Artist's Bio

Jesse Joshua Watson is an award winning, NY Times Bestselling illustrator whose work includes Chess Rumble, I AND I Bob Marley, the Hank Zipzer series and more.

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.

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

Jesse has illustrated the NY Times Bestselling Hank Zipzer series by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver, American Library Association's Notable Chess Rumble by G. Neri, the Ziggy and the Black Dinosaurs series by Sharon Draper and These Things I Wish by Lee Pitts. Jesse's latest book is I AND I, Bob Marley, written by Tony Medina. I AND I. Buy yours today right here Jesse's new book, Ghetto Cowboy by G. Neri is coming early 2011 from Candlewick.

visit my BLOG to read my mind

 

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 IllustratorsNew York Showcase, juried by art directors from several major publishing houses. He is also proud to have 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.