About Frank Webb, AWS-DF, NWS
Going beyond the usual technical display of watercolor, Webb's paintings express his interest in the creative concept and design principles. Since in his own words, "Painting is more caught than taught," he stresses the importance of seeing, feeling, and responding to possibilities while synthesizing realism with abstractionism. Webb covers a broad spectrum of subjects beyond traditional landscapes.
His unusually sophisticated and idiosyncratic approach to watercolor is set forth in his five books: 'Watercolor Energies," "Webb on Watercolor," and "Strengthen Your Paintings with Dynamic Composition," “Frank Webb’s Life and Art,” and in his newest publication, a coffee table book “Frank Webb: A Lifetime Collection.” In these books he explores the philosophy of art while seeking inspiration and artistic self- discovery.
Seventy years as a professional artist, back up Webb's current activities in painting, lecturing, jurying and writing. As an invited instructor he has conducted hundreds of workshops in 50 states and throughout the world.
Among his more than 125 major awards are the American Watercolor Society's Bronze Medal of Honor, the Walser Greathouse Medal, the Mario Cooper and Dale Meyers Medal, the Hardy Gramatky Award, the Alan Chiara Award, and the Mary Pleissner Award. Other honors include: the Sisek Award of the Butler Institute of American Art, the Baskerville/Stary Sheets Award of the National Watercolor Society, and the Gold Medal of Audubon Artists. In 2000 he received the Philadelphia Water Color Society's Award for Achievement in the Arts. He is former vice president and Dolphin Fellow of the American Watercolor Society and holds memberships in several art associations including, the National Watercolor Society, Allied Artists of America, Audubon Artists, and the Rocky Mountain National Water-media Association.
Webb has represented the American Watercolor Society in international exhibitions in Canada, New York, England, Scotland, Mexico City, and has been included in invitational exhibitions in China and Australia. He is listed in "Who’s
Who in American Art," and “Who's Who in the East." Collectors of Webb's art include: Butler Institute of American Art, Tweed Art Museum of the University of Minnesota, Palmer Museum of Penn State University, Taiwan Art Education Institute, Lakes Art Center, Southern Arkansas Art Center, Portland Museum of Art, Martin Museum of Baylor University, Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art and the Art Institute of Qingdao, China.
In 2019 the American Watercolor Society honored Frank Webb as a Living Legend, the first in their 153-year history.
Frank Webb Obituary - August 28, 2022
Frank Webb (Webb), an internationally recognized watercolor artist who called Pittsburgh home for 94 years and designated a “Living Legend” by the American Watercolor Society, was called to his heavenly home on August 28, 2022. A professional artist for more than 70 years, Webb leaves a legacy of vibrant and energetic paintings on the walls of numerous museums, and hundreds of delighted patrons. As an instructor, Frank led and inspired thousands of students around the world to move beyond a technical display, to be creative while guided by good design principles. His paintings have received over 125 major awards and have been exhibited around the world. You are welcome to visit his website (frankwebbartstudio.com) or his Wikipedia page.
Frank is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 73 years, Barbara Ann Smith (Smitty) Webb, of Wilkinsburg, PA; son, Christopher Webb (Jane Romeo) of Cleveland, OH; Daughters Wendy Kumer (Michael) of Pittsburgh, and Becky Rinehart (John) of Dover, PA; Sister, Pauline Rowles of Sullivan, IL; five grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Frank was born in North Versailles, PA in 1927. He served in the US Navy in 1945-46 and then attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, where he met Smitty. He then served an additional term in the Navy from 1950-1951, after which he ran a successful commercial art business, Phillips Studio from 1950 – 1979. After retiring from the commercial art field, and heeding Smitty’s advice, Frank successfully immersed himself as a watercolor painter, lecturer, juror and writer.
The Christian faith was always an important dimension for Webb that guided not only his art, but his life. He served his congregations over the years in a variety of roles including: Elder, council member, and Sunday School Teacher. A Christian celebration will be held at First Trinity Lutheran Church, 535 N. Neville St, 15213, on Saturday, September 3 at 10:00 a.m followed by a light lunch. Funeral arrangements are being made by John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc at 4900 Centre Ave, 15213. Visitation will be on Friday, September 2, 4:00 – 6:00p.m. at Freyvogels, and Saturday, 9/3, from 9:00 – 10:00a.m. at First Trinity Lutheran. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to First Trinity Lutheran Church (www.firsttrinity.net) or the American Watercolor Society (public.americanwatercolorsociety.org/public/donateguest).