Paul Jackson
American Watercolor Society - Dolphin Fellow, Signature Member of the National Watercolor Society & Master Watercolor Artist
Explore the Captivating Watercolor Journey of Paul Jackson
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.
Jackson Art Properties was founded in 2024 by Paul Jackson and Cord Harper. The company owns the copyrights to more than 1,000 works of art by Paul Jackson. The two founders attracted a group of private investors to launch the venture and help them market the works to collectors throughout the world. The company sells and leases limited edition giclees, licenses the artwork to companies and provides many services to other artists and collectors. Paul Jackson serves as the Board Chair and Cord Harper serves as the CEO.
Paul Jackson Ranks as One of the World’s Best Watercolor Artists
Paul Jackson is an esteemed American watercolor artist renowned for his large scale works and use of color. Born in 1968 in Lawrence, KS, he spent his adventurous childhood in Starkville, Mississippi where he first discovered his passion for watercolor at Mississippi State University (1985). After earning a Master of Fine Arts degree in Missouri (1992), he has relentlessly pursued his creative dreams. Over the years, Paul has received top honors in national and international competitions, contributed his artwork to a wide range of publications, and shared his artistic influence across the globe.
At the age of 30, Paul Jackson was honored with signature membership by the American Watercolor Society. More recently, he received the Dolphin Fellowship, the highest accolade in the watercolor community. In addition to this prestigious recognition, Paul has also been awarded Signature Member of the National Watercolor Society and dozens of other watercolor societies across the world.
Among his many accomplishments, Paul has won awards in countless art competitions globally and was featured as one of the Master Painters of the World in
International Artist Magazine. His artwork has graced the cover of
The Artist's Magazine many times and has been showcased in prestigious publications such as American Artist, Watercolor Magic, Watercolor Artist, Forbes Magazine, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, NPR, CBS News, The Baltimore Sun, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, The Kansas City Star, and others. Much of Paul’s portfolio of watercolors is held in private collections around the world, but many of his works are displayed in museums and public buildings. Notably, the Missouri State Capitol, Governor's Mansion, and Supreme Court all feature Paul Jackson's watercolors in prominent locations.
Paul Jackson's works receive international recognition
Paul has had significant recognition in the international art community, showcasing his expertise and influence in the watercolor world. In 2008, Jackson was the featured speaker at the International Watercolor Masters Invitational in Lushan, China. In 2011, he was the only American artist invited to the International Art Meet in Kolkata, India. Paul was invited to demonstrate his skills for the Istanbul Watercolor Society in Turkey in 2014. In 2016, Paul was the invited presenter and demonstrator at the International Watercolor Society, Budapest where his 10 ft painting, Bright Lights of Budapest was featured in event announcements all over the exquisite city. And in 2017, he was the invited demonstrator for the Adelaide Watercolor Society in Adelaide, Australia. Paul’s artwork has been featured in prestigious international watercolor exhibitions in over 20 countries. Jackson frequently serves as judge for national and international art competitions . In 2009 he served as the invited juror for the American Watercolor Society’s 142nd annual international exhibition and in 2016 he served as judge for the National Watercolor Society’s 96th international exhibition.
Although Paul’s passion for watercolor is unparalleled, his creative energy extends far beyond paper. He designed the
Missouri Commemorative State Quarter for the United States Mint, created the stage backdrop for the musical Porterphiles at the York Theatre in New York City. He designed Presidential Easter eggs for the White House three times. Additionally, Paul has crafted several public art murals and glass mosaics and frequently leads charitable causes.
A prolific artist and intrepid world traveler, Paul Jackson stands as one of today's most dynamic and widely recognized contemporary watercolorists. Whether his subject is landscape, cityscape, portrait, architecture, still life or abstract, Paul captivates his audience with genuine emotion, intensity and finesse, energizing every.
Jackson is also the author of
Painting Spectacular Light Effects in Watercolor (North Light Books) and
The Wandering Watercolorist (Chameleon Press, 2013). He is an Eagle Scout, an adventurous spirit and travels the earth with his muse, Marla in search of visual inspiration.
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.