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Born and raised in Baltimore, this self taught, award winning artist, favors figurative, jazz, fruits, nudes, flowers, abstracts, his cat "Duke", portraits and anything else that sits still long enough for him to put on canvas. A father and grandpop, Cottman has many life moments to draw from for the creation of his art.
His experience as a stand-up comedian and poet are evident in the subject matter selected. "Fantasy, love, humor and lust are the perspective in which I approach most subjects," Cottman says, "that’s why I select rich, vibrant and jovial colors then combine them in a very unusual way. I want people to feel positively delicious after experiencing my work."
Working as the Architectural Engineer for the "Maryland Mainstreet Program" from 1986 to 1994, provided plenty of opportunities to hone his talent. Two years of this tenure was spent in Computer Aided Design. "I found computer artistry unfulfilling." After the program ended in 1994 there was this deep void in my life. I had no venue for expressing my artistic talent. I decided to paint for pleasure, starting with what I was accustomed to, markers, watercolors and pencils, eventually experimenting with other mediums.
In 1999 Cottman gave up a well paying job for the uncertainty of exploring life as a full time artist. While friends and associates questioned his sanity, he knew that his decision would lead to a more fulfilling existence. Cottman paints by creating stories in his mind, scenarios that help him capture the essence of the subject. By tapping that raw emotion, he gives his painting it’s "Soul".
Visit Mark Cottman on the web.
All paintings copyright © Mark Cottman.
All Rights Reserved.
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A.C. Plays Amazing Grace - A street performer in D.C. whose rendition on "Amazing Grace" is a attract jazz solo.
Armstrong - Sharp in a silk suit, Pops delivers.
Bird - Features the jazz legend Charlie Parker playing to his own tune.
Chet Baker - Shows the ravaged beauty of Chet Baker's sound.
Lady Sings The Blues - Lady Day is in the groove.
Mingus - If you are ready to go to outer space Mingus will take you there.
Mr. Ellington If You Please - One of the classiest showman in history of jazz.
Nina Simone - Her voice will make you "quiver in your liver".
Sarah Vaughan - Features "Sassy Sarah" in the height of elegance.
Street Corner Solo. Features street performer Kenyatta and his daughters grooving to his sound.
The Trane Is Coming - When Coltrane plays put your seatbelt on for the ride of your life.
Visions Of Monk - Nobody cuts measure and notes like Monk.
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