Ralph Waterhouse

After spending many years as a graphic designer, Ralph decided to pursue his real love: painting the countryside and its wildlife.

Painting became a full-time occupation in the early '70s when he moved to the English Lake District. Ralph lived there for many years, and it has a special place in his heart, with its lakes, beautiful villages, and mountains, which evoke a feeling of peace.

Ralph's wildlife paintings led to international recognition, including articles in leading magazines, a feature on BBC Television in England, and one-man and group art shows in England, West Germany, and the USA.

In the late 1980s, Ralph became inspired by the California landscape and its beautiful light. He shifted his focus from the intimate environment of his wildlife paintings to a much broader vista encompassing the whole landscape.

The late afternoon and early morning sunlight have a special quality that Ralph loves to capture on canvas. He spends as much time painting en plein air as possible, but works on his larger canvases in his studio.

In the early '90s, Ralph was asked by the British Consul in Los Angeles to present Margaret Thatcher with one of his paintings as a memento of her visit to California.

Ralph has exhibited in the national Oil Painters of America exhibitions, and one of his paintings was shown at the California State Capitol Building.

Ralph was commissioned to paint several large murals, which were prominently placed in the main branches and corporate offices of Santa Barbara Bank and Trust (now Union Bank).

In 2007, Ralph was commissioned to paint and design Santa Barbara's historic Old Spanish Days Fiesta poster. Fiesta has been a tradition and cultural celebration in Santa Barbara for almost 100 years.

His work has been featured in leading magazines, and he has won awards at various art shows and served as a judge for museum art shows. His paintings are held in many private collections throughout the world.

Ralph is a founding member of the Santa Barbara Art Dealers Association. He currently serves as co-chairman of the California Art Club, Central Coast Chapter, alongside his wife and business partner, Diane.