Rebecca Emily Cooper - Art

When I Met the President and Gave Him A Painting

Becky — Thu, 24 May 2012 18:05:48 +0000

The recent news about UT Senator Orrin Hatch reminded me of an unforgettable experience in my life. Seven years ago I met the President of the United States, George W. Bush in the Oval Office of the White House. It was an unbelievable experience. That moment, I realized that anything can happen if you put your heart and soul into a dream and never give up. It was one of the few times in my early life where I went forward with a goal, without any doubt and believed completely in my ability to make it happen. I had to humble myself, I had to ask for help and just ride on faith. I had no time frame of when I felt it should happen, I just kept believing, no matter how long it would take. At the time I was living in UT and wrote to the Governor, asking him how we could make this happen, me giving this painting I had spent hours creating – to the President. He shortly (within weeks) wrote me back and said he’d pass it on to the Senator. The funny thing is, I told my family this and they just gave me a smile and said “That’s great!”… behind their eyes I could clearly see them saying “Oh, I’m sure he says that to everyone darling…” haha!

Within a few months I received a call from the White House staff informing me that I had an appointment next week to meet the President! I was FLOORED. I believed I could do this… why couldn’t I? But to actually receive the news that it’s for real – it’s happening, I was tingling from head to toe with adrenaline! That’s when the whole world opened up to me…

I could not have done this without the kindness of Governor Huntsman, and the generosity of Senator Orrin Hatch. What I did not realize is that no civilian is able to be invited to the White House without the personal invitation from a Senator. When I had arrived it was for a semi-annual congressional meeting where 4 civilians are able to spend 7 min with the President in the Oval Office. During my visit there was a triple amputee soldier from Iraq and Country singer Hank William’s, daughter. The fourth person wasn’t able to attend. The White House was much smaller than I imagined and it was a rush to have the White House doors opened for me by two marines. I was early and sat in the White House by myself, admiring the gold trimmed… everything. I wandered just a bit through the very narrow small halls. It was peaceful there and everyone was so kind. I felt like royalty for a short-time. It was… a dream come true.

Once everyone arrived, we all gathered in the Roosevelt room and conversed for about a half hour. Orrin Hatch is one of the nicest men I have ever met! He immediately gave me a hug when he walked in the room. We talked about art, and his music. He told me the history of the Roosevelt room and how nice the President is and how impressed he has been with President Bush. Senator Orrin Hatch reminded me of the Grandpa that everyone would love to have. Very kind eyes and very enjoyable to be around.

The soldier went first and then it was my turn. Orrin Hatch was planned to escort me into the Oval Office but there was a Senate meeting where he had to go vote in. He apologized and gave me one last hug. I was led through the door and down to the Oval Office. The painting was carried behind me by a White House worker and then the doors opened before me. There, just like in a movie scene the President, George W. Bush stood in the center of the room. He was looking down at a piece of paper and looked up as he heard me enter the room.

“Well, hello Rebecca!” At that moment all butterflies and nerves left my body. I was immediately filled with adrenalin.

“Hello Mr. President! “

“Oh wow, you got my eyes!!” Said the President. He grabbed hold of the painting and carried it to his desk. “How did you do this?”

“Well Mr. President, if you’re ever in my town you can stop by my classroom and I’ll teach you the process.”

“Oh, you teach? Where at?”

“Yes, I teach at Ogden Blue Art School. This is such a neat experience for me, because not only am I fulfilling a dream of mine, but it’s also such a great example to my students. Because I stress to them how important it is to have dreams and to never give up on them. Now look at where I am!!”

“That is fantastic Rebecca! Well here, let’s give them something to see. Here is a Presidential Pin, you show them this. Now let’s get some pictures for everyone to see!”

We took some pictures, and then he gave me a hug and told me how thankful he was that I was teaching. Walking out of the Oval Office I was grinning from ear to ear. The world was brighter, the air seemed fresher, LIFE seemed endless! I felt that I could do ANYTHING in the world that I wanted. Everyone should have this feeling.

The Apple Tree

Becky — Sun, 20 May 2012 22:20:18 +0000

When I was a little girl living in Northern California, my brother would hold my hands and walk me around the apple tree in our front yard. I loved this tree for many reasons, it grew delicious apples and it was a special place where I learned how to walk, and first climbed a tree.

