The goal of our I HeART New Jersey series is to introduce our readers to local NJ artists. These Garden State makers hone their craft while working with items like clay, metal, paint, film, and more. This time around, we’re putting the spotlight on watercolor artists. In particular, all of these artists find inspiration from living in NJ.
Quick Click Guide: Click a watercolor artist to go straight to their profile.
| Marie Natale | James Fiorentino | Megan Doherty |
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Marie Natale
Marie Natale was five years old when her aunt, an artist from Canada, arrived with a gift for Marie’s mother; It was a painting of the river and landscape view across from her aunt’s home in Pointe au Pic, Quebec. From that moment, Marie knew she also wanted to be an artist.
In her youth, Marie painted with oils, acrylics and watercolors. She soon found a second passion, teaching, and took on the task of combining her two loves into one. As a result, she has a B.A. and M.A. in Art Education from Rowan University. Throughout her adult years, Marie studied under world renowned mentors; watercolor artists such as Charles Reid, Mel Stabin, and Herman Pekel.
Marie paints any subject that grabs her attention, but she is always drawn to old architecture and historical landmarks; specifically, those within southern New Jersey’s farming and seashore communities. Meanwhile, Marie teaches students throughout the country and abroad through online classes. Her work portfolio includes Rowan University and NJ Transit, as well as private clients.
Click here to visit her website and find her paintings, in addition to upcoming workshops and classes.
James Fiorentino
James Fiorentino is a watercolor artist who also has a place in baseball history. In fact, he is the youngest artist to ever be featured in the National Baseball Hall of Fame; he painted his likeness of Reggie Jackson at the age of 15.
Starting with private art lessons at the age of eight, James has painted almost every day for 25 years. His sport-themed watercolor paintings include the likenesses of athletes such as Derek Jeter, Michael Jordan, and Hulk Hogan. However, his signature style is unlike most watercolor art, and ends up looking more like a photo than a painting.
This Norman Rockwell-esque brand of watercolor art earns him both fans and awards. But perhaps his greatest achievement is an endorsement from none other than Muhammad Ali. After seeing a piece James had done of him, Ali announced, “James, you are the greatest.”
Now living in Hunterdon County, James enjoys painting the wildlife, rolling hills and landscapes that surround him. You can find his work at Studio7 Fine Art Gallery in Bernardsville or click here to visit his website.
Megan Doherty
Megan Doherty is the poster child for a self-taught artist. After learning the basics of watercolor painting in high school, Megan kept honing her skills on her own. Online research taught her proper techniques, and then she found watercolor artists on Instagram willing to share their process.
Megan’s two favorite subjects to paint are animals and seascapes, simply because they bring her the most joy. She likes to think of her paintings as snapshots from a moment of time. With this in mind, she loves to paint commissions and capture a feeling or a moment for someone else.
Various Garden State spots, like the Delaware Water Gap and her grandparents’ farm in Warren County, influence Megan’s work. Of course, the Jersey shore makes a few appearances in her portfolio. In addition to painting, Megan is a full-time elementary school art teacher in Phillipsburg.
Click here to visit her website, where you can purchase her work or commission her for something special.
Click here for more stories from our I HeART New Jersey series.
Top (Hero) Photo: © James Fiorentino
Other Photos (in Order):
Marie Natale
James Fiorentino
Megan Doherty
