Rosamond Parrish: Peripatetic Artist

A thread of creativity is woven through Rosamond Parrish’s life, from her early childhood fascination with drawing, oil and pastels; to college at Auburn University, where she majored in Spanish and English Literature, but chose elective studies in art. Later, she studied drawing at the University of Hawaii and attended many individual watercolor workshops given by nationally-known artists. She received a degree in Art following study at Florida Community College - Jacksonville and the University of North Florida; and a Four-Year Certificate in Art from Flagler College where she studied painting with Jean Troemel. An offer to teach at the Jacksonville Art Museum (now MOCA Jax) became 25 years of teaching watercolor at the museum, as well as in North Carolina and Montana and in workshops at the St. Augustine Art Association.

One of the first members of the Florida Watercolor Society, she later founded the Jacksonville Watercolor Society and is a member of the Society of Collage Artists. She served for three years as a Member of the Board for the St. Augustine Art Assn, and remains active in programs there.

In 2001, she was chosen as “Artist of the Year” by the Jacksonville Watercolor Society, and was honored with a show at the Cummer Museum and Gallery in Jacksonville.

Her sketching habit, developed in her travels in the US, Mexico and Europe, continues to inspire her with ideas for new paintings. She also relies on her extensive local and travel photography to enhance her recollections of places she’s visited.

One of her favorite subjects is imaginary lunches featuring Georgia O’Keefe and Frida Kahlo, two of Rosamond’s favorite artists. Wherever Rosamond travels, she imagines Georgia and Frida lunching there together. Says Rosamond, “This series has been, to say the least, absorbing and fulfilling, and may continue for a long time. Georgia and Frida are having a wonderful time!”

Her paintings and photos have won many awards, and she has had over 40 solo and group shows of her work. She often gives lectures and demonstrations in watercolor painting. Recently, her collages were featured in The Palette, a national arts instruction magazine. In January, 2009, she was invited to demonstrate her skill before a group of community leaders at Arts and Culture Day at the St. Augustine Art Association.

Rosamond works in watercolor, alkyds and collage and is represented by Butterfield Too Art Gallery, 137 King St, Saint Augustine, FL 32084. She accepts commissions.

She also teaches watercolor painting classes and is available to give demonstrations for organizations. Call 904-825-4672 for more information, or send her an e-mail.