Judy Cooper was born in Paris, France, but grew up in Montreal and then Ottawa after a move brought her family to Canada. She has always loved to sketch and draw, especially animals, and found many subjects among childhood pets.

Her interest in nature, science and athletics caused her hold a variety of jobs in the fitness industry while pursuing studies in Biology and Engineering. During this period, Judy continued to develop her art, concentrating almost exclusively on realism and portraiture.

In 2005, Judy started painting professionally, concentrating on her first loves - animals and Nature. Her art is now collected in several countries and raises funds for conservation organizations like the Snow Leopard Trust and AMUR. Judy was also recently invited to become a member of the prestigious Artists for Conservation Foundation, a group of the world's leading nature artists that is dedicated to the celebration and preservation of the natural world.

"I feel the role of a wildlife or nature artist is to present the natural world in a way that expands the viewer's appreciation or understanding of it. To do this, I feel the art must portray the subject in a unique way, while still allowing people to connect with it through memory and emotion. In my paintings, I try to create a scene that could not be photographed easily. This might be a scene that verges on fantasy, or something that draws attention to a new aspect of what is already familiar. Both are challenges I enjoy and hope to use in support of the Earth's natural wonders."

– Judy Cooper