Meet JOHN COGAN | Visual artist – painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with JOHN COGAN and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JOHN, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My main motivation was in doing something I love, not necessarily being my own boss. I also had to consider the practical questions: For instance, in light of the common perception of the “starving artist”, is it even possible to make a decent living as an artist. I also had to ask myself if I had – or could develop – the self-discipline needed to make myself go to work every day. Finally, I had to measure my productivity and ask if I could paint enough pictures each month to pay business expenses and have enough left over to support my family.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I paint mostly landscapes of the western and southwestern United States. I began my career working in oil paint but shifted to acrylic in the early 1980’s. I found it more effective in achieving the results I wanted. I work on both canvas and panels. My style consists of thin underpaintings and thicker finishes, rich pigments, glazes, and attention to detail. I am fascinated by color and the transient effects of light.

I have achieved my goals through hard work, persistence and a willingness to learn new things. It has not always been easy and I have not always made the right decisions. And although there were times I was tempted, I have never given up.

Many years after I began, I have achieved some successes. My paintings are part of the permanent collections of the Grand Canyon, the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art, Raymond James Financial, Xanterra Corporation, Zion National Park, Bernalillo County, Citizens Bank, Conoco Phillips, McGraw Hill, San Juan College, and Eastern New Mexico University, among others. And I have 27 pieces in the collection of the Sultanate of Oman.

In 2019 I was designated an Associate Living Master™ at the Art Renewal Center, an honor that I believe confirms my decision to become an artist forty years ago.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My adopted hometown Farmington is a mid-sized city with many amenities. But I would take my friend outdoors, show him the great hiking trails, maybe set up a horseback trip to Pinon Mesa. We would go out painting and sketching. We would certainly visit some of the 400 plus sandstone arches and natural bridges in San Juan County New Mexico. And there is world class fly fishing nearby if my friend were so inclined.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Starting a business, especially in the creative arts, is nearly impossible without someone coming along beside you to encourage you, lend a hand when needed, and help you pick yourself up when you get knocked down. Which will invariably happen. For me that person was my wife Karen. Without her encouragement, I would have never even tried. Forty years later she is still my source of encouragement, advice and daily help with the tasks of running a business.

Website: https://www.johncogan.com

Instagram: @johndcogan

Linkedin: John Cogan

Facebook: johndcoganfine art

Youtube: oneminuteartclass

Image Credits
Mike Bucheit, John Cogan