Artist's Bio

Jesse Joshua Watson is an award winning, NY Times Bestselling illustrator and author whose work includes Hope for Haiti, Chess Rumble, and the Hank Zipzer series.

Whether hammocking in Brazil, exploring in Hong Kong, dodging taxis in Russia, studying art in Europe, dancing in Jamaica, or raising kids in Port Townsend, Washington, Jesse connects with people. He loves both the differences and the similarities that are so colorfully displayed across our diverse world. Jesse's passion and appreciation of people is voiced through his brush and on his canvas.

 

Watson family

His illustrations have been featured in magazines, art publications, CD covers and children's books.

Jesse is the illustrator of many books, including the NY Times Bestselling Hank Zipzer series by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver, I AND I - Bob Marley, written by Tony Medina, the award winning, ALA Notable CHESS RUMBLEChess Rumble by G. Neri, the Ziggy and the Black Dinosaurs series by Sharon Draper and These Things I Wish by Lee Pitts.

Jesse is excited to present the first book, both written and illustrated by him, HOPE FOR HAITI, published by Putnam.

Jesse's upcoming book, Ghetto Cowboy by G. Neri will be released Fall 2011 from Candlewick.

 

Jesse's artwork has been displayed in galleries, cafes, clubs and a museum. He was awarded Grand Prize Winner in 2005 and finalist in 2006 at the international Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators New York Showcase, juried by art directors from several major publishing houses. He has also shown at the Society of Illustrators Gallery in New York, in which two pieces won Honorable Mention during juried contests.

Jesse lives with his wife, Mariah, and their boys in Washington. In addition to writing and illustrating books, exhibiting fine art, and teaching art to kids, Jesse is infatuated with growing bamboo, plays soccer religiously, and surfs the chilly NW waters as often as he can.

Jesse presenting in St Louis

 
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