C.M. 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 Santa Barbara, California. Recently awarded Best of Show 2017 and a Second Best in Show 2018 in the American Impressionist Society "Small Works" Shows, Cooper continues to receive acclaim for her paintings. Other prestigious 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 as well as being featured in prominent art publications such as Southwest Art and International Artist numerous times. She is a member of both the Oil Painters of America (OPA) and the American Impressionist's Society (AIS). Art instruction is another major aspect of Cooper’s artistic calling. Cooper provides a solid foundation for figure painting along with the necessary skills of composition, observation and editing of subject matter. Cooper lives in Valencia, California with her husband Dan Cooper, a highly accomplished Walt Disney Studios artist.