Colin Campbell Cooper

Artist Biography

Colin Campbell Cooper, painter, teacher, writer, lecturer, watercolorist and impressionist was born in Philadelphia, P.A. in 1856. His father, a wealthy surgeon, encouraged his son to pursue his talent in art. He was also inspired by the art, prints and posters he saw at the 1876 Philadelphia Exposition. He studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts with Thomas Eakins, the Academies Julian in Paris with Vitti, and Delecluse and additionally at other art schools in Paris.

He spent much time in Europe painting art, prints and posters of figure and architectural subjects, many of these paintings were lost in a fire of 1896. Architecture and street scenes became his specialty. Mr. Cooper's notable achievement was his long series of canvases depicting the picturesque charm of the modern sky-scraper, (particularly those of New York and Philadelphia) he began this work in 1902. It was said of these works, "He saw beauty, sublimity and grandeur in the structures that his average contemporary was wont to call monstrosities.” He was also known for painting genre, portraits, Italy, Spain, interiors, harbors, churches, still lifes and flowers.

Colin Cooper was also known for the unique way that he handled watercolor on canvas, he did this "so cleverly that his water-colors can scarcely be distinguished from oils.” This style of painting was later called "The California Style" of watercolor painting. very few, if any, artists at the time were employing this technique in the manner that Cooper was. His art, prints and posters can be found in many important museum collections throughout the world. He passed away in Santa Barbara, California on November 6th 1937.

Colin Campbell Cooper Art, Prints and Posters Collection