Layer Upon Layer

For me, painting is an exploratory and intuitive process. I work in many layers of paint—adding, playing, adjusting—until a piece feels whole. The result is a colorful, evocative abstraction that invites reflection and connection.

My work lives in the quiet space between emotion and memory, clarity and ambiguity. I use paint to explore the texture of a moment, the shimmer of a feeling, or the slow swell of transformation. Each piece begins without a plan and evolves into its own visual language—suggestive rather than prescriptive, open rather than defined.

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A Bit More About Me

I'm a visual artist working in acrylic and mixed media, inspired by light, texture, and the emotional resonance of everyday moments. I create under the name C. Cooley Art, and I think of my work as an invitation—to slow down, to look closer, to feel more deeply.

My paintings are in private collections across the country, including that of a New York Times bestselling author. Over the years, I've lived near the peaks of the Rocky Mountains and along the coastlines of the San Francisco Bay Area. Now, I live and create in the Southwest Suburbs of Chicago.

Beyond the studio, I’m passionate about building community through the arts. I am a founding Board Member of the Frankfort Arts Association and a Gallery Artist at Tall Grass Arts Association. Whether I'm organizing exhibitions, collaborating on creative projects, or simply sharing space with other artists, I believe in the power of art to connect and inspire.​