Paul Jackson, AWS~DF, NWS
Explore the Captivating Watercolor Journey of Master Watercolor Artist Paul Jackson, AWS~DF, NWS
Internationally recognized as one of the best living watercolor artists, Paul Jackson’s name is well known among art enthusiasts. From his rhythmic cityscapes to his mesmerizing studies in glass and light, Paul has made a lasting impact on the watercolor medium and art as a whole.
Today, Paul is passionate about continuing his study of advancing and sharing watercolor techniques, as well as sharing his art with the world. Meet Paul, and find
your favorite piece of art in his vast collection.
“Observe, experience, absorb, react, translate, filter, imagine, create, exhibit, evolve, repeat.”
- Paul Jackson, The Wandering Watercolorist
And with each repeat, the world becomes just a little more luminous...
Paul Jackson paints the world as only he sees it: alive with light, shimmering with color, and rich in stories waiting to be told. An internationally celebrated watercolorist based in the U.S., Paul is known for his luminous technique, ambitious scale, and an uncanny ability to make the intangible – light, atmosphere, emotion – feel completely real on paper.
His portfolio spans continents and subjects, from sweeping architectural marvels to intimate still lifes. His work has earned top honors around the world, finding homes in prestigious public and private collections alike. But Paul’s journey isn’t measured only by gallery walls or award ribbons; it’s traced in the cobblestone curves of Europe, the lantern-lit streets of Asia, and the flickering reflections of city skylines. Every destination adds to the ever-evolving visual language he speaks so fluently in watercolor.
With signature status in the American Watercolor Society, where he is honored as a Dolphin Fellow, and in the National Watercolor Society, Paul has exhibited in over 30 countries and earned top awards across the globe. He is frequently invited to judge major national and international watercolor exhibitions, and his work can be found in both private collections and public spaces worldwide.
Paul has also been commissioned for several large-scale public art projects, including custom installations that celebrate the heritage and identity of the communities they inhabit. He brings the same thoughtful attention to every creation – whether a grand cityscape or an intimate still life.
Beyond the brush, Paul is a passionate speaker, generous teacher, and perpetual student of the world. He shares his knowledge freely – demystifying watercolor, mentoring artists, and helping others harness the power of visual storytelling.
Paul is the author of
Painting Spectacular Light Effects in Watercolor (North Light Books) and
The Wandering Watercolorist (Chameleon Press, 2013). An Eagle Scout and adventurous spirit, he travels the world with his muse, Marla, in search of visual inspiration.
Through Jackson Art Properties, Paul partners with collectors, institutions, and companies to bring fine art into spaces and products with beauty, purpose, and joy. Because for Paul, art is more than an image, it’s a cycle of curiosity and creation, of translating experience into something that can be shared.
Jackson Art Properties
Founded in 2024 by internationally celebrated watercolorist Paul Jackson and longtime art advocate Cord Harper, Jackson Art Properties was born from a shared vision: to bring exceptional artwork into the world in thoughtful, imaginative ways.
Home to the copyrights of more than 1,000 of Paul’s paintings, the company serves as both steward and storyteller for a remarkable body of work that spans decades and continents. Backed by a group of private investors who believe in the power of art to enrich everyday life, Jackson Art Properties offers fine art leasing, limited-edition giclées, licensing opportunities, and a suite of services for collectors and fellow artists alike.
Paul Jackson serves as Board Chair, guiding the creative spirit of the company, with Cord Harper leading as CEO, shaping the strategic path forward. Together, they are building a place where fine art can flourish on walls, in products, and in the hearts of collectors around the world.
Paul Jackson's Pubic Art
Through these projects and more, Paul Jackson brings his artistic magic to the public, making fine art an accessible and integral part of everyday life.
2018
“River Dreams” Mural
Three Rivers College, Poplar Bluff, MO
"River Dreams" is a breathtaking 69-foot-long mural by renowned watercolorist Paul Jackson, adorning the exterior wall of the Tinnin Fine Arts Center at Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Completed in the summer of 2018, the mural captures the serene beauty of Missouri’s rivers during the four seasons, inspired by float trips along the Current River, Black River, and St. Francis River.
At the heart of the mural is a striking depiction of Persephone, the Greek goddess of spring, embodied by Jackson’s wife and muse, Marla. She breathes life into the landscape, gently blowing dandelion seeds into the air, symbolizing renewal and transformation.
