Artist and Instructor Tony Conner

Tony Conner is a self-taught watermedia artist known for expressive en plein air landscapes and seascapes. 

No matter the subject, most of his work is done from direct observation, focusing on the quality and character of light and what it reveals about the subject.

His work is widely exhibited and appreciated for unique point of view and expressive handling of transparent watercolor in particular. 

He is a Signature Member of the New England and Vermont Watercolor Societies and an Artist Member of the North Shore Arts Association and the venerable Salamagundi Club.

He is based and does most of his work in the inspiring landscape of southern Vermont. 

  • Tony’s path as a self-taught artist has followed apprenticeship to the unique disciplines of watercolor. His landscape and seascape paintings are recognized for their unique and expressive style. He produces both studio and “plein air” paintings which are mostly expressions of scenic coastlines and rural landscapes. Tony is a Signature Member of the New England Watercolor Society, an Artist Member of the Vermont Watercolor Society, and Artist Member of the North Shore Artists Association and New York’s venerable Salmagundi Club.

  • Nearly all of my work is done from direct observation. Whether it is a landscape, seascape, still life or figure model, it is my objective to identify the essential element that gives the subject its singular meaning.

    Each painting is an effort to reveal how a moment in time is reflected through the interaction of pattern, contrasts and the unique impressions of light, color and value.

    Times of transition are especially captivating to me, since distinct moments are revealed in subtle, yet unmistakable, contrasts.

    Watercolor is my main medium of choice. Applying watercolor to paper means the artist must relinquish control and, instead, engage in a conversation with the paint and its rhythmic fluidity.

  • SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS “Landscapes and Seascapes”, Great Bay Community College, Portsmouth, New Hampshire

    “The Vermont Landscape En Plein Air, Spotlight Gallery, Vermont Arts Council, Montpelier, Vermont

    “Landscape Observed and Interpreted”, Burgdorf Gallery, Southern Vermont College

    “Impressions of the Slate Valley”, Slate Valley Museum, Granville, New York

    SELECTED JURIED EXHIBITIONS

    New England Watercolor Society Signature Members Show, Boston, MA

    New England Watercolor Society Regional Juried and National Open Exhibitions

    Pittsburgh Watercolor Society Aqueous Open

    Rhode Island Watercolor Society National Watermedia Exhibtion

    Hudson Valley Art Association, Annual National Exhibition

    Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolors

    Kansas Watercolor Society National Open Watercolor Exhibit

    AWARDS

    Salmagundi Club Exhibition Of En Plein Air Paintings, 2nd Prize, 2022

    New England Watercolor Society Signature Members Show, Award Of Merit, 2022

    New England Watercolor Society Instructors Show, Award Of Merit, 2021

    Hudson Valley Plein Air Festival, 2nd Place, 2020

    North Shore Arts Award, New England Watercolor Society Signature Member Show 2020

    Jack Richeson & Co. Award, Salmagundi “Land & Sea Exhibition” 2020

    First Prize, New England Watercolor Society Regional Open 2019

    First Prize, Cape Ann Plein Air Quick Draw 2016

    Second Prize, Seneca Lake Plein Air Festival 2016

    First Prize, 2nd Annual Bucks County Plein Air Festival Quick Draw, 2013

    Honorable Mention, Vermont Watercolor Society Juried Exhibit 2013

    Louise Demeter Memorial Award for Excellence in Any Medium, North Shore Arts Association of Gloucester, Associates Exhibition, 2012

    First Prize, 4th Annual Billsboro Winery Plein Air Festival, 2011

    PUBLICATIONS

    “Learn From What Isn’t Working”, Plein Air Magazine, September 2015

    “From Business to Brushstroke”, Hill Country Observer, April 2015

    “Three Who Nurture The Arts”, Southern Vermont Arts & Living, Summer 2013

    Work included in “Watercolor Sketching, An Introduction”, by Paul Laseau, Norton & Company, 2012

    Included in “100 Artists of New England”, Schiffer Publishing, 2011

    MEMBERSHIPS

    Signature Member, New England Watercolor Society

    Signature Member, Vermont Watercolor Society

    Artist Member, Salmagundi Club, New York

    Artist Member, North Shore Arts Association, Gloucester, Massachusetts