Richard Watkin Dorset Artist Bio

Richard Watkin Bio
One of Richard earliest influences for his vintage inspired prints and posters came from being surrounded by the graphical imagery of the 50’s and 60’s toy merchandising whilst helping out at his fathers toy shop in Taunton Somerset. 

He went onto study art at the Cambridge Institute and taught ceramics, painting, drawing and sculpture in schools in Essex, Hertfordshire, Suffolk, Wiltshire, Dorset and Poole. Retiring from teaching in 2011 he achieved his ambition of painting full time.

His work draws on the scenery of the West Country and Dorset countryside and coastline with touches of the 30’s to 50’s transport posters. "Commercial illustrations from the 30’s to the 50’s particularly those linking landscape and transport have always fired my interest. The mix of text and image adds a further dimension to the painting”

Richard took part in Dorset Art Weeks in 2014 and created a collection of paintings depicting places that held fond memories for him - the Purbecks, Corfe Castle, Shaftesbury, Wareham where he and his wife and children would go for weekend walks or picnics. His work was very well received and all the originals were sold within two weeks.