'Silent Messenger' 48x43" #artist Christopher L Cook #clcook > #traveling #home from the 4th Plein Air Convention and Expo #pace15 held in Monterey I left wholly #inspired and decided to stay in Big Sur #california on Sand Dollar Beach for multiple days I lay out on the rocks with note pad and sketch book #connecting with #feelings #thoughts, #nature and particularly this monolithic formation which captured my #imagination > Contemporary Artist Christopher L. Cook (1991) was born into the diverse magnificence of the California coast and Arizona's desert. He began creating art as a path of self-discovery from the earliest age, like any child. By following the enthusiasm of his inner child essence, Christopher has led a life rich with experience and preserved his intrinsically artistic nature. During high school his works of art in charcoal and ceramics were first publicly acknowledged and displayed prominently at the Chandler Center for the Arts. At that time, with close friends, he led a group of humanist guerrilla artists bringing poetry, theater, and visual arts to unsuspecting public spaces. While at college pursuing psychology as a major, his artistic passion was applied to oil painting as an elective under the teaching of J.D. Parrish. Further realizing the psychological and philosophical aspects of creative expression Christopher became enchanted by paint and wholly dedicated his time and intention to oil painting. Shortly after this affirmation, the philosophical teachings of master artist Stefan Baumann and The Grand View Art Society captivated his imagination with possibilities. Stefan's mentorship brought Christopher's imaginative style outdoors developing his plein air skills. Subsequent to joining the California Art Club (CAC) in 2012, he began apprenticing under the tutelage of David Gallup (CAC's Vice President and Signature Artist). Working with David in studio and in plein air has forever shaped his sense for color, design and harmony. By virtue of the continued mentorship of both Baumann and Gallup, and enhanced by his attentive personal observation, Christopher has experienced quantum leaps in his artistic development. #artistsofinstagram (at Sand Dollar Beach)