A self-taught watercolorist, Howard J. Eberle has been painting since 1973. Twenty-three years ago, he started painting full time after a career in retail display. “From that experience I was able to glean composition, design, and lighting skills that have influenced my style which I describe as realism with a touch of the abstract.” He works in transparent watercolor using a layering technique and finishing with drybrush to achieve the realistic detail found in his paintings. His painting process starts with strong design- dramatic composition of simple subject matter. To produce a powerful painting is Eberle’s approach to every watercolor.
Originally from Baltimore, Howard has lived in Central PA for more than 40 years. After a move to North Carolina in 2002 for five years, he has returned to the area that provides him the most inspiration. The State Museum of Pennsylvania houses two of Eberle’s paintings in their permanent collection, something he considers to be one of his proudest professional achievements. He received his AWS Signature Status in 2005, thus far the highlight of his artistic career. He continues to enter competitive exhibitions to challenge himself to create something extraordinary and to take risks. One of his watercolors, “Notan” was exhibited in Japan in 2010. This painting exemplifies the creative journey that has brought Eberle to this point- the exploration of light and dark in its most abstract form.
Juried and Solo Exhibitions
The Allied Artists of America- New York
American Watercolor Society – New York (2005, 2004, 2000)
Watercolor West- California
Transparent Watercolor Society-Illinois
Watercolor Society of North Carolina- North Carolina
Louisiana Watercolor Society- Louisiana
Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolors- New York
National Watercolor Society - California
Watercolor USA - Springfield Art Museum, Missouri
Pennsylvania Watercolor Society – Pennsylvania
Art of the State– State Museum of Pennsylvania
McBride Gallery, Annapolis – Maryland
Peninsula Gallery, Lewes- Delaware
Selected Awards
National Watercolor Society-Janet Hilford Memorial Award 2008
The Allied Artists of America- Mary Bryan Memorial 2010; Jane Peterson Memorial 2007
Watercolor USA-Sen. Thomas F. Eagleton Memorial Award 2007; Judges Award-2009, 2008,
Watercolor West-Founders Award 2006
American Watercolor Society – Bronze Medal of Honor 2004, High Winds Medal 2000
Watercolor Society of North Carolina- Second Place Award 2005; Merit Award 2003
Pennsylvania Watercolor Society- 25th Silver Anniversary Award 2004
Adirondacks National Exhibition – Merit Award 2012, 2002
North East Watercolor Society – Merit Award 2000
Pennsylvania Watercolor Society – Sylvan Grouse Medal 1999, First Place 1999, 1996,
Art of the State: Pennsylvania – Watercolor Award 1999, 1995, 1991
Art Association of Harrisburg – Watercolor Award 2012, 2011, 2010, 2007, 1999, 1998, 1996
State Museum of Pennsylvania – Purchase Award 1992, 1986
Gallery Representation
McBride Gallery- Annapolis, MD
Peninsula Gallery- Lewes, DE
Publications
Watercolor Magic (December 2006, Winter 2000, Winter 1997)
The Artist’s Magazine (December 2001)
The World and I (November 2000)
International Artist (Apr/May 2000, Aug/Sept 2000)
US Art (July 2000, June 2000)
Inform Art (Winter 2000)
Professional Affiliations
American Watercolor Society, Signature Member
National Watercolor Society, Signature Member
Transparent Watercolor Society, Signature Member
Pennsylvania Watercolor Society, Signature and Sylvan Grouse Member
The Watercolor Society of North Carolina, Signature Member
Allied Artists of America, Inc
Watercolor USA Honor Society
The Art Association of Harrisburg, PA
