John Salchak Watercolor

Artist and teacher Henry Fukuhara passed away on January 31, 2010 at the age of 96. He was one of the living legends of watercolor and had been honored by Watercolor West and the National Watercolor Society. He had been the subject of feature articles in all the major artist magazines and other publications. His paintings have been seen in many books on watercolor.  

Henry Fukuhara was born in Los Angeles in 1913. In high school he developed a strong interest in art and studied briefly at the Otis Art Institute. His work progressed to the point that at the age of 20 he had an exhibit of his woodblock prints at the Los Angeles County Art Museum . But his budding art career was cut short by World War II. In 1942 Henry and his wife Fuji and their two small daughters were transported to Manzanar, the Japanese American Detention Center located near Lone Pine. Released in 1944, the Fukuhara family was relocated to Long Island , New York in 1945. On the East Coast Henry joined his father and brother in establishing a wholesale floral business. Working in the business and raising a family that now included another daughter and a son left no time for serious painting. However, Henry visited the museums and galleries in New York City as often as possible.

In 1972, Henry began painting with Edgar Whitney’s Saturday Group. Whitney was an inspirational teacher known for his teaching of the principles of design. Soon Henry had the opportunity to take workshops with Robert E. Wood, George Post, and Rex Brandt. However, it was Carl Molno, a teacher of modern art that had the greatest influence on Fukuhara’s painting. His innovative teaching caused Henry to go beyond just reporting and to develop a unique personal viewpoint. His work matured quickly and awards and gallery representation soon followed. In 1981 he conducted his first workshop in New York City . Henry discovered that he enjoyed teaching and many workshops followed in many parts of the country. In 1987 Henry and his family moved back to Santa Monica , California where he continued to teach and mentor many artists.

In 1998, Fukuhara organized a group of 25 artists to travel to the Manzanar War Relocation Center , now a National Historic Site, and the Alabama Hills to paint the magnificent scenery he experienced when he and his family were interned at the camp. This was the beginning of the Annual Henry Fukuhara Watercolor Workshops. Each year the number of artists increased until over 80 were attending including many well known artists and teachers.  At the Alabama Hills and Manzanar locations Henry would give a short lecture and do a demonstration. At the end of each day he would do a critique of the day’s work. Due to his failing health and the loss of his eyesight Henry had not been able to participate for the past four years but remained involved in the planning. The 13^th workshop will take place in May, 2010.  

Henry was a very generous person who loved to teach others and enjoyed hearing about the success of his students or colleagues. His habit was to send a note containing a little watercolor sketch that was like getting a special award. He will be missed by many.

Henry