John Watt classifies his painting as impressionistic realism. He combines abstraction and representation to invite the viewer in to his vision.

Through his art, Watt strives to interpret the beauty of God’s creation with color, from life, to elevate the human spirit — make the ordinary extraordinary. A multi-tiered, evocative narrative in much of John’s work is a result and reflection of his primary focus on personal and spiritual growth.

Raised by a Marine, he is a dedicated and disciplined worker. He tries not to take himself too seriously; but strives for authenticity and allegory, seasoned with a touch of humor. People, things and events he depicts, in painting and sculpture, frequently have symbolic meaning.

Watt feels fortunate to have been blessed with numerous teachers and mentors throughout his life. Most notable; his parents, artist Malcolm and Annalyn Watt, saddler R. Lloyd Davis, printmaker Carmine DeVivi, painter Phil Starke, and kinetic sculptor Lin Emery.

Watt’s primary teacher and mentor for oil painting, though, is his friend R.S. Riddick. Ron graciously and selflessly continues to inspire, encourage and coach him on the finer points of color, value, edges, and the business of representational painting.

Watt’s studio is in his historic 1943 adobe home in Tucson, Arizona. Working from thin to thicker paint application, he layers his surface to achieve the illusion of depth, luminosity and texture. Watt employs only time tested archival methods and materials in the creation of his work and each piece is meticulously framed to enhance its beauty.

Traveling throughout the world, John has been privileged to learn from the masters in countless museums, particularly in Oklahoma City, New Orleans, Dallas, Memphis, Washington D.C. and Amsterdam. Studying firsthand some of the worlds finest art, while forging friendships with some of the country’s finest living artists, John continues to position himself to make a lasting and significant mark on the landscape of western art.

© 2007 John Watt