation for figure painting along with the necessary skills of composition, observation and editing of subject matter. The opportunity to repeatedly review artistic concepts not only benefits her students but the teacher herself! Cooper lives in Valencia, California with her husband Dan Cooper, a highly accomplished Walt Disney Studios artist.