I am a professional abstract artist based in Tairua. New Zealand.

Born and raised in Aotearoa/New Zealand. I currently live in a coastal town, the majestic mountains on one side, a surf beach on the other.
I have been painting for about 5 years. I studied art right through school winning many awards, but gave it up to become a hairdresser, and have children eventually. After my kids were both at school I took up painting and found an avenue for expression that was previously undiscovered inside of me.
Right from the start I was drawn to, even obsessed with, painting themes strongly associated with different cultures, particularly Maori & Pacifica, along with sun, surf, nature. I found the koru was a prominent feature that emerged in almost all my paintings whether I consciously put it there or not. It became my feature symbol in most of my artworks, along with strong ‘ocean’ themes, which evolved into oceanic creatures, especially since moving to Tairua.

Unconventionally, I made a conscious decision, because I was a busy mother, not to do exhibitions and galleries etc, I decided to market my art online only, and so spent time setting up a website, blog, Facebook page, etc. Immediately my art proved to be popular (I currently have over 6000 fans on Facebook), and I am proud to say that I sell 99% of everything I paint all through the internet. And right now, at least 70% of those sales are sold before they are finished, as I always post up ‘in progress pics’. Currently most of these sales are to Australia (to Kiwis living there) and USA.
I have been described as prolific. I have at least 6-8 paintings on the go at once, finishing at least 2 a week. My art is constantly evolving along with myself, I am forever stretching myself, taking risks, trying new themes and techniques. I paint at least 5 days a week and love each and every minute of it.

All my social media links are to the right of this post the side column. I spend most of my time on my FB art page, where I can interact with people/you more easily, I love meeting new people and building on those relationships.  I am not an ‘insular’ artist, connection with people is just as inspiring and important to me as creating. :)

Thank you.
Reina Cottier.

 

Ps- all my art is  ©Copyright Reina Cottier Art. All rights reserved-  please, if you want to share it, do so with my name credited alongside it.

 Many thanks for your respect.

 

 ~ Reina ~