An atmospheric river landscape painting of the Llugwy in North Wales. Cattle are shown watering by the river in the foreground, whilst sheep graze in the distant meadow. Beyond, can be seen the awe inspiring peaks of the Snowdonia mountain range.

Walter James Watson was born 21 Aug, 1877 in Seacombe, Cheshire, England the son of the artist William Watson Jnr (1847-1921) and his wife Ellenor Davies. He was part of the Watson family of artists which included his grandfather William Watson Snr 1809-1871 and his uncles Charles Watson (1837-1900) and Robert Watson (1855-1921). His siblings, Caroline Ellen Watson (1871-1947), William Robert Charles Watson (1873-1928) and Sidney Watson (1881-1931) also became artists.

Watson spent his first year living in Cheshire before the family moved to Station Road, Maghull in Liverpool around 1878. He was initially taught art by his father, most likely alongside his siblings before studying at the Wallasey School of Art in Liverpool. Although he was influenced by his father in both style and subject matter, his paintings have a softer and more subtle palette. Whilst many of his works are pastoral featuring cattle or sheep, it is the landscape that is the main focus.

After graduating in 1896 he began working as a full time artist and often accompanied his father and brothers on painting trips to Wales and the Scottish Highlands. He started exhibiting locally at the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool and in 1899 exhibited at Rodman & Co’s annual exhibition in Belfast. He made his debut at the Royal Cambrian Academy in 1903 and his works were also exhibited at Frost and Reed in 1905. He remained unmarried and lived with his parents in Birkenhead staying with his parents until his father’s death in 1921 and his mother’s in 1923.

He was made an associate of the Royal Cambrian Academy in 1923 and continued to paint and exhibit throughout his life. He spent his final years living at Roslyn, Oswestry where he died on 23 July, 1963.

© Benton Fine Art