John Partridge, well-known watercolor artist of the Central Coast, has a biography as diverse (and successful) as his artwork. As a boy growing up in Los Angeles, he found he had natural artistic talent and innate curiosity about how things worked. Even from an early age, he was interested in everything in his environment. He first received recognition for his talent in high school when his mechanical drawings won him awards and placement in his first job making drawings for industrial design. Knowing his talent could take him even further, he started his first business at the age of 25. Advance Adapters, Inc. has grown into a highly respected manufacturer of 4-wheel drive aftermarket automotive products, many of which are designed by John.
Turning his interest from industry to art in the 1990's, John began studying watercolor painting. His continued and fervent interest in the world around him and his early experience with disciplined drawing combined to make him a master landscape artist. His work has significant architectural features softened by his use of color and light to create his unique style of rural serenity. Over the years his romantic depictions of local landmarks and landscapes have earned him the informal designation, "artist laureate" of Paso Robles. Never one to rest, John expanded his repertoire as he traveled the world with his wife, Barbara, and now includes scenes of New England, the Deep South, Britain, Italy, Greece, and the Hawaiian Islands in his collections.
His goal in each of his paintings is to capture a rare and unique moment in time, something he does exceptionally well.
John has enjoyed significant commercial success in the art world. In 2000 he was engaged by Sunset Magazine to do the artwork for the promotional campaign for that year's Festival on the Green starring the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. The following year the California Bed and Breakfast Association selected his work for the cover of the 2001 Directory of Inns, distributing over 125,000 copies. More recently, he was retained by the Wrigley family to provide the artwork for the front and back cover of the book written about the family history and Catalina Island.
John's work hangs in many prominent hotels and businesses in the Central Coast creating a sense of unity throughout the area. From the Paso Robles Inn, to Peabody and Plum, from the historic Train Station to Heritage Oaks Bank, John's view of our world pleases all who enjoy beautiful moments and beautiful places.
Perhaps the best place to find John Partridge painting in action is at a local festival or fair. In the warm months he can be found painting to audiences at the Mid State Fair, Wine Festival, and Olive Festival among others. His robust personality combined with his unflagging interest in almost everything and his accomplished painting style attract new and old fans, alike.
John has a studio at his home in rural Paso Robles. Nestled between his olive orchard and, vineyards of prize-winning Barbera and Sangiovese grapes, the studio is open by appointment.
