Colin Campbell Cooper

Colin Campbell Cooper, Jr. was born on March 8, 1856, and became a prominent figure in the American art scene as an impressionist painter. Renowned for his architectural paintings, he captured the essence of skyscrapers in major cities such as New York City, Philadelphia, and Chicago. His artistic journey was marked by extensive travel, which inspired him to create stunning works depicting European and Asian landmarks, as well as natural landscapes, portraits, florals, and interiors.

Cooper honed his skills at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts under the tutelage of Thomas Eakins, and furthered his education at prestigious institutions including the Académie Julian, Académie Delécluse, and Académie Vitti. His dedication to his craft earned him membership in the National Academy of Design in nineteen twelve, and he was recognized for his talent with a gold medal for oil painting and a silver medal for watercolor painting at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in nineteen fifteen.

In addition to his painting career, Cooper contributed to the academic world by teaching art at Drexel University and serving as Dean of Painting at the Santa Barbara Community School of Arts. The 1920s saw him branching out into writing, where he penned plays and his autobiography, 'In These Old Days.' His passion for the arts also led him to initiate efforts to establish the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.

Colin Campbell Cooper's personal life was intertwined with art, as his first wife, Emma Lampert Cooper, was also a talented painter. His legacy continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike.