Ahoy Boy! Twirl girl! Swim on in, or fly on by and absorb some new art:

Salish Stories 

 art marinated and smoked by truth 

     On display June 5th through 30th at the Simon Mace Gallery 

236 Taylor Street in Port Townsend, WA

Join us this Saturday, June 7th for Gallery Walk from 5:30-8:00!

Paintings and sculptures by Richard Jesse Watson. 

Also joining me is Karen Hackenberg with her remarkable paintings and sculptures. 

This show swirls and surges with a terrific synergy from our different perspectives.

Joe is our local barista/juggler. At his coffee shop, "Velocity," the lattes go straight to the cerebral cortex.

Come meet the artists, clink wine glasses,(or Pellegrino), and hear the stories behind and inside the art. Stories inspired by the foam and spray of the Salish Sea and the true brine of some of the locals.

I painted this after reading eye-witness accounts of a sea serpent spotted near Port Townsend around 1906

I would seriously love to see you there.  If you can't make Gallery Walk this Saturday, let me know when you might be in town and I'll give you a personal tour. 

"Love Bug"

 Recharge your mojo and visit the show.

The Gears of Change Meet the Oil of Olay

EYE ON ARTIST LECTURE: INNER ZOO, OUTER ORBIT

RICHARD JESSE WATSON

"I love being in this zone coaxing dreams into reality 

or caressing reality back into a dream."

Join Richard Jesse Watson for his "creative jumpstart" artist lecture as he digs up the dirt on himself, or at least removes a few bars from his Inner Zoo. Watson will share the stories behind the art to reveal the man behind the curtain, which is on the left side of the right side of the brain.  

Come prepared to be inspired and informed about embracing the creative process! 

Reception with light food and beverage following lecture. 

Sunday, November 24th, 2013, 4:00- 6:00 pm

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art

550 Winslow Way E.
Bainbridge Island, Washington

BIMA Auditorium 

Register early, seating is limited

RJW Solo Exhibit at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art

Richard Jesse Watson  

Inner Zoo  Outer Orbit

Solo Exhibition 

 

October 2013 through January 5, 2014

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art

550 Winslow Way E.
Bainbridge Island, Washington

OPEN DAILY | 10AM-6PM | GENERAL ADMISSION FREE
Made possible by sponsorships, memberships, and donations

 

As part of  the Eric Carle, Beyond Books Exhibit, 
the Tacoma Art Museum will be hosting my 
Muse-Busting Character-Building presentation and workshop. 

 ART as MUSE

Think Physically with Richard Jesse Watson

Sunday May 5th, 2013

Lecture and book signing 2:00 pm

Workshop 3:30 pm

All ages welcome

For more information: http://www.tacomaartmuseum.org/

This Sunday, May 5th, 2013, join me and the aliens as we discuss "Thinking Physically ~ creating characters from hibernating thoughts and re-cycled materials. 

There will also be a hands on workshop for roughing in your character in 3-D using an assortment of materials.

The cool thing about playing around in the third dimension is that you never know who you might meet. This guy (above), it turns out, is a Magyar bass player with robotic arms.

Come play and let loose. Discover some surprising characters who live between your head and your hands; who are waiting for you to give them the go ahead. And while you are at the Tacoma Art Museum check out the fabulous exhibit: BEYOND BOOKS: The Independent Art of Eric Carle. 

See more: on my blog

The Up-Close Far-Out World of Kid's Books

©Richard Jesse Watson

FIELD'S END SEPTEMBER ROUNDTABLE

Author/Illustrator Richard Jesse Watson leads an interactive discussion about the making of children’s books. Watson examines how writing and illustrating for kids requires looking through both ends of the telescope. Children stargaze by reading books. Bring your pointy hat and join one alchemist in a look beyond the mists to re-enter the dream that was childhood. 

Tuesday, September 18th, 7:00- 8:30 pm
at the Bainbridge Public Library
1270 Madison Ave, Bainbridge Island, WA
Free event

The Up-Close Far-Out World of Kid's Books

Field's End September Roundtable 

Author/Illustrator Richard Jesse Watson leads an interactive discussion about the making of children’s books. Watson examines how writing and illustrating for kids requires looking through both ends of the telescope. Children stargaze by reading books. Bring your pointy hat and join one alchemist in a look beyond the mists to re-enter the dream that was childhood. 

Date: Tuesday, September 18th, 2012  
Time: 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Place: Bainbridge Public Library, 1270 Madison Ave, Bainbridge Island, WA

Free event

LACEY LOVES TO READ

February 22 - 23, 2012   

Wednesday & Thursday

 

Richard joins the city of Lacey, Washington, for a community-wide read of his books! School and library programs are scheduled, with the finale on Thursday night. 

Community Author Reception

February 23, 2012   Thursday   6:30-9:00 pm 

at the Lacey Community Center

Check out Lisa Pemberton's article in The Olympian.

Lacey Loves to Read event website

SO~CAL BOOK SIGNINGS! MUCHOS RAIN, MUCHOS BOOKS

 Awesome mosaic by brother-in-law, Steve Davis

 I love getting back down to LA. Fun in the sun, except when it rains. Then it's fun in the rain. Wait, is this Seattle? Or the Amazon rain forest? No, just Orange County in November. """"!!Downpour!!"""""

Great book signing with Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church.  We recently collaborated on a children's picture book version of The Lord's Prayer, published by Zondervan.

 Rick is a warm, friendly guy, and a force of Nature.  Seriously, the work he and his church are doing is remarkable and multi-faceted.  After each of two services we signed books.   A LOT of books. The hard part? Signing fast, and spelling the names correctly. No worries, though, if I spell a name wrong, oops, I turn it into a picture.

 Rick and I are going to be working on some more books together.  Sweet.

Here's the incomparable Alex Uhl, owner of Whale Of A Tale Bookstoppe.  Her exquisite bookstore is in Irvine, California, but she arranged a book signing at the Orange County Junior League Christmas Company.

self portrait by Steve Bjorkman

I signed next to my friend and awesome illustrator, Steve Bjorkman. We signed for eight hours on Friday and ten hours on Saturday.  Yowzer, that was a lot of books. When possible, I try to do a little doodle in each book. Fancy Nancy's author, Jane O'Connor and illustrator, Robin Preiss Glasser signed with Alex the following day. You are amazing, Alex.

 I love you SO~CAL! I dream of you, Bougainvillea.

Ahhh, Mexican pottery, I like your sunny disposition. Thank you, Steve and Kathleen, for your hacienda hospitality.  November 2011

The Art of Writing Children's Books

with Author/Illustrator Richard Jesse Watson

Saturday and Sunday, August 20th and 21st, 2011

10:00 am - 3:00 pm    $150

The Writers' Workshoppe in Port Townsend

234 Taylor Street

360.379.2617

    Due to a healthy waiting list for Richard's last session in July, he has agreed to do an encore in August. Sign up soon, there are only 4 spaces remaining.

   Have you ever wanted to write a children’s book? Everyone has stories to tell.  Come find out how to make your stories compelling. Join this two-day workshop designed to loosen your imagination and tighten your writing.

    Watson will demonstrate character development and story structure, with an emphasis on the picture book. Find the way back to your Island of Wild Things through Richard’s interactive and personal writing exercises.

    For anyone interested in writing for children, this class will give you tools and tangible steps to help launch your stories. Find out where your wild things are.

Bring the following to class:

Loose sheets of plain paper for class exercises

Pen, pencil and eraser

Richard Jesse Watson has been creating children’s picture books for twenty-five years.  His version of The Night Before Christmas rocketed to the New York Times Bestseller List (HarperCollins 2006), and Tom Thumb won the Golden Kite Award from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. 

*How to Hunt, Hogtie & Tame Picture Book Characters*

*TEXAS WORKSHOP*    JUNE 25th, 2011

 

Character Development Techniques for Writers and Illustrators of the Wild and Elusive Picture Book

All day workshop with Author/Illustrator Richard Jesse Watson

What: Watson leads several interactive character-busting exercises designed for both writer and illustrator. Track down stubborn picture book characters and develop their true selves. Discover ways to think outside your own boxes and create memorable picture book text and illustrations based on character-driven discoveries.

 

Where: Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1330 South Fielder St., Arlington, Texas.

When: Saturday, June 25th, 2011   
Time:   9:30 am - 4 pm with a lunch break from 12 noon - 1:30 pm

Admission: $45 for members, $50 for non-members

                     Special $25 Student rate with current valid ID

Contact: George Hellstern, Regional Advisor

               and Alan Stacy, Assistant Regional Advisor

Website: SCBWI North Central/Northeast Texas Upcoming Events

Imagination Celebration in Olympia, WA

Come join the fun in downtown Olympia! IMAGINATION CELEBRATION is a family friendly block party to celebrate summer, reading, and imagination.

Saturday • June 18, 2011  12:00-5:00 
Behind the downtown Timberland Regional Library

 

Kids will get to meet their favorite authors:  New York Times bestselling author, Brandon Mull, (author of the Fablehaven Series), award winning, New York Times Bestselling author illustrator Jesse Joshua Watson (Hope for Haiti), New  York Times Bestseller and Golden Kite award-winning author illustrator Richard Jesse Watson (The Magic Rabbit), and Deb Lund, dinomite author of several books for young children, including the rollicking dinosaur adventure books, DINOTRAIN and DINOSAILORS.  

 Puppet shows, dance, music and a special presentation Wrapped! The Search for the Essential Mummy from Stephanie Lile, exhibit curator for the Washington State History Museum, will entertain.  Kids will also get a chance to make their own books, puppets, book marks and other crafts at the over 25 activity stations.  Little ones get a tent of their own for special birth-5 activities in the Little Tot Tent. 

   “Families who are looking for a wonderful day to spend with the kids have found it  ~  Imagination Celebration is a free youth and family event that marks the beginning of summer in the South Sound!” says Jennifer Forster, Imagination Celebration committee member and director of the South Sound “Read 20 minutes a day” Reading Foundation.  For more information visit www.reading foundation.org/southsound or visit the Timberland Regional Library web site at www.TRL.org, or call the South Sound Reading Foundation at (360)412-4499.

Watson Exhibition in Vancouver, BC

Original paintings published in Watson's newest children's book, The Lord's Prayer, along with preliminary serigraph studies, will be exhibited at Regent's Outlook Gallery, on the UBC campus. If you're in the area, join Richard at the opening reception on Wednesday, May 11, 2011, 4:30-7:30 pm. The show runs from May 11th through June 17th, 2011.

Regent College  

corner of Wesbrook Mall and University Blvd

5800 University Blvd •  Vancouver, BC  •  604.224.3245

Plant-A-Thon Art Auction

"Sharing Their Journey"

Here's a chance to own an original painting by Richard Jesse Watson and help restore salmon and wildlife habitat at the same time. 

The Plant-A-Thon Project will add another 5,000 trees this month, all planted by local children, teen and adult volunteers. Visionary, Jude Rubin, (a botanist with Northwest Watershed Institute) launched this program seven years ago.  Max Grover and Amanda Kingsley, donated their commissioned works in previous years. 2011

The online auction is taking place at: http://www.swanschool.net/plantathon.html 

Read more about Planting It Forward at: Peninsula Daily News

Over-the-Moon Art Exhibit

 

Saturday, February 5  ~  5:30 - 8:00 pm, 2011

Richard will be at the Bishop during Gallery Walk 

signing his newest book (limited copies)!

 Visit his Art Exhibit at the Bishop Hotel's Olympic Grand Lobby
Downtown Port Townsend

January 8- February 28, 2011

Take advantage of the Bishop's Dinner, Movie and More Package Special
~the perfect mid-winter getaway~
Directions
800.824.4738

Vancouver BC Booksigning at Regent College Bookstore

Richard will be signing copies of his newest book at Regent Bookstore on the UBC campus. 

Wednesday evening he'll be sharing his inspiration and experience illustrating The Lord's Prayer during the combined classes, Books, Children & God  and Christian Imagination, starting at 6:30 pm.

 

Wednesday, 2 February, 2011 

12:00- 1:30 pm   •   5:30- 6:30 pm 

 and

Thursday, 3 February, 2011

11:00 am - 12:30 pm  

Regent College  

corner of Wesbrook Mall and University Blvd

5800 University Blvd •  Vancouver, BC  •  604.224.3245

Timberland Regional Library's Family Read Aloud Program Bookfair

Saturday, January 29, 12:00 - 2:00 pm, 2011

at Barnes & Noble     Olympia, Washington

1:00 pm 

Writer/illustrator Richard Jesse Watson will loosen kid's imaginations and fire up the artist and storyteller within.

