Episode 3 - Brent Cotton

FINE ART PODCAST
SUMMARY
In this episode, Mark interviews artist Brent Cotton about his journey as an artist and his unique approach to painting. Brent shares how he was influenced by his grandmother, who was an accomplished artist, and how he started his artistic career by taking workshops and experimenting with different mediums. He discusses the importance of plein air painting and how it has shaped his style. Brent also talks about the challenges of working from photographs and the importance of pushing oneself as an artist. The conversation explores the importance of connecting with nature as an artist and the need to recharge creatively. It also delves into the process of marketing and selling artwork, including the role of galleries and the impact of social media. The conversation concludes with advice for beginners, emphasizing the importance of finding the right galleries, staying true to one's artistic vision, and balancing artistic integrity with financial considerations. Brent Cotton discusses his passion for creating uplifting and spiritual art that brings beauty and solace to viewers. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision and finding joy in the creative process. Brent also shares his preferred palette and tools, including a limited color palette and the use of palette knives. He highlights the significance of lightfastness and permanence in choosing paints. While he currently does not teach workshops, he occasionally conducts classes for collectors and is open to the idea of teaching in the future.
BRENT’S LINKS
http://www.cottonfinearts.com/index.html https://www.instagram.com/cottonbrent https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cotton-Fine-Art/297899140234009
TAKEAWAYS
The importance of mentorship and learning from other artists

The value of plein air painting in capturing mood and atmosphere

The challenges of working from photographs and the need for artistic interpretation

The importance of pushing oneself as an artist and trying new subjects and styles Connecting with nature is valuable for artists to recharge creatively and add authenticity to their work.

Marketing and selling artwork can be done through galleries, national shows, and social media.

Finding the right galleries and building relationships with them is important for artists.

It is crucial for artists to stay true to their artistic vision and not chase trends.

Balancing artistic integrity with financial considerations can be challenging but necessary.

Beginners should visit galleries, do their research, and not be afraid of rejection. Creating art that is uplifting and spiritual can bring beauty and solace to viewers.

Staying true to one's artistic vision and finding joy in the creative process is essential.

Using a limited color palette and palette knives can create interesting textures and effects in
paintings.

Considering lightfastness and permanence when choosing paints ensures the longevity of artwork.

Brent Cotton occasionally conducts classes for collectors and is open to the idea of teaching in the future.

KEY WORDS
Fine artist, artist, journey, oil painting, painting, plein air, creativity, recharge, authenticity, marketing, selling, art galleries, social media, trends, balance, artistic integrity, art, painting, spirituality, beauty, palette, tools, color lightfastness, color permanence, art workshops, art show, art shows


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