John Salchak Watercolor

Palace Gate

John J. "Jim" Salchak has been captivated by the medium of watercolor for the over thirty years. His paintings have been shown in numerous local and national juried exhibitions, including the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society and Watercolor West.

Jim is a signature member and past president of both the National Watercolor Society and Watercolor West and has also achieved signature membership in the Nevada and San Diego Watercolor Societies.

His paintings have been published in the Best of Watercolor, People in Watercolor and Watercolor Expressions. A feature article on his work appeared in the Summer 2003 issue of Watercolor Magazine and in the Fall 2006 issue of American Artist’s Watercolor Highlights. He has served as a juror for both national and local art exhibitions.

In Jim’s workshops he emphasizes the importance of selective vision through simplification and focus and using the design principles to create strong compositions. Jim encourages direct painting, getting the right value and color with the first wash, to achieve good clean color and prevent overworking.

Jim has a special interest in the art of John Singer Sargent (1856-1925). Over the years he has developed an in-depth knowledge of his life and work and has presented slide-illustrated lectures on Sargent’s watercolors to many art organizations.