50 Artists: 50 Years of Art in Springfield: August 2008

Painting the Aging Beauty of Oregon

By Todd Peterson
For "50 Artists" Series

Paul Bourgault paints beautiful old structures and landscapes of Oregon with watercolors. His work is constantly evolving as he strives for "spontaneity and looseness” in his use of the medium.

Doing most of his work outdoors, Paul’s paintings are often of old barns, covered bridges, stately houses, and other old “classic” buildings. He also paints Oregon river scenes, farm settings, and birds in the wild.

After working in design and advertising in California for 25 years, Paul and his wife Marguerite made their “dream move” to Lane County in 1995. Since then, he has continued to provide graphic design services for businesses while devoting more time to developing his skills as a watercolor artist.

Paul has been active with the Emerald Art Center over the past 12 years, serving as a leader of the workshop committee that recruits nationally-known artists to teach at the center. He has served on the EAC Board and is currently a member of the Watercolor Society of Oregon Board of Directors. Paul produces the WSO quarterly newsletter, the Watermark, as well as two annual show catalogs for the approximately 850 member, statewide arts organization.

Through his involvement in arts organizations and dedication to his art, Paul Bourgault is contributing to the development of watercolor artists in our community and throughout Oregon.

In his own words:

Inspiration To Begin: "My great aunt, Beatrice, inspired my interest in art when she gave me a John Nagy art set when I was in grammar school. I remember being asked to draw a turkey on the blackboard in parochial school when I was ten years old. Later on, I entered a statewide poster contest and won. After my freshman year at the University of Iowa as a taxidermy major, sophomore half year at University of New Hampshire as forestry major, I finally settled in at the Art Institute of Boston to study art and graphic design.

Important Mentors: "When I studied at the Art Institute of Boston, Murray Wentworth was a teacher who sparked my enthusiasm for watercolor. Among the early American watercolorists, I admire the work of Winslow Homer and John Singer Sergeant. I'm very inspired by Edgar Whitney who many consider the greatest teacher of watercolor North America has ever seen. Today, many teaching artists – Arne Westerman, Ron Ranson, Patrick Dooley, Eric Wiegardt and others – have guided me in my work as a watercolor artist.”

Value of Art in His Life: "Art has been a big part of my life. I studied to be a graphic artist and my career has been in design and advertising. I continue to do some graphic design work. Now, I’m more focused on watercolor painting and particularly enjoy Plein Air painting in Oregon.”

His Artist's Legacy: "I’d like to be remembered as an accomplished watercolor artist and inspiring teacher of watercolor painting.”

For more information about Paul Bourgault and to see additional images of his art, visit the art center's website: www.emeraldartcenter.org or www.paulbourgault.com

To display a larger image of the art on your computer, please click on the photo.

"Covered Bridge" by Paul Bourgault

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About The Artist

Birthplace: Laconia, New Hampshire

Arts Education: Art Institute of Boston

Media of Choice: Watercolors

Favorite Place to Do Art: Outside in the "plein air"

Favorite Subjects To Paint: Old Structures and Landscapes

Arts Organizations: Emerald Empire Arts Association (Workshop Committee); Watercolor Society of Oregon (Board of Directors)

Gallery Shows: Koho Bistro (June/July 2008); Chateau Lorane (Memorial Day)

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All art images and photographs of the art are copyright by the artist.