Feature Artist: Jette Cott

Featured Artist

Jette Cott

Website: www.jetteknudsencott.com 

                        Contact: jettecott@gmail.com

  Jette Knudsen Cott came to Canada from Denmark with her parents and siblings in the 1950s. All her life, she has been passionate about the beauty of the world around her and what she could do to make it more so.


Since 2001, when she retired from her long career as a creative stylist in the hair and fashion fields, Jette has been devoting her time to painting. She works primarily in acrylics and water colours.
Jette draws much of her inspiration from everyday visions such as nature’s scenery, children at play, florals and still life. Her craft brings her incredible joy and the she enjoys the enthusiasm for her work of those who collect it.
She has shown her work at the Mill Pond Gallery in Richmond Hill and participates annually in a variety of juried, group and solo shows. She has been selected in juried shows in Toronto, Aurora, Oakville, Uxbridge, Port Perry and East Gwillimbury. Jette has received numerous awards including ‘Best in Category’.
Where were you born? 
 Odense, Denmark

What’s your favourite thing to create and why?

I love painting floral portraits. Closeups. Animal portraits. Reason is I have had the most success with this. I tend to stay with realism, but occasionally venture into representational abstract images. From still life to landscapes.

How did you get your start in the world of art?
 I did not start fine art until I retired from hairstyling. (1961 to 2001) By chance I came to The Mill Pond Gallery for a weekend show, and signed up to be a member. I'm still there and loving it.

Who has been your biggest inspiration as an artist? 
 My sister who did decorative painting for years. Also the wonderful local art teachers I have taken art classes and workshops with. I love Robert Bateman's work. Helen Lukas's and Bobbie Burgess fabulous florals.

What have been some of your crowning achievements?

Winning twice "best in category" in acrylic painting in Aurora was exciting. However, above that I value most the process of learning art techniques, and finding my own path in the art world.

If you could have three wishes as an artist, what would they be?
 Creating  a real body of work.
                  More time to paint.
                  On location (painting trip), anywhere warm.

What is the best advice that you have received as an artist?

Stick with what you do best.

What colour best describes your personality?
Depends on the day. I'm a rainbow of colours, with lots of sunshine dominating.