Ralph Waterhouse - After spending many years as a graphic designer Ralph decided to pursue his real love, painting the countryside and its wildlife. Painting became a full-time occupation in the early 70s when he moved to the English Lake District. Ralph lived there for many years and it has a special place in his heart, with its lakes, beautiful villages and mountains which evoke a feeling peace.

Ralph's wildlife paintings led to International recognition and this included articles in leading magazines, a feature on BBC Television in England and One Man and Group Art Shows in England, West Germany and the USA.

In the late 80s Ralph became inspired by the California Landscape and its beautiful light. He changed his focus from the very intimate environment of his Wildlife Paintings to a much broader vista encompassing the whole landscape.

The late afternoon and early morning sunlight have a special quality which Ralph loves to capture on canvas. He spends as much time painting "en plein-air" as possible, but works on his larger canvases in his studio.

In the early 90s Ralph was asked by the British Consul in Los Angeles to present Margaret Thatcher with one of his paintings as a memory of her visit to California.

Ralph has exhibited in the national Oil Painters of America Exhibitions and one of his paintings was in an exhibition at the State Capitol Building. He has had articles in leading magazines won awards at various Art shows, acted as a judge for museums art shows. His work is in many private collections throughout the world.

Ralph is president of the Santa Barbara Art Dealers Association and he is currently Chairman of the California Art Club, Central Coast Chapter.