About the Artist

Studying under photorealist painter Robert Bechtel at SFSU eventually resulted in a rejection of that style, and pretty much all slavish realism, as a way forward. Sargent remained an influence though, well before his “re-assessment” in recent times; watercolor painting in particular became a pursuit largely due to his influence. And Eakins.

Later on, Charles Reid’s books, particularly Painting What You Want To See, became a reference on painting watercolors in a loose style.

Discovering the California Scene Painters 1930-1970 was next, with attendant appreciation for painters like Lee and Mary Blair, Harold Gretzner, Hardie Gramatky, Rex Brandt, and Robert E. Wood. Wood’s Watercolor Workshop (a library-withdrawn volume last checked out Feb. 11, 2011) provided insight into classic technique. Bob Wood rules, BTW.

There are some interesting watercolor painters around these days too: Ratindra Das, Ron Thurston, Eugen Chisnicean and Chien Chung-Wei, plus a whole host of East Asian and Russian painters. Dan Burt and Frank Webb are still out there doing it at 90+.

UPDATE: R.I.P. Frank Webb 1927-2022. Thanks for all the great paintings and sage advice my friend. Frank actually got to view one of my paintings when I entered it into the 2020 CWA 51st Annual International show where he was the selection judge, but he declined to include it. I don't hold it against you, big guy! JK, I hate him. JK for real tho - he didn't know me from Adam but I feel like I got to know him a little bit through his art and books, and his influence can be seen in many watercolorists working today. 

You have laid a basic glaze.