Featured Artist Sally Cooper

Enjoy this delicate and stunning floral collection by artist Sally Cooper, who shares a journey of discovery. See more by visiting her website.

 

 

It’s an honor to be featured as an artist and I’m grateful for the chance to share my journey. My connection to the arts goes back to childhood, when I helped with bulletin boards in school. This small task marked the beginning of my artistic instincts and passion for visual expression.

 

 

I started as a representational painter focused on realism. But my creative shift occurred during a watercolor workshop with Miles Batt at Broward Community College. The free-flowing approach to watercolor felt liberating, and I dove into as many art classes as possible, constantly pushing my boundaries. I was fortunate to study under Dr. Karen Roberts, the head of the art department, in an independent study. I was honored to be named Art Student of the Year. But after having my son, I stepped away from formal studies to focus on family.

 

 

Despite stepping back from school, my passion for art remained strong. I continued to evolve, finding inspiration in unexpected places. One of these was working with Fort Lauderdale-based artist Dianne Nance. Her abstract work made a lasting impact on me. In her studio, I experienced an “aha” moment when I saw one of her pieces and knew I wanted to pursue abstract art. She introduced me to acrylic paints, which offered a more vibrant finish than watercolor, and that became my new medium.

 

 

Transitioning from watercolor to acrylic was challenging. I spent months experimenting with techniques, brushes, and materials, learning how to manipulate the new medium. I also immersed myself in the works of abstract expressionists like Franz Kline, Joan Mitchell, and Cy Twombly. Their emotionally charged works influenced my own.

 

 

In 2003, a friend encouraged me to enter a national competition with The Artist’s Magazine. To my surprise, I won First Place in the Experimental Category, which became a turning point in my career. That win led to a solo exhibition at the Coral Springs Museum of Art and opportunities to teach workshops and classes.

 

 

Social media and today’s new technology has opened up many avenues for artists. I currently teach live interactive online abstract painting classes via Zoom to artists all over the world.

 

 

More recently, I’ve been fascinated by abstract florals, which I explore through my Floribunda Series. I draw inspiration from nature, especially flowers, but I aim for my work to be more intuitive—guided by color, brushstrokes, and mark-making.

 

 

My goal is to create compositions that reflect the patterns and energy of the natural world, while also maintaining a sense of abstraction. I often apply delicate thin washes contrasted against thicker paint layers. I find that the marks and lines I create add movement and life to the piece. It’s a process of discovery, both of myself and the world around me.

 

 

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue pushing the boundaries of my art. I hope to create new, meaningful work while also expanding my career, reaching more people through my art.

 

Sally Cooper invites you to follow on Facebook and Instagram.

 

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