New Society6 shop launched!!
You can purchase shirts, mugs, framed prints and more from my Society6 shop. Josephwatsonart's Portfolio with Unique Designs | Society6
My New Exhibit at Meow Wolf!!!
Here are a few pics of my current private exhibit at the @meow__wolf conference room. This includes 11 of my signature urban inspired pieces and four pieces from our Go, Go, Greta children’s book series. Thanks @robinslonina
New Puzzle!!!
Make sure to visit “Migration Westbound” By Joseph Watson – Puzzles of Color to purchase my first puzzle art piece. Migration Westbound was recently released by Puzzles of Color as a 1000-piece puzzle. It is the perfect gift for those who enjoy art and assembling something beautiful with friends and family.
Interview with Canvas Rebel Magazine
Check out my interview here: Meet Joseph Watson - CanvasRebel Magazine
Strengthening Unification through Uniqueness
I had a great time contributing the words and images to this blog for the Nevada Humanities titled “Strengthening Unification through Uniqueness”. Grab your favorite tea or coffee and enjoy the read!!
Strengthening Unification through Uniqueness — Nevada Humanities
Stories Without Words Tour (6th stop)
Finally, my sixth stop for my 6 library art tour titled “Stories Without Words”is now on exhibit at the Whitney Library until Aug 23. Make sure to drop by. Special thanks to all of the people who visited my exhibit while it was touring all around Las Vegas. The kind encouraging words in the guestbooks are priceless and I will forever be inspired by them. Also, special thanks to @darrenjohnsonart and staff for your high level of professionalism and exhibit curation. #lvccd
Puzzle release coming soon!!!!
I love it when the pieces to the puzzle come together! I am glad to announce my collaboration with Puzzles of Color for my first official puzzle release. Release date will be posted soon!
Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition!
24'x8' Smith's Marketplace commission
I’m so happy to see the massive 24’x8’ original painting that I just completed be installed in its new permanent location at the brand-new Smith’s Marketplace in Henderson, NV. This piece was commissioned by Smiths. My vision was to capture the activities, wildlife and features of the surrounding neighborhood which is known as Cadence. We attended the grand opening last night, and I was so pleased with how the painting is being showcased for everyone to see in their new store. For those who have never been there, Smith’s Marketplace is a 124,000sq ft shopping experience that you need to visit. The variety of products is unbelievable!!! Thanks to my wife for letting this painting take over the foyer room in our home for the past few months! Also, thanks to everyone involved!! BTW, if you happen to live on the other side of town, you can also see another one of my large, commissioned paintings grace the walls of the 1st Vegas location of Smith’s Marketplace in Sky Canyon.
Read MoreNew Exhibit... "A Focus On Portraits"
The reception is February 17th from 5 to 7 p.m 2022 at the Chamber gallery at Las Vegas city hall.
Please come and meet some great artists. Hours and days to view are Mon through Thurs from 8 am to 6 pm.
The artists names are: Q'Shaundra James, Darvianna Major, Mario Lorne Designs (Mario Smith), Kerric Z Thomas, Roy Thomas, and Joseph Watson
I am happy to say that I have 36 original paintings in this exhibit!!!
Seen on Episode 11 of Undercover Boss!!
Three of my paintings were seen on episode 11 of Undercover Boss!!!
Historic Westside Legacy Park project
The newly constructed and opened Historic Westside Legacy Park is a landmark location that is dedicated to the highly influential African Americans that paved their legacy in Las Vegas. There were 36 individuals chosen to be part of the honoree lineup. This park is located in the Historic West Side of the city. I was commissioned by the City of Las Vegas to paint 36 portraits of these honorees in my signature style. These portraits were later reproduced onto permanent metal plaques that featured each honoree.
There was also an exhibit at the West Las Vegas Arts Center that showcased the 36 original paintings of the honorees. It was a huge honor to be selected for this project and to create the paintings.
Original 60”x20” acrylic painting that features a warbird in action as it defeats the enemy in the sky for a greater cause.
Blanket of Protection, a Tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen
Tuskegee Airmen painting
Read More
CityScapes
This was a wonderful event where I had the opportunity to jury many beautiful works of art.
New Solo Exhibit "Stories Without Words"
Currently, I have a new exhibit titled “Stories Without Words” at the Sahara West Library in the Studio Gallery. This is a 5000 sq foot space that showcases 48 of my pieces.
STORIES WITHOUT WORDS
March 12 – May 22, 2021
Stories Without Words represents 15 years of art produced by Las Vegas painter and illustrator Joseph Watson. Influenced by his observations, Watson’s artwork contains underlying stories based on the celebrations and challenges of life. The artist’s signature “urban-style” paintings are equal parts grit and whimsy, usually offering hope and inspiration.
The artwork evolves stylistically with each different subject matter, and the color palette changes depending on mood, availability of materials, and concept. The black and white drawing to the right, titled Morning Rush, was created by Watson capturing the likeness of every customer he saw come into the coffee shop while he was sketching. The layering of the bustling customers, each with their own story, gives the viewer a sense of the atmosphere during a “morning rush.” A similar lively feel exists in the print Sunday at the Swapmeet, which represents Watson’s early career as a swap meet vendor. These two works stand in contrast to the quiet, singular focus of the five floral art pieces located to the left, which deal with life’s struggles.
Narratives inspire each piece Watson creates, but his objective is to encourage viewers to look deep into each piece and discover their own story: “I want to let each piece speak to you without the distraction of a written narrative. Your interpretation is just as essential as the image itself. Without the engagement from the viewer, the image isn’t complete. It is a collaborative effort.”
Joseph Watson, also known by his signature “JOEE,” grew up in Gardena, CA. After graduating from the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, CA, he began applying his artistic hand to a variety of outlets including creating concepts for video-game companies, designing toys for Mattel, mentoring other artists, donating his time to philanthropic endeavors, producing public art, and developing children’s books (most notably as illustrator for the Go, Go, Greta series). In addition to his art making, Watson owned and operated one of Las Vegas’s most impactful Arts District galleries for over 12 years.
New Exhibit
New Print "The Mask Theory"
This is a collaborative face mask chart by artists Joseph Watson and Grady Williams. There are 15 unique mask designs featured on this 13”x19” print. Each mask was inspired by the characters beneath them and tailored to fit their personalities. Definitely a conversation piece!
Episode 3 "2 Sides of the Canvas"
“Join us this Friday night at 8pm PTS on @josephwatsonart IG live for our third episode of 2 Sides of the Canvas. The discussion will be about rejection in the art world and how we had to color outside of the lines to achieve success. At the same time, @gowfineart and @josephwatsonart will demo a live coloring session for our upcoming collaborative print release of the most bizarre mask illustrations that you will ever see! ”
Featured on Pretty Much Pop Podcast
Such an honor to get featured on the Pretty Much Pop Podcast. Please take a listen to hear our in depth discussion on pictures telling stories. Glad to share my process, vision and the art of collaborating with other super talented individuals.
