Frederick C. Graff is one of the foremost watercolorists of today. He is among a
select group of watercolorists who are Signature members of all three major
watercolor societies: American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society,
and Transparent Watercolor Society of America. His continuous growth and
development in his pursuit of watercolor has enabled him to be a leading
artist/educator in the field of watercolor painting.
Artist’s Statement:
“When an artist understands the basic principles and elements of design, the subject matter becomes unlimited. The selection of my subject matter is determined by my immediate response to the subject and its surrounding environment. It is essential that I go beyond the level of just recording facts. It is my intent to convey a spontaneous response in an unrestricted yet semi-controlled manner. This approach to watercolor painting lends itself to a unique and unpredictable experience. This state of uncertainty compels me to further explore the world of watercolor.”
A native of the Western Reserve, Frederick C. Graff resides in his hometown of Medina, Ohio with his wife Jan, who is his workshop and gallery coordinator. They have two children, Kari (Industrial Engineer, Purdue University) and Wyatt (MFA, Savannah College of Art and Design). In addition to his art, he and his family have been involved in extensive restoration of their Italianate style Victorian home, gallery, and studio.
Upon graduation from Miami University, Fred studied privately with the late
Franklin A. Bates. He pursued additional graduation work at both Kent State
University and the University of Akron. For thirty-three years, he had been an
art instructor for the Berea City School System. Equally as long, he has
conducted numerous on-location watercolor workshops throughout the United
States. In addition to his workshop series, he has presented a variety of
demonstrations and group critiques for various art organizations across the
country. His work has been featured in Watercolor Techniques For
Releasing the Creative Spirit, Creative Watercolor Workshop and
International Artist (February/March 2002), in addition to other
publications.
His diverse approach to watercolor painting has continued to attract individual and corporate collectors, including: Permanent Collection of the Governor’s Mansion of Ohio; Bank One; Wausau Insurance Co.; General Tire; Mobay Chemical; Dayton Citizen Federal; Cambridge Savings and Loan; Union Carbide; Guernsey Savings and Loan; Akron Beacon Journal; Key Bank, Zanesville Art Center, and many other corporate and private collections.
He has been accepted in numerous top national, state, and regional exhibits, some of which include:
AMERICAN WATERCOLOR SOCIETY
(8) Annual Exhibition Acceptances
(3) National Traveling Exhibits
Millard Sheets Memorial Medal
Emily Goldsmith Award
NATIONAL WATERCOLOR SOCIETY
TRANSPARENT WATERCOLOR SOCIETY OF AMERICA
(8) Annual Exhibition Acceptance
Winsor Newton Award
C.R. Williams Award
Award of Excellence
Purchase Award
(2) Merit awards
OHIO WATERCOLOR SOCIETY
Silver Buckeye Leaf Award
(2) Bronze Buckeye Leaf Award
Award of Distinction
Moon Mask Award
Larry Joyce Memorial Award
Inveresk Paper Award
North Coast Award
BUTLER MIDYEAR NATIONAL
ADIRONDACKS NATIONAL EXHIBITION OF AMERICAN WATERCOLORS
Exhibition Award
Traveling Exhibit