About the Artist

Amber Waterhouse

"Art is a necessity, beauty we must have in the world." Charles W. Hawthorne

I have been making art since I was very young. I don’t know what I love more, making art or studying it.  Thus was the predicament of my college education.  I studied art history and am glad for my decision, as life usually knows where to lead you.  I am passionate today as ever for the study of art and I think it motivates my painting.  I grew up with creative people and through them, a great appreciation for the beauty found in our everyday surroundings.   Living on the coast of southern Massachusetts most of my life, I am attracted to the beauty that comes with this environment all year long.  The coastline and all its splendor is a multi season muse.  I love old things, whether buildings or boats or objects. I am attracted to their patina and craftsmanship, to the beauty they once held and still hold today.  Color is the emotional driver, the source of inspiration for me.  I love the juxtapositions, the contrasts, and the problem solving that comes with trying to capture it.  Painting allows for the opportunity to capture, somewhat romantically, a moment, a passage of light and atmosphere that sings to you.

I have been studying at the North River Arts Society for more than twenty years, and at many other institutions and workshops along the way including; The Academy of Realistic Art in Boston, Museum School Boston and Mass Art.  This has provided me with the opportunity to study with some of the best teaching artists in the area including;  Margaret McWethy, Sue Charles, David P. Curtis and Leo Mancini-Hresko.  Additionally my self-study comes from reading and re-reading the lessons given by some of the great artist teachers including Emile Gruppe, John F. Carlson,  Harold Speed, Charles Hawthorne, Richard Schmid and Roger W. Curtis.   Some of my favorite artists include Edward Hopper, John Singer Sargent, Aldro T. Hibbard,  Emile Gruppe, Frederick Mulhaupt, Bernard Corey and Anne Packard.  I am forever inspired by the works of Cezanne, Vermeer, Bert Morisot, Manet, Monet, and Van Gogh.  I show my work at juried shows and galleries on the south shore and have received awards for my work.