Check Out John Cowden’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Cowden. 

Hi John, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I am originally from Nashville Tennessee. I was born into a family of artists. I have been drawing and painting from a very early age. I attended the Savannah College of Art and Design and was a fine art major at the University of Tennessee. My wife and I got married in Holland Michigan and fell in love with the area. As Nashville continued to grow uncontrollably and the area began to change, we began to think of moving to Michigan. I absolutely love Holland and the state of Michigan. It feels like home. Although I work in medical field, I will always consider myself a painter first. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Although I have been incredibly fortunate in my life, my road as an artist has not been the smoothest. It is hard to complain when I have been blessed with so much. I have a loving and supportive family. I have a beautiful and encouraging wife. I have a great job with wonderful coworkers. And I live in one of the greatest towns in the world. I have a lot to be grateful for. My dream is to be a full-time painter, but unfortunately, I haven’t made that happen yet. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I consider myself to be more of a craftsman than an artist. I have a very straightforward approach to my life and believe that it shows in my paintings. I prefer realism to abstraction and try to capture the beauty in my subjects by attempting to represent them as truly as I am able. I idolize many of the artists of the late 19th and early 20th century such as John Singer Sargent, Anders Zorn, William Merritt Chase, Thomas Eakins, Winslow Homer, and so many others. Now that I am living in southwest Michigan, I am overwhelmed by the beautiful landscapes, unique character, and wonderful people. So much to paint! 

What were you like growing up?
My mother has always been an artist and she had a vast influence on my brother and I both being creative people. We always had a pencil or a brush in our hands. I was not a very good student. I was too busy drawing when I was supposed to be taking notes. 

Pricing:

• 8”x 10” – $800
• 11”x 14” – $1200
• 16”x 20” – $1600
• 20” x 24” – $2000
• 24”x 36” -$2400

Contact Info:

• Website: johncowdenstudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcowd74/