"I grew up in an artsy family, by the Arroyo in Pasadena, surrounded by well-known artists’ residences. 

"I have spent my life involved in artistic pursuits: ceramics, graphic design, sign painting, commercial illustration, and occasionally calligraphy — to make a living for myself and two kids. A stint as a public information artist for Santa Barbara County Flood Control.

"It has all began to meld.

"The design of divinely-created nature — paint freely moving across a flat surface — and flood control: Sedimentation, channeled and dammed water — and color! Cobalt settling into the shallow pits of 300 lb. Arches cold press, Prussian blue sailing across whatever is wet, yellow ochre pushing it back. Watercolor!

"Life now pretty much spins around painting: teaching watercolor, plein air adventures, Open Studios, competitions or benefit shows (SLOPE – San Luis Outdoor Painters for the Environment).

"I show my watercolors at Art Central in SLO, my acrylics (and soon oils, given that new adventure)  at Amphora Gallery in Cambria.            — Jan French