PURCHASE PRINT HERE

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Momma

Becky — Sun, 13 May 2012 21:43:38 +0000

Happy Mothers Day to the woman who taught me how to be fearless and adventurous. Who taught me that talking with strangers can be fun. She gave me my creative spark, and always provided room for me to try new things.

Love you Mom!

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Anxiety

Becky — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 03:03:31 +0000

I had a dream last night, that illustrated this exact image. I felt impressed to paint it and share what I saw. For those who share the experience of Anxiety, will know exactly what this painting illustrates – the immense pain and tightening of the chest. I feel this on a near daily basis, esp. when I am stressed or worry what others think/feel. Sometimes I have to stop and focus on breathing to slow down my heart. This painting will serve for me, as a reminder to slow down and take better care of my heart.

For those that do or have felt Anxiety, would you say this is what it feels like for you?

PURCHASE PRINT HERE

Sisters & Friends

Becky — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 01:04:47 +0000

It felt so good to get back to painting. It’s been awhile, and I’ve been wanting to do a painting of these two sisters who are also my adorable nieces. My sisters little girls. ♥

“Sisters, we love you. We pray for you. Be strong and of good courage. You are truly royal spirit daughters of Almighty God. You are princesses, destined to become queens. Your own wondrous story has already begun. Your ‘once upon a time’ is now.”
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf

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Out Shopping

Becky — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 06:33:58 +0000

Inspired by a picture I came across of my friend’s little girl. I couldn’t resist, my mind was spinning with ideas of what a painting of that scene could look like.

Quote to go along with the illustration of this painting:

“. . . Remember that you are spirit daughters of the most creative Being in the universe. Isn’t it remarkable to think that your very spirits are fashioned by an endlessly creative and eternally compassionate God? Think about it—your spirit body is a masterpiece, created with a beauty, function, and capacity beyond imagination.

“But to what end were we created? We were created with the express purpose and potential of experiencing a fulness of joy (see 2 Nephi 2:25). Our birthright—and the purpose of our great voyage on this earth—is to seek and experience eternal happiness. One of the ways we find this is by creating things.”

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf

PURCHASE PRINT HERE

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Everybody Needs A Friend

Becky — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 01:16:07 +0000

I was debating whether or not to include this in my ‘Eve Series‘, as it began with the intention of showing the beauty of compassion that women instinctively have… but once I completed the painting… looked at it for awhile, it kind of stood on its own. Let me know what you think!

“Relief Society stands for love. What a remarkable thing it is to witness the love of good women one for another. They mingle together in the bonds of love with friendship and respect for each other. This organization is actually the only resource that many women have for friendly association.

“It is the natural instinct of women to reach out in love to those in distress and need.”

- Gordon B. Hinckley

Eve Series: #2 – Hope

Becky — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 20:27:22 +0000

The second painting in the Eve Series. Capturing the will to press on & find hope…

Close Up:

PURCHASE PRINT HERE *print does not include wording…

Eve Series: #1 – Be Still

Becky — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 21:34:23 +0000

I experimented this weekend w/ mixing realism w/ abstract. For a long time now I’ve wanted to do an ‘Eve Series’ that portrayed the beauty of women. All of us women originated from “the perfect” woman = Eve. Deep down we all desire to “be perfect”, “be free”, be all powerful & ‘magical’, when in fact we already are, because each of us is a part of Eve. Let me know what you think! If you have any ideas for future Eve paintings, let me know your thoughts in a comment below…

PURCHASE PRINT HERE *print does not include wording…

Little Toes

Becky — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 21:01:13 +0000

I am so in love with this little baby and I haven’t even met her yet. This is my niece, she’s almost 1 year old and have only seen her through pictures and videos her Mommy sends us. I think her little rolls are adorable & she has the sweetest smile & beautiful eyes! This painting was so fun to create, let me know what you think.

“Just as Jesus used a child in His mortal ministry as an example for the people of the pure love they must and could have to be like Him, He has offered us the family as an example of an ideal setting in which we can learn how to love as He loves.

“That is because the greatest joys and the greatest sorrows we experience are in family relationships. The joys come from putting the welfare of others above our own. That is what love is.”
- Henry B. Eyring

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