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 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 on 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 Santa Barbara, California. Most recently blessed by receiving Best of Show 2017 and a Second Best in Show AIS 2018 for their "Small Works" Shows. Other awards include the Salon International's 2010 Top Award, Third Place in Show, and the Museum Director's Choice Award at the California Art Club's 92nd annual Gold Medal Juried Exhibition in 2002, which were high honors. She is a member of both the Oil Painters of America (OPA) and the American Impressionist's Society (AIS).
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. In 2003 she was also recommended in their "Collector's Choice" issue. Other publications include International Artist Magazine's "100 Ways to Paint People and Your Favorite Subject" in 2003 – 2004, along with several different publications.