I'm Blend Cota, a fine artist who loves DC and Disney art, catch me at Silicon Valley Comic Con this weekend. Let's talk about life, comics, and art!

Have you tried digital art like in Illustratior? Do you prefer it over pen and paper?

I am a traditionalist - I prefer pen and paper. However, there is nothing wrong with digital art, the main misconception is that the computer is doing the art and not the artist. A computer is simply a tool just like a paint brush. The artist still has to do all the work... the only real benefit is that you don't have to wash your hands as much. Lol :)

I believe that being able to “undo” is quite a benefit as well.

true!

Favourite superhero as a child?

It is a toss up between batman and superman. Too hard to choose just one. Depends what comic book I was into at the time.

Walt Disney World or Disneyland?

Also favorite attraction at whichever choice you go with.

Disneyland and Space Mountain.

Disneyland and Space Mountain!

How do you like the name "Cota"? I've never had the chance to talk to someone with the same name as me (except for me it's my middle name). Do people think it's spelled with a K, or like Coda? Do you get people repeating it back to you saying "Cody"?

O yeah people mess it up all the time and my first name too. Instead of Blend they call me Glenn, especially when I am on the phone.

your first name is legitimately Blend? thought it was part of the whole art thing... like blending paint

It is my real name... the fact that I am an artist is completely random but I do blend my own paint, so the name is fitting.

How often do people tell you you look like Hugh Jackman?

All the time

Who is your favorite Disney character to paint?

My favorite Disney character to paint has got to be Mickey Mouse. He is definitely my favorite but I love to paint him with Minnie Mouse.

That is a great question... give me a moment to think about it.

I love the use of warm and cool colors and the contrast and blending of the two. Have you ever considered trying a painting but only doing it monochromatic, yet with the some complexity of your pieces?

I have considered it :)

How would you describe your style of painting? How long does a piece typically take you to finish?

The style is modern expressionism but I like to refer to it as "Colorism". It takes me probably a month or two month to finish a piece (from concept to final painting). I tend to work on two or more paintings at the same time so I can keep my mind fresh, take a break, and stay engaged!

Hi Blend, I follow you on Facebook and I saw you at New York Comic Con. I love the Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman art you created with the Thomas Kinkade Studios. Are you going to release anymore pieces like that one soon?

The Trinity is one of my favorite works of art. Currently, I am working on a Batman/Justice League piece that is like that one but even better!

Do you have a favorite DC character that you would like me to include in a future work of art?

Wow, I can't wait to see that one! I actually love Wonder Woman the best. It's cool because you put her in a couple of your paintings, I think, right? As for other characters for you to paint, I'd love to see one centered around The Flash. I think you could do some cool things with motion. And actually a Suicide Squad painting would be cool too.

You are correct, Wonder Woman has made an appearance in many of my paintings. The newest painting I am working on takes place at the Gotham docks... Wonder Woman will make an appearance for sure in that one!

I have a new portrait of Flash that I am currently working on for later this year that is sick!

You know, I might have to do a Suicide Squad painting... it would be crazy cool.

That is so exciting!! I can't wait to see The Flash and the new Gotham painting! If you do a Suicide Squad one, I will get that one for sure, too.

awesome news!

Hi Blend! I’m going to SVCC this weekend! Do you have anything like “group shots” of the Justice League or the Avengers? And where does your inspiration come from (dreams, comics, movies)?

You can check out my "The Justice League" at Thomaskinkade.com. My inspiration comes from comics, movies, and life in general.

There is a painting called "The Justice League" that I did. You can check it out at ThomasKinade.com. My inspiration comes from movies, comics, and life in general.

What is a “fine” artist?

The dictionary states "a person does creative art, especially visual art, whose products are to be appreciated primarily or solely for their imaginative, aesthetic, or intellectual content."

When did you started drawing ?

I started way back in elementary school around 6ish. The first drawing I did was of a radio and it was so good my father thought it was a photocopy! Then in high school I entered a competition, that I won which allowed me to attend a specially school for the arts. 6 days a week - 8 hours a day!

Of your work do you have a favorite piece? If so where is it now?

I have a few favorite ones, it is too hard to choose just one. But if I had pick right now it would be "King of the Jungle" or "Flamenco Dancer" you can check them out at BlendCota.com. They are currently in my studio but they will both be going to Artexpo New York in (booth 202) April 19-21.

Any hints relating to future Disney Kinkade releases?

Mulan

I am working on Mulan and a new Sleeping Beauty.

Who are your favorite artists either historical or current?

Picasso would have to be on my list.

Aside from Disney and DC related art, what is another franchise/company you like to do art of?

I really enjoyed painting Elvis!

What are your thoughts on the seeming incongruous goals of fine art and commercial art? Your subject matter is obviously commercial, yet you are a fine artist where do you see yourself on the spectrum?

In the middle... closer to fine art side

I never heard of you until now and I must say I'm amazed by your art! I love how expressive and kinetic it feels and knowing that you make it using traditional tools has me drooling...

I have 2 questions: How did you start as an artist (like... Since childhood or were you a late bloomer)? What made your evolve in this particular way?

