Caroline Shotton: A Humorous Twist on the Art World
Caroline Shotton, a contemporary British artist, has made a significant impact on the art world with her whimsical and humorous cow-themed artworks. Known for her unique style that combines elements of surrealism, impressionism, and parody, Shotton has become one of the most collectible artists worldwide.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised on the outskirts of London, Caroline Shotton grew up under the care of her grandmother. From a young age, she immersed herself in art, drawing inspiration from the surrounding countryside and frequent visits to London's art galleries. During her school years, Shotton was particularly influenced by the works of the old masters, captivated by their remarkable realism.
Shotton went on to study at the prestigious Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London. There, she was exposed to various art movements, including surrealism, dadaism, and impressionism, which would later shape her distinctive style.
Artistic Development and Style
Caroline Shotton's artistic style evolved to incorporate elements of surrealism and impressionism, while maintaining a strong sense of humor. Her signature cow artworks often feature bovine characters in unexpected contexts, such as famous masterpieces, historical figures, or popular culture references. Shotton's clever wordplay in the titles of her pieces adds an extra layer of wit to her creations.
Using a combination of paint, tissue, and varnish, Shotton creates tactile surfaces and detailed expressions in her artworks. She pays particular attention to the eyes of her subjects, as they play a crucial role in conveying the mood and personality of each piece.
Career Highlights and Achievements
After graduating from Central Saint Martins, Caroline Shotton worked as a freelance artist, taking on commissions from various businesses across the UK. However, it was after the birth of her first child that she decided to focus on her personal artistic journey, eventually opening her own gallery.
Shotton's humorous cow artworks have gained international recognition, with collectors across Europe and beyond. In 2008, she created two limited edition boxed canvases, "Handle with Care" and "Special Delivery," in support of Bliss, a charitable organisation that raises awareness for special care babies.
Contributions to the Art Community
Caroline Shotton's unique style and approach to art have inspired and influenced many other artists. Her successful career and global popularity have contributed to the growth and appreciation of humorous and unconventional art.
Legacy and Impact
Caroline Shotton's artworks continue to be highly sought-after by collectors worldwide. Her ability to combine humor, skill, and creativity has solidified her position as one of Britain's most successful contemporary artists. Shotton's legacy lies in her capacity to bring joy and laughter to people's lives through her whimsical and thought-provoking artworks.
Caroline Shotton's journey from a young artist inspired by the old masters to a globally recognised creator of humorous cow artworks is a testament to her talent, dedication, and unique perspective. As she continues to expand her portfolio with new animal subjects, Shotton's impact on the art world is set to endure, cementing her place as a truly original and influential contemporary artist.
Caroline's amazing Autumn Collection is now ready to dispatch and ❤️ we have had a fantastic customer reaction! We continue to take commission work for Caroline Shotton originals which range from £1200.00 - £3000.00 upwards but the queue is filling up for pre-Christmas delivery! - October 2020
Today heralds the highly anticipated Caroline Shotton Autumn Collection 2020, her first since turning self-published last year and they are wonderful Moo-tastic! editions to her superb limited edition & originals range - 28th August 2020
All featuring Cows of course, we have: British & heart themed box canvases: ‘Reunion’ & ‘We Will Meet Again,' as well as 'Doctor Moo' (Doctor Who TV show inspired) and 'Moo Got A Friend' in me (Disney Toy Story film tribute); also paper prints ‘Serenity’ and ‘Tranquility’ are reminders of these important emotions and feelings during what has been a testing year for the World, with the Covid19 crisis.
Caroline Shotton remains the queen of collectable limited edition Cow art in the UK, a title she has had since the noughties and her popularity continues today, filling her time with dreaming up new original art, as well as commissions for her adoring fans.
Her tongue in cheek naive art style cows have been a mainstay in British homes and Galleries for nearly two decades, providing laughter, joy and smiles to all who encounter her 'Shotton' works of art.
**Short interview with Caroline & glimpse at her studio (2011):
After having a long relationship with Washington Green Fine Art publishers, she spent a short time with Bucking Fine Art publishers before finally becoming fully independent in 2019 and Caroline celebrated by releasing her first self-published series the 'Emoogency Services' Collection 2019, with donations going to our much respected 999 services charities.
8th February 2013 saw the Caroline Shotton - Spring Releases 2013 of three fantastic limited editions, these some of the earliest releases where Caroline blended cows with famous people or their TV or cinematic alter egos: 'We Can Be Heroes' (Del Boy & Rodney), 'Arrrrrgh!' (Captain Jack Sparrow) and 'Hay Wayne' (John Wayne).
2005 saw Caroline's first two limited edition releases (on paper) on an unsuspecting public! 'Wayne & Bruno' and 'Tyrone,' two cheeky 6 inch square sister pieces designed to test the water with the UK art market, closely followed by three more on paper: 'Best Of British,' 'The Steaks Are High' and 'Medallions Of Beef.'
**Video showing slides of Carolines 'Moovin' Collection 2009:
Caroline Shotton was raised by her grandmother on the outskirts of London, so this meant that she had easy access to both central London and the open countryside for inspiration in her art. She says this also gave her the freedom to explore the countryside in her youth which founded her love of the rural life, wildlife and ultimately her love for our ‘Friesian’ friends lol.
Shotton studied art at Central Saint Martins (now part of the University Of Arts London), and after she finished college she went on to be a freelance artist in the commercial sector and here she was required to do many different types of art, which was more challenging for her, and says that she learnt a great deal during this time about life and indeed art.
After becoming a mother, she decided to concentrate on her own art career, and using the inspiration she has gained from her childhood life, freelance work experience and even from becoming a mum, she took the plunge and became a professional artist and signing with Washington Green Fine Art publishers.
Progressing from art on paper during her early career, such as 'Medallions Of Beef' and 'The Steaks Are High,' she then started to do hand finished box canvas such as 'Me & Moo', 'I Love Moo' & 'Over The Moon' the rest as they say is history...as sales of these quirky & fun cow canvases began to gain rapid momentum!
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