Nearly 50 individuals collaborated on this masterpiece, working primarily at night to combat the summer heat, which caused the paint to dry too quickly in the daytime. The result is a stunning work of public art that brings movement, nature, and mythology together in a mesmerizing composition.
2012
“Blown Away” Mural
Columbia, MO
"Blown Away" is a captivating mural by renowned artist Paul Jackson, located on the west wall of the Alpine Shop at 1102 E. Broadway in Columbia, Missouri. Completed in June 2012, this 16-by-68-foot masterpiece portrays a dynamic and whimsical scene of people canoeing through a vibrant swirl of colors, evoking movement and adventure. The figures in the canoe were modeled after Jackson’s children, Cameron and Caroline.
Jackson collaborated with family and friends to bring this vision to life, often beginning work before sunrise and continuing into the evening to escape the intense midday heat. Now a beloved fixture in Columbia’s public art scene, Blown Away enhances the city’s artistic charm and invites passersby to immerse themselves in its lively energy.
2005
“Rolling Hills” Mosaic
Fayette, MO
"Rolling Hills" is a 6x8-foot Italian smalti glass tile mosaic by artist Paul Jackson, originally created for the Missouri Mosaic Gallery in Fayette, Missouri. This intricate mosaic adorns the gallery's entryway, welcoming visitors with its vibrant depiction of Missouri's Black Walnut tree and scenic landscapes. The piece beautifully captures the essence of Missouri’s natural beauty through its rich colors and detailed craftsmanship, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere to all who enter.
White House Easter Egg
Washington, DC
Renowned American watercolorist Paul Jackson has designed multiple commemorative Easter eggs for the White House, including during the presidency of George W. Bush. These unique creations were part of the White House Easter Egg Roll, an annual tradition dating back to 1878. Jackson's contributions highlight his artistic versatility and dedication to national cultural events, further cementing his legacy as a distinguished American artist.
2003
Missouri State Quarter
In 2003, the U.S. Mint released the Missouri State Quarter as part of the 50 State Quarters Program. Missouri artist Paul Jackson originally designed the coin to feature the Gateway Arch framing the St. Louis skyline, with the Missouri River flowing beneath. However, the Mint significantly altered his submission, replacing it with a different depiction of the Gateway Arch alongside the Lewis and Clark expedition navigating the Missouri River.
Disappointed by the changes, Jackson publicly criticized the modifications, arguing that they diminished the artistic integrity of the design. In protest, he distributed approximately 250,000 quarters with stickers showcasing his original vision, aiming to raise awareness about the artistic revisions.
The controversy surrounding the Missouri State Quarter highlighted broader concerns about the Mint’s design process for state coins. In response to such criticisms, the Mint established the Artistic Infusion Program in 2003 to involve professional artists more directly in coin design, seeking to enhance the quality and integrity of future commemorative coins.
Despite the challenges in the Missouri State Quarter’s design process, Paul Jackson’s advocacy brought significant attention to the importance of artistic recognition and integrity in public commemorations.
Read, Quartergate: the story of the Missouri State Commemorative Quarter
2001
“Tiger Spot” Mosaic
Columbia, MO
"Tiger Spot" was a striking 30-foot-diameter Italian smalti glass tile mosaic created by artist Paul Jackson, unveiled in October, 2001, at the University of Missouri's Lowry Mall in Columbia. The mosaic featured a detailed Bengal tiger’s face, meticulously constructed from over 420,000 glass tiles with the help of more than 100 volunteers and art students.
Though Tiger Spot no longer graces the campus, it remains a memorable chapter in Columbia’s public art history, reflecting the community’s creative spirit and dedication to artistic expression.
2000
MO Governor and First Lady Portraits
Jefferson City, MO
Paul Jackson created the official state portraits of former Missouri Governor Roger Wilson and First Lady Pat Wilson in 2000. These artworks are displayed in the Missouri State Capitol and the Governor's Mansion, respectively.
1999
MO Supreme Court Chief Justice Portrait
Jefferson City, MO
Paul Jackson created the official state portrait of Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Edward D. "Chip" Robertson in 1998. It is displayed in the Missouri State Supreme Court Building in Jefferson City, MO.