I started around 6 in elementary school. Many artists such as Picasso had an influence on me and helped me to evolve into the artist I am today.

did you go to art school? what would you say to someone interested in doing the sort of stuff you do? thanks dude.

I did and I would say work hard and practice, practice, practice.

I absolutely love your work and as an artist I aspire to master my own style as you have done. My question to you is how long have you been painting and how long did it take for you to develop your style?

I have been painting since I was six and it took a lifetime.

What is your favorite dinosaur?

t-rex!

Thoughts on Justice League movie?

Amazing

Left field question, we share the same last name, how do you pronounce your last name? Also any knowledge of your last name origin?

I pronounce it Coh-Tah and I am from Albania.

What are your thoughts on digital comics vs. print comics?

I love print comics but digital are convenient. Either way a lot of work goes into the artwork; a computer is a tool just like a brush is.

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You made my day!

Have you done any work for comic books? What is the best advice for someone trying to break into the field?

I currently only do Fine Artwork for DC comics but I would love to do a special Justice League issue one day.

Hi mate, your paintings are awesome. For the budding artists amongst us do you manage to earn a living from your art alone or do you need to supplement it with other incomes?

I live off my art and the opportunities it presents me. Good luck!

Are you actually Hugh Jackman's alternate timeline?

No but it would be crazy if it were true. LOL

Wow. Beautiful art man. But I have an important question. Will it blend?

sure

Hello!

I see that you mentioned Catwoman was awaiting DC approval in another comment.

How did your relationship with Disney, DC, and other franchises begin?

As a follow up, if you have the time, in what ways are those relationships different?

Thank you so much for joining us on Reddit!

I worked with a company called Art Brand Studios who helped open those doors. Have a wonderful day!

Do you speak Albanian? I always get interested when I meet figures who are Albanian because they're so rare! (I am Albanian too, but Macedonian Albanian.)

I do speak Albanian.

If you could have any of your art displayed on any place in the world, which piece would you choose and where?

It would have to be in New York at Times Square on New Years Eve and it would be a toss up between "King of the Jungle" and "Dark Knight".

Mr. Cota, my daughter is interested in a graphic arts career. Do you have any tips I can pass on to her to make a career of it?

Have her practice her craft as often as possible to perfect her skill set. An immersive school for the arts might benefit her. Good luck!

What’s your favorite style or technique of art to do?

modern expressionism but I like to refer to it as "Colorism"

Hi Blend! Thanks for doing this AMA!

Out of all the characters in the DC universe, who is your favorite to draw and why?

Looking forward to seeing you and your art at the SVCC!

I just finished my painting of Wonder Woman, I have always loved painting her. She is strong, powerful, and can rival even the likes of Superman. But I also have a soft spot for Catwoman.

I saw you said you started painting around elementary, but I was curious, When you started taking art more seriously how many hours per week would you say you put into learning and drawing?

I went to an art focuses high school and practiced my craft 8 hours a day, six days a week.

How much cake could you eat in a single sitting, hypothetically?

no clue, interesting question.

Are you saying you are a sexy fine artist? Or are you saying you're fine as in you're okay? Or do you even go so far as to say you are a fine artist as in a very good one?

That is up to interpretation... but I like the way I look and my art. Judge for yourself at blendcota.com

How do you get yourself known to the big publishers such as DC?

I work with a company called Art Brand Studios, they introduced me.

Do you ever go to smaller Cons? For example.... Calgary... in April?

Calgary is a bigger Con than Silicon Valley Comic Con.

Good to know, I will have to put it on the list.

I have not been to the Calgary Con but Super Hero Fine Art was at Wonder Con last month.

My art has been on display at Wonder Con and New York Comic Con but I have not been to the Con in Calgary but it is on my list.

Never been to the Calgary Con but I have had my art on display at Wonder Con and New York Comic Con.

You´re superbly talented, no doubt, but how did you end up fathering two girls, a husband and a couple of hunters at your age?!

hard work

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Falemderit shumë!!!

Is it so hard to do original art that you just use some of the biggest characters in the world as "inspiration" (infringement)?

I do plenty of original artwork, you can check some of it out at BlendCota.com. Have a great day.

Hi Blend! I’m going to Silicon Valley Comic Con and I’m excited to see you! Are you going to be doing signings?

Yes I will be. You can catch me each day painting in the foyer or at booth 1023. Mention that you talked with me on reddit and I will take care of you!

Awesome!!! Thank you! I was just at Wondercon and saw your art there. They said you’d be at SVCC so I waited to get something hoping you’d sign it in Silicon Valley. My favorite painting is your new Superman. It’s sick! Is that Catwoman behind you available yet? I want to get that one too!

The Catwomen is sicker than Superman! I can't wait for SVCC late this week... but Catwomen is still being approved by DC and will be out shortly.

Which DC character would you like me to paint next?

Very cool! I’ll get Superman at SVCC and Catwoman later then. Do you have a website? Can’t wait to meet you, man! Your work is amazing.

I do, you can check out my work at blendcota.com

I can't wait to meet you at SVCC!

DC sucks, and Disney art sucks. Any reason we can't be friends?

We can be friends, I do much more than just Disney and DC. BlendCota.com