Thursday, September 10, 2009

Scott Waterman and Chinoiserie


Today we are exploring the extraordinary work of renowned artist and decorative painter Scott Waterman. His work has been featured in Southern Accents, House & Garden, Interior Design, and many others, and he is a favorite of interior designers across the country. For a wonderful profile of this talented artist in Southern Accents, please click here. Mr. Waterman was born in Florida and lived in Atlanta, so his timeless, elegant Southern aesthetic is evident. Now living in Los Angeles, he is very well known for his grand-scale murals commissioned by interior designers and private art collectors. He works primarily out of his L.A. studio and not on location, shipping his art to clients. But he often travels to the site in person to see the space or to oversee installation, so that the art is integrated and in harmony with its location. I was not surprised to learn that Mr. Waterman was influenced by James McNeill Whistler, as his Peacock Room at the Freer Gallery in D.C. is a masterpiece of interior decorative mural art. Mr. Waterman was kind enough to put together a group of Chinoiserie themed works from his extensive portfolio of murals, works on furniture, and works on paper. Although his portfolio covers a wide range of subjects, I think you will agree that his Chinoiserie work is stunning.

This silver leaf on silk project was created for the Santa Barbara historic estate of Holmby Hills and was featured in Southern Accents. Mr. Waterman noted that when working on silk one cannot make any mistakes. Click on the photos to enlarge. For more of his work, or to contact the artist, go to www.scottwaterman.com







These photos feature an antique canopy bed for which the artist painted four paintings to be changed with each season. Bamboo is summer, Pine is autumn, Plumb is winter, and Lotus is spring. The client is an Episcopal priest and Chinese scholar.














A wonderful Chinoiserie screen with the artist's sketches.




Another stunning screen for Charleston interior designer Amelia Handegan.


The artist in front of a large Chinoiserie canvas he created for Jean de Merry magazine ads.




32 comments:

  1. I have been away...just got back to this WONDERFUL post! Scott Waterman is such an inspiration...the silver takes amazing skill to execute. Thanks so much for the treat!

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  2. Scott's skills are very impressive! Amazingly beautiful work. Thank you for the introduction, Beth.

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  3. That bed is simply amazing -I would never leave!

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  4. cott Waterman is an incredible artist. Thank you for doing this post. It is always a treat to see his work.
    His silver leaf mural takes my breath away.

    xo
    Brooke

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  5. Scott Waterman"s silver leaf work for Holmby Hill is breath taking. Thank you so much for this post. Love it.

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  6. Theresa-Hope you were working on a wonderful project. I can't imagine the skill and talent involved with the silver leaf-amazing.

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  7. Anne-I knew you would appreciate his work.

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  8. Stefan-Except to change the paintings each season!

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  9. Brooke-The silver leaf is incredible. I can't stop thinking about it.

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  10. Scott Waterman's mural work exemplifies the results of an artist who is really accomplished on every level of the area in which he works. They are highly skilled, they fit the spaces extremely well, and they demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the traditions and historical background that inspired them. No wonder he has been so successful. Thanks Beth for posting his work.

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  11. Harrison-I'm sure your comments will mean much to Scott given your incredible talent and love of Chinoiserie.

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  12. wow. i'm jealous of the hip cats who get to live in that stunning white room!

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  13. The silver mural is absolutely stunning but I really love the idea of the canopy bed with the mural that changes with the seasons!

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  14. I have rarely seen such an exquisite wall covering as the silver leaf design white silk! Thank you for posting Scott Waterman's work. He is an amazing artisan.

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  15. Kitty-These are white walls I could live with.

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  16. Averill-True-the canopy bed idea is so unique.

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  17. Kit-So glad you like his work. It is stunning.

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  18. This is a gorgeous post, Beth!

    What passion and talent...Thank you for sharing the amazing work of Scott Waterman. {I'm bookmarking this!}

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  19. Sarah-Thanks and have a great weekend.

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  20. just incredible!! i love the bed!!! amazing

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  21. Lauren-I just ordered a canopy bed-the Annie Selke pagoda bed in gold-but I wish it had these to gaze up at!

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  22. Scott makes me want to use terms I haven't in years, like "mind-blowing" and "far out"!

    His talent is staggering and goes beyond comprehension. Thank you for celebrating him.

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  23. Sylvie-Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you enjoyed this post.

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  24. absolutely gorgeous. glad to see that Harrison saw it too.

    I would love to hire him to redo my house! anything!

    beautiful post.

    Joni

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  25. Joni-His work is stunning. He can do my house too.

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  26. I just love his sketches for chinoiserie! Amazing.

    Hilary
    http://www.pinkpianos.com

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  27. Hilary-I agree-I thought it was great seeing some of his sketches as well as the finished product.

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  28. scott is one of the BEST! thanks for featuring him here!

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  29. Lynne-It was my pleasure-thanks for stopping by.

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