The change of scenery fed Cotton’s artistic imagination, and his work continued to evolve. Throughout his artistic career, he had course-corrected to seek a personally satisfying and commercially viable niche for himself. “I actually began my career as a self-taught woodcarver of birds and gamefish, and these were the first works I displayed in galleries,” he says. “I had a modicum of success with these, but realized it would be tough to make a living as a carver, so I decided to focus on painting. As I grew as a painter, landscapes became my passion, and I was always in search of the great vista or unspoiled wilderness to portray on canvas.” Cotton’s technique evolved, too. Where he had initially painted using brushes, he began exploring other, 42
less traditional tools. “For the past few years, I’ve been experimenting by working predominantly with a palette knife,” he says. “I’m really enjoying the results. For a crude tool, it’s capable of some pretty interesting effects.” Cotton typically spends about two weeks creating and then revising each painting, working on one area while another section dries. The end result is a layered and boldly textured portrait of light, shadow, and water. He has, through constant tinkering, developed a recognizable style that has won him admiration, sales, and a coveted place at prestigious shows such as the Prix de West. Despite the fact that, by many measurable standards, Cotton has achieved artistic and commercial success, he still strikes a humble
ART of the WEST • March/April 2016
Turquoise Roof, oil, 6˝ by 8˝ “I discovered this farm on a recent painting/ fishing trip, and the complementary colors, combined with the interesting light, really caught my eye. This little piece is a study for a larger studio work that I hope to create at some point.”
and even self-deprecating tone when he talks about his work: “I think finding your own voice is probably the hardest thing for an artist to do,” he says. “Learning the techniques is the easy part; what to do with that knowledge is much more difficult. I spent many years trying to find that niche and striving to say something new in my work. I still struggle with that and, quite honestly, most days I feel like I’m just winging it.” Winging it or not, Cotton is enjoying life these days. Without going far from home, he can find inspiration.