Michael Coopers Studio

‘Threshing Day’
Until fairly recently this farming task could be seen at Compton Dundon, between Street and Somerton, where the Wright family used to grow, stook, rick and thresh their own crops in order to obtain the the thatching straw for their thatching business which was founded in the 18th century.

For over forty years I have recorded  the rural scene in my part of Somerset in highly detailed watercolours. Old barns, rusting tractors, the dwellings and livestock of the countryside were the inspiration for my paintings which were displayed in my own studio gallery, firstly in Crispin Hall and then later at Clarks Village the large outlet centre in Street.

Now due to arthritis and other troublesome age related nuisances I can no longer execute the fine detail for which my work was best known so  I  now have the time to create my own blog and give my trees the attention they deserve.

Essays for a young artist  –  In 2023 I read such a sad plea from a young artist on Facebook who was worried about slow sales and even whether she should carry on. My reply to her received such attention that I carried on writing a series of mini essays which were mainly a collection of memories of my own working days with some tips and advice thrown in .The whole series as it progresses is now published here as a Blog see My Blog button above.

The direct link to my Studio Website where all my prints may be seen is no long open for business but may be used by anyone researching information about  my images.  Michael Cooper’s Studio

                                                                               

  Bonsai
Since I am unable to paint now I have at least been able to spend more time looking after
my Bonsai trees which had been sorely neglected during my gallery years. I have joined the
Taunton and Somerset Bonsai Club and with  advice there from some really experienced members have made some great improvements to my tree. It’s the exercise I like.

     Above,  Acer Kashima through the year

  Crab Apple in September-A Birthday present from my Wife Susan in 2016

This  Website and Blog
You will finds most of the happenings on the My Blog button above. That is where all the action is and where things are to be added to as they occur to me afresh or as I trawl the deepest recesses of my past memories, so feel free to explore.
Actually at my age it’s easier to remember those past events than it is today’s shopping list or where I left my keys.
The other buttons above are pretty self explanatory and the content of those pages is less topical and more informative about my background, career, work and interests.

Not that there is much to crow about.

All artwork images from drawing and paintings by Michael Cooper on this site  are copyright © Michael Cooper

The images above
Threshing Day , Glastonbury Tor seen from a lane near our house in Ashcott and The Cockerel