Local artist profile: Michael Watson

THIS week we chat with emerging Eaglehawk fine artist and teacher Michael Watson, who said completing more than 300 plein air works around Bendigo during the past six years has been a highlight of his practice to date.

What motivated you to become a fine artist?

After finishing VCE in 2016, I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to take in life.

Meeting my first tutor, Ben Winspear, changed everything.

I was captivated by the techniques of the Old Masters and the intricate processes behind traditional fine art.

What fascinates me most is the mastery of a challenging skill – training the eye to see with precision and the hand to create with accuracy.

In 2019, I joined an art study tour to Italy and Spain, where I immersed myself in history’s greatest works and visited an atelier in Florence.

That experience inspired my dream of one day studying in Florence to refine my skills and pursue my goal of becoming a professional academic fine artist.

How would you describe your style?

I consider myself a representational fine artist.

I’m not a fan of the term ‘style’ because it can sometimes imply a lack of training or intentionality.

As an artist’s skills grow, their work becomes more refined and accurate.

When I study the Old Masters, their ‘style’ often appears consistent because they achieved such mastery of technique.

That’s the level of excellence I strive to emulate in my own work.

Which artists inspire you?

My tutors, Ben Winspear and Darren Crothers, have been incredible inspirations.

I’m also inspired by the Old Masters and our Australian Impressionists such as Streeton and Roberts.

Their mastery is a testament to what humanity can achieve through discipline and passion.

Additionally, I find inspiration in young contemporary artists from Europe, the US and Russia.

Seeing their work fuels my ambition to improve and contribute to the niche field of fine representational art in Australia.

I hope to keep this tradition alive by capturing modern Australian life through plein air painting and still life.

What are some highlights you have from your career so far?

One (highlight) was being invited to exhibit in the Lifelike exhibition alongside accomplished artists such as Terry Jarvis, Shaun Clarke, and Meg Holmes.

It was my first professional show, and it felt incredibly special.

Another has been painting en plein air around Bendigo.

Over the past six years, I’ve completed more than 300 plein air works, each capturing unique moments and scenes.

These experiences have deepened my connection to both my craft and my local landscape.

How can people check out your work online?

Instagram (michaelwatsonartist), Facebook (michaeljwatsonart), YouTube (@MichaelWatsonArtist) and my website – michaelwatsonart.weebly.com

Are you working on anything right now?

I’m currently working on a series of still life paintings that explore childhood through a nostalgic lens.

These works are designed to resonate with young Australians aged 16-30, a demographic that typically isn’t drawn to fine representational art.

My hope is that the relatable subject matter and engaging compositions will inspire a newfound appreciation for the skill and depth required in this art form.

What would you say to young regional aspiring artists who are thinking of pursuing a creative life?

Have a solid backup plan – for me, that’s teaching.

Success as an artist requires patience, resilience, and relentless practice.

It’s all about ‘brush mileage’ – just keep creating, learning and improving.

Mastery takes decades, and that’s okay.

It’s a marathon, not a sprint, so focus on the journey and embrace the process.

This is the way.