Born and raised in Baltimore, this self taught, award winning artist, favors jazz, fruits, nudes, flowers, abstracts, his cat "Duke Ellington", portraits and anything else that sits still long enough for him to put on canvas. A father and grandpop, Cottman has many life moments to draw from for the creation of his art.

His experience as a stand-up comedian and poet are evident in the subject matter selected. "Fantasy, love, humor, and deep reflection are the perspective in which I approach most subjects," Cottman says, "that’s why I select rich, vibrant and jovial colors then combine them in a very tasteful and unusual way. I want people to feel delicious after experiencing my work."

Working as the Architectural Engineer for the "Maryland Mainstreet Program" from 1986 to 1994, provided plenty of opportunities to hone his talent. Two years of this tenure was spent in Computer Aided Design. "I found computer artistry unfulfilling." Mark says. "It’s like the difference between eating food with a fork instead of using my fingers. After the program ended in 1994 there was this deep void in my life. I had no venue for expressing my artistic talent. So, I decided to paint for pleasure, starting with what I was accustomed to, markers and pencils, eventually experimenting with other mediums. For now, I feel very comfortable with acrylic, gouache, watercolor and oil pastel."

In 1999 Cottman gave up a well paying job for the uncertainty of exploring life as a full time artist. While friends and associates questioned his sanity, he knew that his decision would lead to a more fulfilling existence. Cottman paints by creating stories in his mind, scenarios that help him capture the feeling of the piece.  By tapping that raw emotion, he gives his painting it’s "soul".