Wildlife and landscape Artist John Cogan

John Cogan is a landscape and wildlife artist. He was born in Texas in 1953.He did not formally study art in any fine arts institution, infact he earned his PHD in Physics in 1981. Paintings always fascinated him, so he quit from his job to start painting.

By himself, he developed unique techniques and styles on mediums he loved to work on. Landscape was his favorite subject. Since he had more understanding relating to dimension etc, due to his education of physics, he was able to understand physical properties and then draw landscapes with a realistic view. That is why he says;

If I would have studied art instead of Physics, I would have become a different artist. But alongwith utilizing his technical skills for capturing landscape in different dimensions, he also adds his artistic effects which gives landscapes a majestic appearance. This dual combination of qualities rarely can be seen in any artist in America.






Cogan explains about the terrain of the Southwest;

“It creates spectacular moments of inspiration when all the elements click into place. “That is when the image burns into my mind, and I have to get it on canvas.”
John twelve paintings were placed in the TOP 100 of the Arts For The Parks, where he was able to win three awards, including the first ever Collectors Award in 1995 and the Landscape Award in 1994.
In 1997 he painted the 60x48 inch painting AFTERNOON AT ECHO AMPHITHEATER for the college and then in 2000 he painted10 ft by 4 ft painting for the new Courthouse in Albuquerque.
John participated in The Modern Master's Invitational Show, Plein Air on the Rim where he received third prize. Cogan’s work was published in Southwest Art magazine and in Art of the West.
Cogan was also assigned to judge a recent exhibition organized by Ouray County Arts Association in July 2010. Caldwell says. “It’s a huge honor to have him officiate for us,” “We researched various well-known judges and he graciously accepted our invitation. It’s really exciting.”
Cogan also writes articles on landscape painting and art technique. He currently resides in New Mexico with his family.