Cotto gives a sneak peek of graphic novel, 'Peacemaker'

Inside Julio Cotto's Underbelly Studio are dozens of pieces of paper with sketches and notes taped to the fireplace mantel, canvases are piled up against the walls, storyboards lie on top of a stack of paint and photos of models are taped to the window for inspiration.

The walls are covered with paintings from local artists alongside the 15-20 new pieces for his upcoming solo show.

From 6-9 p.m. Jan. 22 at Scoop Studios, 57 1/2 Broad St., Cotto will feature drawings and paintings inspired by his upcoming graphic novel, "The Day the Peacemaker Made Peace." The novel intertwines a sci-fi fantasy story with a traditional Western one; the paintings give the public a glimpse of the characters and plot of the novel. The large-scale acrylic works of art are colorful portraits of fantasy female characters juxtaposed with stark, haunting canvases of a cowboy riding off into the mountains. The colors are bold, the details are rich and the lines are heavy.

Each painting tells a story of its own, long before the words have been written. Cotto is concurrently working on his second graphic novel, "The Travelers." "The Day the Peacemaker Made Peace" is expected to be complete in 2011. Cotto's pieces are painted on canvas and wood and range in price from $300-$3,000.

The show at Scoop Studios also will feature the sci-fi work of Cotto's grandfather, the late Abednego Rivera, who was an inspiration to Cotto.

"My grandfather was the man in my life. He made the world go 'round. I wanted to do what he did," he said.

Cotto has been painting for more than a decade and was voted Flyest Artist by Charleston Barfly Magazine in 2004 as well as Best Local Visual Artist by Charleston City Paper in 2004, 2006 and 2008.

Cotto has worked to become the artist that he is today. Life gave him many opportunities to quit. In his freshman year of high school, he failed art class, and three years after that, he left home.

"Things were tough for me being on my own at such an early age. You can't let things hold you back," he said. "Work hard and get a strong portfolio together. Get out there and talk to people. Don't let anyone stop you from your dreams."

Although he is best known for being a painter, when I asked Cotto about the direction his art was heading, he responded, "I don't limit myself creatively. I have an alias that I show work under, and I am about to create another. I write poems, raps and country songs. I make up comedy skits and screen plays. I want to write a play, and I do some acting as well. I am constantly creating."

His current alias is $inner, an artist who is heavily influenced by the Bible and the color red. You can view Cotto's artwork around Charleston at Scoop Studios, Torch Velvet Lounge, Social Wine Bar and Tsunami or visit his Web site, www.juliocotto.com.

If you go

What: Julio Cotto's 'The Day the Peacemaker Made Peace' art show

When: 6-9 p.m. Jan. 22

Where: Scoop Studios, 57 1/2 Broad St.

Cost: free. Art prices vary

Info: www.juliocotto.com