Artists: Brent Cotton

Raised on his family’s cattle ranch in Idaho, Brent’s first lessons in art were taught by his grandmother, a talented watercolorist. He grew up sketching the cowboys and horses he observed every day. His family moved to Lindsborg, Kansas when he was in the 5th grade. In this little town steeped in it’s Swedish heritage and love of the arts, Brent’s creativity flourished. In high school an influential instructor encouraged him to pursue a career in art.

Upon graduation, he spent several seasons as a hunting and fishing guide in the vast wilderness of Idaho and Alaska, experiences that led to many painting ideas. He was chosen to study with world-renowned western artist Howard Terpning at the Cowboy Artists of America workshop in 1997. “I became a better artist when I began painting from life. It forced me to really observe and train my eyes to filter out the unnecessary stuff and focus on the major elements.” Brent’s paintings have an old world feel to them. “I’m inspired by mood and drama, the fleeting effects of light. I hope my paintings bring a sense of peace to the viewer, perhaps conjure up a memory. My goal is to show God’s glory in my work. He has blessed me so richly and I’m so fortunate to be making a living doing what I love.”