Chayim Shvarzblat, an acclaimed watercolor landscape painter, was born in Lakewood, New Jersey, in 1954. He began his artistic journey by studying architecture at the New Jersey School of Art from 1971 to 1975. Despite this foundational education, a significant turning point in his career was moving to Paris following his parents’ divorce.
Early Inspiration and Education in Paris
In Paris, Shvarzblat lived with his father, a tea merchant, and his aunt, a watercolor painter. Inspired by his aunt’s passion for art, he enrolled in the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in 1976. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Painting in 1979, he conducted extensive research on watercolor painting techniques and produced several academic publications. This period laid the groundwork for his lifelong mastery of watercolor landscapes.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Shvarzblat has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Harkness Fellowship and the Guggenheim Fellowship. His artistic excellence led to his selection to represent the United States at the 1992 Venice Biennale.
Artistic Residencies and Global Inspiration
In 1983, Shvarzblat moved to Oxford, where he served as an artist-in-residence at Oxford University. After two years, he relocated to Sicily, where the breathtaking Mediterranean landscapes deeply influenced his work. Here, he began painting on location, capturing the unique beauty of the region. His subsequent move to the south of France further enriched his artistic perspective, leading to extensive travel across multiple countries, which broadened his repertoire.
Current Roles and Teaching
Currently, Shvarzblat is a visiting professor at the Institute of Fine Arts, New York University, where he teaches atmospheric watercolor techniques in-studio and en plein air. His Manhattan atelier serves as a hub for his artistic endeavors. He conducts workshops and demonstrations both locally and globally, sharing his expertise with aspiring artists.
Memberships and Exhibitions
A Signature member of the National Watercolor Society, American Watercolor Society, and the Transparent Watercolor Society of America, Shvarzblat is also an Artist member of the California Art Club. His work has been featured in over 200 exhibitions across prestigious galleries worldwide, with over 20 solo exhibitions to his name. His first solo exhibition was at the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1989.
Conclusion
Chayim Shvarzblat‘s journey is one of relentless exploration and artistic excellence. From Lakewood to Paris, Sicily to Nice, and ultimately to New York, his travels have shaped a unique perspective on watercolor landscapes. His dedication to teaching and sharing his craft continues to inspire a new generation of artists, cementing his legacy as a true master of atmospheric watercolor painting.