John Cosby

Harbor Haze; Morro Bay

2026

Born on August 21, 1955, John Cosby is a Southern California–based plein air painter known for his bold, expressive brushwork and vivid depictions of landscapes, figures, and marine scenes. His work captures the spirit of place in locations ranging from Laguna Beach and Taos, New Mexico, to the islands of Hawaii, reflecting a deep connection to the natural world and the people within it. “While standing on location in a place I have never visited, I begin to recognize what is different about it from all the other places I have been. I try to capture that, the uniqueness,” says Cosby. Raised in the American West, Cosby began drawing and painting at an early age. He credits his grandmother, an oil painter, as a formative influence on his artistic journey. “She would give me the paint, some brushes, and a scrap of canvas and set me off to paint,” Cosby recalls. “This early experience took the fear out of creating a painting.” Her encouragement helped instill in him a lasting confidence and passion for artistic expression. John Cosby began traveling the world at an early age. At eighteen, he was selected to serve as an advance man for the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government, working under two Presidents. His global travels exposed him to many of the world’s great artistic masterpieces, further fueling his creative ambition. “They haunted me and helped set the course for my career as a painter,” Cosby recalls. Upon returning to California, Cosby worked in commercial illustration and design, creating visual work for clients such as In-N-Out Burger. Though he found success in the commercial art world, his heart remained in fine art. The call of the sea and the coastal landscape ultimately drew him back to painting. With strong gallery support, his transition into fine art was met with quick and continued success. Today, Cosby resides and maintains an active studio in San Clemente, California. He continues to paint on location around the world and is represented by several leading galleries. A founding board member of the prestigious Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, Cosby is also a Signature Member of both the California Art Club and Plein-Air Painters of America. He has served in leadership roles within these organizations, contributing to the advancement of the plein air movement. Additionally, he co-founded the Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational, first held at the Laguna Art Museum and now in its 25th year. With his bold, contemporary style, Cosby has captured the imagination of collectors worldwide. His work is included in numerous private, public, and corporate collections, and he is recognized internationally for his contributions to American representational painting.