George Watson (painter) facts for kids
George Watson (1767 – 24 August 1837) was an important Scottish artist. He was a portrait painter, meaning he specialized in painting pictures of people. He also became the very first president of the Royal Scottish Academy, a famous art institution in Scotland.
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Early Life and Art Training
George Watson was born in 1767 at Overmains, his father's estate in Berwickshire, Scotland. He was the son of John Watson and Frances Veitch. George went to school in Edinburgh.
He first learned about painting from Alexander Nasmyth, another Scottish artist. When George was 18, he moved to London. There, he became a student of Sir Joshua Reynolds, a very famous painter. George studied in Reynolds' art studio for two years.
After his training, Watson returned to Edinburgh. He started his own career as a portrait painter.
Becoming a Famous Artist
In 1808, George Watson joined other artists to create an art society. This group did not last for many years. He often showed his paintings at the Royal Academy and the British Institution in London. Around 1815, he was asked to come to London to paint several important people.
In 1820, the Scottish Academy was founded. This happened even though there was a lot of disagreement from another group called the Royal Institution. Watson had been the leader of the earlier art society. So, he was chosen to be the first president of the new Scottish Academy.
He was a skilled leader and helped the academy become very successful. Watson remained president until he died in 1837. A few months after his death, the academy received its royal charter, making it the Royal Scottish Academy.
Watson's Art Style
Some people say that George Watson was a friendly rival of Henry Raeburn, another well-known Scottish painter. Watson was good at showing people's personalities in his paintings. His work was very professional and followed the art styles of his time.
However, his paintings are not as famous today as those by Raeburn. You can see Watson's art in many public collections. The National Gallery of Scotland has his portraits of artists like Benjamin West and Archibald Skirving. The Scottish Portrait Gallery also has several of his works. These include a painting of himself and one of William Smellie. Many people think the portrait of William Smellie is his best work.
Family Life
Soon after returning from London, George Watson married Rebecca Smellie. She was the daughter of William Smellie, who was a printer and a naturalist. George and Rebecca had five children. Rebecca and their children were still alive when George passed away.
Watson died at his home in Edinburgh on 24 August 1837. He is buried in St Cuthbert's Churchyard in Edinburgh. His nephew, John Kippen Watson, is also buried with him.
His Son, William Smellie Watson
George Watson's son, William Smellie Watson (1796–1874), also became a portrait painter. He was born in Edinburgh. William learned from his father and studied at the Trustees' Academy. For five years, starting in 1815, he studied at the London Royal Academy schools. He also worked with Sir David Wilkie for a year.
William returned to Edinburgh and became a successful portrait painter. He was one of the people who helped start the Scottish Academy. For almost 50 years, he regularly showed his paintings there. He focused only on painting portraits.
William Smellie Watson died in Edinburgh on 6 November 1874. He is buried with his parents in St Cuthbert's Churchyard.
William was very interested in nature, especially birds. He collected many animal specimens. He left this large collection to the University of Edinburgh when he died. George Watson has more than 35 paintings in public art collections across Britain.
