Mike Watson is the new President of the East County Art Association for the years of 2016 – 2017. He has been a member of the ECAA for 10 years.
Mike Watson is the new President of the East County Art Association for the years of 2016 – 2017. He has been a member of the ECAA for 10 years.
“As President of the ECAA, I want to utilize our new electronic projector system,” he said. “I would like to incorporate in our painting demonstrations and workshops by showing DVD’s on instructional painting and slide shows of the member’s art and also museums artwork. We have a great board which has years of experience in working in their various officer chairs. We need to promote our art shows to a larger audience. Our Masters of the Moment art show will be at St Madeline’s Sophie’s the Reception June 24 from 5:00-8:00 pm.”
Watson was born in Minnesota and moved to San Diego in 1962 when his father was employed as a teacher. When Watson was in high school his art teacher inspired him in painting and drawing, he would draw caricatures of his teachers which they did not enjoy. After high school, he enrolled at San Diego State University and received his Bachelor of Arts degree. He also enrolled in Grossmont and Cuyamaca College. While attending Grossmont College he was employed by the college to create graphic designs.
Painters who inspired him in his art are Monet, Renoir, Jack Jordan, Drew Bandish from Foothills Adult School and Annette Paquet from San Diego City College. Watson paints in acrylic and oil. “I use water soluble oil paints now to prevent fumes,” he said.
Watson paints portraits, landscapes, still life, wild life and Native American. He goes to pow wow competitions, renaissance fairs, and pirate festivals. He takes photos and then paints his interpretation of the photograph.
“Do artwork as you enjoy it not for the money. Don’t take critiques and jurist’s decisions literally. I have lost in some art shows and have used the same painting in another show and won,” he said.
The East County Art Association meets at the Rancho San Diego Library on the second Monday of the Month. www.eastcountyartassociation.org.
