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 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.
New Live-Streamed show called "2 Sides of the Canvas"
Premiering tonight!
Tune in to this live-streamed drawing session to watch two alum from @artcenteredu Art Center College of Design. Raised in the mean streets of Los Angeles, Joseph Watson and Grady Williams followed their dreams and beat the odds to attend the most prestigious art school on the planet. In this live drawing session, Joseph and Grady will re-capture some of the memorable stories and obstacles while they attended this legendary art school over two decades ago. This Friday 10pm (pacific time) on Instagram live @josephwatsonart #artcenteredu #beattheodds
In the works...
Due to the great response, this will be the next project that I will bring to life as a desktop collectible piece. The digital sculpt is still in progress and will be complete soon. It will proudly stand at approx 7” tall. Edition quantity TBD.
New works in progress...
Here are five of the new paintings that I am currently working on. Make sure to check back on progress updates. Also, make sure to tune into my late night live-streams on Facebook to watch me work on these and for Q&A.
Today's live streamed drawing
I live streamed this piece titled “Triple Stage 3” earlier today.
Television appearance tonight!
So honored to be featured on this new TV show. Please tune in tonight at 7pm. You can also watch it by clicking the link at 7pm. https://www.ytaclub.com/tv/Red-White-and-Live-/view/ Love sharing my art to the world!!! @VegasUnveiledTV YTA #yta. #somethingdifferent. #VegasUnveiledTV
New Painting titled: Birds on Wires
Birds on Wires
16”x20”
Acrylic on Canvas
This piece was painted with the intent of illustrating peaceful diversity amongst multiple variations of living things. It challenges the viewer to take a deeper look into how this painting is a reflection of our society and our interactions amongst each other. In this case, I chose birds as the living subject matter. The background street scene was inspired by the back of the lot where my Arts District studio is located. It seemed like an appropriate stage to tell this story.
Indigo Art Show featuring Brian Martinez
JW: Please tell me the meaning behind the concept of the show.
BM: The concept of a monochromatic show inside of a monochromatic environment just seemed like the kind of thing I could spend my year figuring out and problem solving. Working in all blue has helped me take a step back and develop a stronger understanding of my fundamentals in picture making/paint pushing.
I felt like the concept could contribute to the Las Vegas Arts District by challenging the norm of gallery environment. Have people question why we hang art the way we do, and whether or not there is other ways to do so. The all blue was just the lens I could use to think about this aspect of art.
Recently completed commission
Here is a recently completed commission of DJ Warren Peace. I completed it about a month ago.
IHeartRadio Radio podcast!!!
Check out our most recent interview on IHeartRadio about our childrens book project “Go, Go, Greta!”
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-Aspects-of-Writing-28350166/episode/aspects-of-writing---writing-an-illustrated-book-30498593/?autoplay=true&cmp=ios_share
Made in the Las Vegas Arts District
My newest design titled “Made in the Las Vegas Arts District” is now available on shirts. I wanted to design something that captured the unique aesthetic of the neighborhood that has some of the most creative minds in Las Vegas.
The Cycle of Life
This is my newest painting titled “The Cycle of Life”. The Cycle of Life is very challenging. You always have to be prepared to pedal through the situation no matter how difficult it may seem.
Smith's Marketplace commissioned painting
I recently had the pleasure of completing a commissioned painting for Smith's Marketplace / Kroger in the Skye Canyon area of Las Vegas. It measures 14'x5'x2" and painted with acrylic on custom constructed wood panels. It is now on permanent display in the dining area. This was a challenge to paint, but I had lots of fun along the way!
"Not So Stories" book cover illustration
This is a book cover that I recently completed for Rebellion Publishing. It is for the "Not So Stories" book.
