South Ferry, New York

Colin Campbell Cooper was born into an upper class Philadelphia family in 1856. From a young age, he showed artistic promise.

Encouraged by his family to pursue an art career, Cooper studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, and then at Paris at Academies Julian, Vitti, and Delecluse. Upon completing his studies, Cooper returned to Philadelphia and worked as a watercolor instructor at the Drexel Institute. In 1898, he moved to New York City where he found subject matter for much of his work.

A frequent traveler, Cooper took many trips to Europe, Asia, and throughout the U.S. to find inspiration for his work. He first traveled to California to attend the Panama Pacific International Exhibition. Drawn by the landscape of the state, he relocated to Santa Barbara in 1921, where he would live the rest of his life.

Famous for his architectural works of art, Cooper exhibited his work at the American Watercolor Society, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia Art Club, New York Water Club, and many other locations. In addition to The National Arts Club, his works are held by the Luxembourg Museum, Cincinnati Art Museum, Boston Art Club, St. Louis Museum, Palace of Fine Arts, and many others.