Today is part 2 of our artists features. If you missed out on Andy Reed, you can read all about him by clicking here.
I am very excited to introduce to you the talented and lovely, Sheila Cotton.
Sheila is a contemporary Realist, sometimes linked to the School of magic Realism for the subtle, evocative mystery imbued within her images. Critics praise her talent for “creating works imaginative in theme and execution,” and remark on her “sensual intellectualism.” All her paintings are oil on canvas.
She has an international career, with museum exhibitions and corporate collections throughout the United States, Canada and Bermuda. A native of Arkansas, she has spent much of her career living outside the South; in 2008 , she returned to Little Rock to live and paint full-time.
Tobi Fairley Gallery is Cotton’s exclusive representative for the state of Arkansas.
Cotton’s new work, stemming from her Arkansas focus, has swiftly attracted collectors and critical praise. Already in the first half of 2010, four national and regional museum exhibitions have featured her paintings of southern subjects.
Sheila has some beautiful new works, including some smaller works. If you want to see more, then please join us for our art show, October 21st from 6-8pm at the Tobi Fairley Gallery, located at 5507 Ranch Drive, Suite 103!
Or contact us at info@tobifairley.com and we will be happy to email you photos and pricing.
I love these paintings, they draw me into the painting and make spend a space of time within the painting itself. The tomato plant with the varied greens and red-oranges reminds me of early 18th c. botanical studies. Thank you for showcasing this artist and broadening my horizons.
I just viewed some of Sheila Cotton’s work on your web site and it was a pleasure to see her art once again. We crossed paths many years ago when Sheila lived in Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia. She was a guest in my home several times. I stopped for a visit today while in Halifax to visit my cousin and his wife and there on his walls was two of Sheila’s large paintings. It was fun to return to the past and enjoy Sheila’s work once again.
I hope she sees this small note and is doing well.
Linda Mason
To think of the wealth of talent that was on that little stretch of backwoods country, Swayne Road, Errington, B. C. Canada, decades ago. The wonderful painter Sheila Cotton, and the renowned Blues musician and recording artist, songwriter, actor, and commentator Jim Byrnes – both American born, living within a stone’s throw of each other, and me, and they were my culture trove on those long winter evenings. The forest, the bears, the paintings, the music, the neighbors, the personalities – a treasured capsule of time from my youth.
I just had a look at your work and I love it. I love that it is mysterious, magical and very inviting. Have a look at my work if you get a chance.
Monique
Today I am using an idea I learned from Sheila — years ago. I won’t say how many years since we are both still young and beautiful. Company is coming, so I have put some tropical house plants on the rims or ledges of my white bathtub – they look great against the pure white. Sheila had her tub filled with ice for her memorable Christmas party in 19–, to keep refreshments cool, and she had a little wrapped gift for each of the dozens of guests, who were all neighbors.
To hear some of that rich culture that was on Swayne Road, Errington B. C., along with Sheila’s beautiful Paintings, listen to Jim Byrnes beautiful song Just a Pilgrim, on youtube. It won the award for best Canadian music video in 2006.
By mentioning Jim Byrnes’s video on youtube, (above) I inadvertantly, and delightfully, achieved a hat trick. I love to promote my favorite artists, and in that video the Canadian actor Ian Tracey appears (T.V. series Intelligence) as a guest at the party. So I am giving my nod to Sheila Cotton, Jim Byrnes, and Ian Tracey.