October 2026
Winter incoming. I've been taken down in the last couple of weeks with the COVID. Very low energy, very little positivity. I've thought more than usual about giving up completely. I don't seem to know how to do this. I find it amazing that i ever sold an artwork before! I hope I've not sold my last. Instagram truly drains my enthusiasm to paint. It seems to reward hooks, popularity, playing the game, serving the algorithm. And I don't believe that's what Art should be about. I see incredible art constantly online. I post several times a week and only a few of my followers see it. If not enough of those few comment, share, or save, it's not shown to anyone else. Likes apparently don't promote work at all. This last month Ive been posting finished work, work in progress, process videos, and I've lost followers. Its truly de-spiriting. It really makes me feel that i'm making repulsive work that people don't want to see. It kills my spirit. It really does.
Fuck me for trying, ey Instagram? I wasn't born to serve an AI that determines whether or not to show my work to people who asked to see it.
Anyway, the rest of you. Hope yr grand
JC
290626 - SECRET SHORTCUTS (But Everybody Uses Them)
260626 - MOSTLY FORGOTTEN (Dinosaur Nightmare)
Featured Collections
Figure | Surrealism | Psychology | Impressionism | Abstract | Minimalism | Aviation | War Art
Click on an image below to view selected existing collections. I've not featured my whole body of works, come back later for alternative galleries
About
Traditional Artist & Illustrator Brighton & Hove, East Sussex, United Kingdom
Foundation Diploma Art & Design, Central Saint Martins - UAL 2009
BA Honours Fine Art: Painting, University of Brighton 2013
Former Art & Craft Instructor with Blind Veterans UK, 2016 - 2022
Illustration projects are considered. Direct or Studio portrait commissions are considered. Just get in touch and we will figure it out.
If you are interested to discuss any specific artwork, please get in touch.
jamescowland@protonmail.com | IG @cowlandjames
These are handmade, one-off pieces. I'm not a mass producer. It's just me. I'd love to know what drew you to a particular piece. Then, if I can offer you some exclusive insight into the work that nobody else has cause to know.
Operational working hours for communication are weekdays, 09:00 - 18:00
I will be with you as soon as I am able.
Prices are negociable. Shipping and shipping options are available to add on, as are the optional extras of bespoke reframing solutions.
I am available as a private tutor or consultant for artists of any age, at any stage. In person around Brighton & Hove, and London. Remote on vide via Zoom, or Whatsapp
Technical Skills in Drawing and Painting | Developing Contextual Confidence your Work | Writing an Artist Statement | Preparing your Portfolio for Assessment or Interview | Curating and Physically Hanging your Show | Confidence Building | Procrastination Problems
If any of the above seem like needs you'd like help addressing, please get in touch. My rate is £22 per hour remotely or £35 per hour + transport for a home/studio visit. You inital consultation (to assess objectives and kickstart process) is 1 hour remotely, completely free with no obligation to commit.
jamescowland@protonmail.com | IG @cowlandjames
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