Join in as Richard develops a fast-paced collaborative story using cartooning and character-driven fun. Children will be able to share ideas and draw along to create their own unique characters and plot twists. Materials will be provided.

Help Timberland Regional Library support Family Read Aloud by making a purchase of any kind.  A percentage of your purchase will be contributed 1/27/2011 to 2/1/2011.  Give voucher Bookfair ID#10394708 before making your purchase.

Barnes & Noble,  1530 Black Lake Blvd,  Olympia, WA   360.236.1541

Leapfrog: Hop Your Way To a Well-Crafted Picture Book

Writing Workshop lead by Author/Illustrator, Richard Jesse Watson

January 15 and 16, 2011
Saturday & Sunday
10:00 am - 3:00 pm ~ $150.

Held at The Writers' Workshoppe
820 Water Street
Port Townsend, Washington
360 379-2617


Loosen your imagination and tighten your writing. Discover Watson's approach to unleashing creative potential. Join this seasoned author/illustrator as he demonstrates the interactive leapfrog method to story development. By alternating between words and pictures you will bound ahead in your narrative skills.

Watson will give you tools to ignite your passion. Everyone has stories to tell. Come find out how to make your stories compelling.

Richard Jesse Watson has been creating children's picture books for twenty-five years. His version of The Night Before Christmas rocketed to the New York Times Bestseller List (HarperCollins 2006), and Tom Thumb won the Golden Kite Award from the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. As an accomplished storyteller and instructor, Watson's classes provide inspiration and tangible steps to help launch your stories. Whether your goal is simply to hog-tie a fat, chewy story, or to perfect a publishable text, his workshop will stampede you closer to your goal.

Winter Art Classes for Kids!

Taught by Richard Jesse Watson and Susi Watson

Give the gift of creative exploration to your young person!

Design one-of-a-kind Poem Box, paint and fill it with poetry
December 22, 2010 • Wednesday • One day only

Session 1:
9:30-11:00 AM

Session 2:
1:00-2:30 PM

Session 3: 3:30-5:00 PM

Class fee: $25 per session
Limited class size • Pre-register to save a spot!

Ages 5 and up
Parents are welcome to stay or drop off your kids



SECOND CLASS SERIESInvent a character, put it in a story and bring it to life as a 3D sculpture

December 28 • 29 • 30 , 2010
Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday

Session 1:9:30-11:00 AM each day - Tues, Wed, Thurs

Session 2:
1:00-2:30 PM each day - Tues, Wed, Thurs

Session 3: 3:30-5:00 PM each day - Tues, Wed, Thurs

Class fee: $75 per session (includes three consecutive days for each session)

Limited class size • Pre-register to save a spot!

Ages 5 and up
Parents are welcome to stay or drop off your kids

Gift certificates available for the perfect holiday gift!Credit card and PayPal payments accepted
Classes will take place at the Watson Studio
in Port Townsend, Washington
email rjw@olympus.net or phone 360.385-7805
www.RichardJesseWatson.com

Watson Holiday Studio Sale & Book Release Party!

Saturday, December 4th, 2010
11:00 am to 4:30 pm
Please join us for our studio party
in Port Townsend, Washington
* directions

Original paintings, prints, cards, handmade art boxes and personalized, signed books by father and son author/illustrators,
Richard Jesse Watson & Jesse Joshua Watson

Holiday goodies served


Special Book Release Party!

Celebrating Jesse's newest book, Hope For Haiti!

Jesse will present a slide show from his recent trip to Haiti through out the day. Learn what you can do to help Haiti, or to become involved in local support efforts. More at Jesse's blog








A portion of all sales from the Watson Holiday Studio Sale will be donated to World Vision's programs for children in Haiti




If you can't make it to our party, there's still time to order signed books, prints and original art for the holidays by contacting us at (360) 385-7805 or by email bookart@olympus.net





*Directions:
Heading out of Port Townsend on Hastings Ave
Take a right onto Ivy St
We're the 6th house on the right at 2305 Ivy St
~Parking on right side of street~

Leapfrog to WLMA WALE Librarians Conference October 15, 2010

Hop on over to Seatac's Doubletree Hotel this week where Richard and son Jesse will be presenting to the fabulous librarians and teachers of Washington. See the WLMA/WALE Conference website for details.