RITA COOPER was born in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and has lived in several states including southern California but has resided in Harford County, Maryland, for all of her adult life. As soon as she could hold a pencil, she was drawing anything and everything. In high school, her artwork was often featured in the showcases and her art teacher would submit her work to competitions without her knowledge until she was informed she had won an award. She has been painting, showing her work and accepting commissions since high school. Working mainly in oils for years, Rita began her love affair with watercolor painting over 20 years ago after seeing a demonstration by a local artist. She has studied the medium extensively, training under local artists such as the late Mitsue Elston as well as attending workshops by internationally known artists including Zoltan Szabo.

A signature member of the prestigious Baltimore Watercolor Society, and a member of the Harford Artists Association, she is also an associate member of the National Watercolor Society, Transparent Watercolor Society of America and Watercolor West. When she’s not painting in her studio or on location, Rita shares her love and knowledge of painting by conducting workshops for art groups and teaching painting classes in her studio and at Harford Community College, Bel Air, Maryland.  Her work is exhibited at various locations in Maryland, and is included in public and private collections.   One-person exhibits have been held in the past at various locations including the Liriodendron Museum, Bendann's Art Gallery, Hodous Gallery, and Citizens for the Arts Gallery.   Most of Rita’s paintings are familiar, poetic scenes featuring Maryland's diverse landscapes. Rita’s studio and home are located in northern Harford County where she resides along with her husband, Ron, and sons, Christopher and Jesse.