Juan Cotrino

Juan Cotrino was born in Bogotá, Colombia, where his love for art began early in life. However, it wasn’t until his military service at age 18 that he seriously considered becoming an artist. While stationed with the Multi-National Force Observers (ONU) in Mount Sinai, Cotrino found himself without proper art supplies. Undeterred, he created artwork using only his fingers and a can of shoe polish on cardboard. His supervisors were so impressed that they commissioned him to paint murals, and the recognition he received marked the true beginning of his artistic career.
Although Cotrino has attended various art schools, he is largely self-taught. Over the years, he has developed a distinctive style that combines his passion for life with deep emotional expression. His work is characterized by precise lines, vibrant colors, and influences from traditional Latin American art. Each painting features dynamic compositions that range from surrealism and figurative art to touches of abstraction, often incorporating symbols that evoke a dreamlike quality reflecting the complexity of human experience.
Cotrino works in oils, acrylics, and mixed media, adding depth and texture to his pieces. He is represented by Park West Gallery. As the artist himself says, “I devote myself to a life of painting, discipline, vision and determination to trace my path to success in the contemporary art world.”