Charles Waterhouse (artist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Waterhouse
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Waterhouse at the Salmagundi Club in 2008.
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| Born | September 22, 1924 |
| Died | November 16, 2013 (aged 89) Toms River, New Jersey
United States |
| Education | Newark School of Fine & Industrial Art |
| Known for | Painting, illustrating & sculpting |
| Awards | Marine Corps Artist in Residence Legion of Merit Purple Heart Medal |
| Patron(s) | U. S. Marine Corps |
Charles H. Waterhouse (born September 22, 1924 – died November 16, 2013) was an American painter, illustrator, and sculptor. He was famous for his artworks that showed the history of the United States Marine Corps. His art covered many topics, from the very beginning of the Marines at Tun Tavern to more recent events. Throughout his career, he created over 500 pieces for the Marine Corps art collection.
Contents
Life of an Artist and Marine
Waterhouse joined the Marine Corps in August 1943. He served with the 5th Marine Division during World War II. He was part of the first group of soldiers who landed on Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945. During this battle, he was badly hurt by enemy action. He suffered permanent nerve damage to his left hand. For his bravery, he received the Purple Heart medal.
Art Training and Career
After the war, Waterhouse went to art school. He studied at the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts in New Jersey. There, he learned a style called "romantic realism." This style was used by famous artists like Howard Pyle and N.C. Wyeth. After finishing school in 1950, Waterhouse became a popular illustrator. His work appeared in many books, magazines, and other publications.
War Artist and Marine Corps Historian
During the Vietnam War, Waterhouse went to Vietnam three times. He served as a civilian combat artist. This meant he drew and painted what he saw during the war. In 1971, the Marine Corps History Division asked him to create 14 large paintings. These paintings showed Marines during the American Revolution. They were made for the U.S. Bicentennial, which celebrated 200 years of America.
The paintings were a big success. Because of this, the Marines gave Waterhouse a special title. He became the "USMC Artist in Residence." He was the first and only person to ever receive this honor. At the same time, the Marines promoted him to colonel. He retired from the Marines at that rank on February 19, 1991.
Later Works and Legacy
Even after retiring, Colonel Waterhouse continued to paint the history of the Marine Corps. When he was 81 years old, he started a huge project. He wanted to create a series of paintings showing Marines and Navy corpsmen. These were people who received the Medal of Honor for their incredible bravery. By the time he passed away, he had finished 225 paintings and 107 portraits. These included Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War all the way to Afghanistan.
In 2012, Waterhouse gave his entire Medal of Honor series and other paintings to the National Museum of the Marine Corps. You can see his artwork in museums, government buildings, and historical places across the country. An astronaut even wore a t-shirt with his design of the USMC emblem in space! Waterhouse also wrote and illustrated several books, including Vietnam Sketchbook. He received many awards during his life, including the Legion of Merit.
Death
Charles Waterhouse passed away on November 16, 2013. He died at his daughter's home in Tom's River, New Jersey. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on February 19, 2014. His wife, Barbara Andersen Waterhouse, who passed away in 2009, is also buried there.
See also
- National Museum of the Marine Corps (where some of his works are displayed)
- Waterhouse Museum
