John Baragwanath King (1864–1939) Vintage Watercolour Art 

John Baragwanath King (1864–1939) was a British landscape artist best known for his vintage watercolour art or paintings in gouache, particularly his stunning depictions of the South Coast of England, Cornwall, and the Lake District. Born near Penzance, Cornwall, King’s early career took a different direction. He first worked as an engineer before discovering his true passion for painting. Eventually, he turned to art full-time and quickly became known for his vibrant watercolours that captured the beauty of the British landscape and local farms and characters.

King’s career took off after the turn of the century, when his work caught the eye of Queen Alexandra. She purchased one of his paintings, which was followed by subsequent purchases from her husband, King Edward VII. These royal commissions brought significant attention to King’s art, and his vintage watercolour pieces began to gain recognition. He exhibited his work in various prestigious locations, including the Baillie Gallery, MAFA, and the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours (RI), as well as internationally in Paris, Venice, Germany, and Argentina.

While King enjoyed some early fame, his career took a downturn after selling a painting to Kaiser Wilhelm just before the outbreak of World War I, leading to public controversy. Despite this, his work continued to be appreciated by collectors and institutions alike, with his art featuring in collections such as those of The National Trust.

King lived in St. Austell, Cornwall, and it is believed he had a studio in Connaught Avenue, Mutley, Plymouth, where he continued to paint, capturing the beauty of his surroundings. His landscapes, often painted in vibrant hues of blue, pink, green, grey, and purple, demonstrate his versatility and skill in manipulating colour to create depth and atmosphere. His artistic style, influenced by the likes of Cézanne, was marked by his use of colour contrasts to convey light, dark, and perspective, making his vintage watercolour art stand out, often with light pencil underdrawings which can be as interesting and informative as the painting itself.

King published a book titled Arthur and Others in Cornwall and is believed to have spent his later years in the Cornish village of Trewoon, just outside Truro in South Cornwall where he painted mainly for personal enjoyment, often alongside his love of a good pint of beer.

John Baragwanath King’s legacy as a creator of vintage watercolour art endures through his beautiful and evocative landscapes, many of which continue to be celebrated and displayed in collections worldwide.

Source: Various web-based