East County News Service
July 11, 2026 (El Cajon) — Horizon Hills resident and acclaimed artist Chuck McPherson recently earned the Second Place award in the San Diego Watercolor Society’s July 2026 Member’s Exhibition, themed “Patriotic Sagas.”
McPherson’s watercolor piece, titled “On the Road Again,” (see photo above) was selected for the honor out of 218 entries by nationally known juror Stephanie Goldman.
Goldman praised the work, noting its unexpected approach and technical prowess.
“I never would have guessed this was Chuck’s work — he always manages to surprise me,” Goldman said. “This is a tour de force of a large watercolor. Even with a centralized figure, the composition is driven by a strong diagonal that pulls you through the scene, with a second diagonal leading the eye back to a flag that anchors the Americana theme perfectly. The watercolor technique is masterful — tight detail in the forefront, loose and free in other areas. Fabulous work.”
A well-known figure in the local arts community, McPherson works in watercolor, mixed media, acrylic and oil. He earned a B.A. in Graphic Communications (with Distinction) from San Diego State University and studied illustration at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena.
Throughout his career, McPherson has garnered hundreds of awards and holds triple Signature status with the Western Federation of Watercolor Societies and Watercolor West. In 2024, marking his 10th year being juried into the SDWS International Exhibition, he earned Master Artist status with the San Diego Watercolor Society.
His work has been exhibited at prominent regional institutions, including the Oceanside Museum of Art, the California Center for the Arts Escondido and the San Diego Museum of Art, alongside fine galleries such as COAL Gallery, Adelman Gallery and Ashton Gallery.
Beyond his time at the easel, McPherson has been highly active in arts leadership. His past roles include serving as Third Vice President on the 2011 National Watercolor Society Board, Member Shows Director on the SDWS Board, Newsletter Chair for the San Diego Museum of Art Artists Guild and First Vice President on the Foothills Art Association Board.
McPherson also shares his expertise as an instructor, with workshops and mentorships.
The “Patriotic Sagas” exhibit runs through Saturday, Aug. 1, at the SDWS Gallery, located at 2528 Dewey Road in Liberty Station. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, where the paintings are available for viewing and purchase.
Founded in 1965, the San Diego Watercolor Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding the appreciation of and involvement in watermedia painting through education, exhibition and promotion.
More information can be found at sdws.org or chuckmcphersonart.com