Meet monica
Monica Austin is a Texas-based watercolorist whose work blends precision, story, and luminous color. With a background in creative design—specializing in branding and custom interior art features—she brings a refined sense of composition and visual identity to every painting. Beginning in graphite, Monica developed a deep love for structure and value before diving headlong into watercolor during Covid, embracing the medium’s fluidity and challenge.
Her artistic voice has been shaped through study with masters including Laurin McCracken, Thomas Schaller, and Randy Meador. As she continues toward her first signature, Monica’s work has been juried into exhibitions with National Watercolor Society, Western Federation of Watercolor Societies, and Watercolor Art Society - Houston.
“I’ve always seen in high definition,” she says—a perspective reflected in her fascination with macrophotography, tiny details, and the quiet narratives carried in a single expression or object. While known for her crisp realism and strong value design, Monica is intentionally pushing toward looseness, exploring the magic that happens when control gives way to flow.
A dedicated educator, she teaches weekly classes and leads workshops throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth area and neighboring states, emphasizing fundamentals, color theory, and building paintings on a foundation of powerful value composition.
Exhibitions - Awards 2026:
2026: International Watermedia Exhibit : Watercolor Art Society Houston
"Gold Strike”
2026: NAWS Member Exhibition : National American Watercolor Society
"Marki” & “One Time Back When”
Exhibitions - Awards 2025:
2025: 2025 International Exhibition : Society of Watercolor Artists
"One Time Back When”
2025: Winner: Best of Show : Nocona Nights Art of the Song
"One Time Back When”
2025: Winner: Third Place Award : Nocona Nights Art of the Song
"Brass Sings”
2025: 2025 Small Works : Society of Watercolor Artists
"A Song Among Thorns”
2025: 50th Annual Exhibition : Southwestern Watercolor Society
"At the Still Point”
2025: 2025 Member Exhibition : National Watercolor Society
"Marki”
2025: Winner: (January) Painting of the Month : Society of Watercolor Artists
"Wild & Sweet”
Exhibitions - Awards 2024:
2024: Winner: (November) Painting of the Month : Southwestern Watercolor Society
"Counting Toes”
2024: 49th Annual Exhibition : Western Federation of Watercolor Societies
"One Time Back When”
2024: Winner: Honorable Mention : Society of Watercolor Artists
"Marki”
2024 Winner: First Place Award : Bowie Alliance for Arts
"One Time Back When”
2024 Winner: Second Place Award : Bowie Alliance for Arts
"Brass Sings”
Exhibitions - Awards 2023:
2023 Winner: First Place Award : Bowie Alliance for Arts
"Marki”
2023 Winner: Second Place Award : Bowie Alliance for Arts
"Nana’s Iris”
2023: 60th Annual SWS Member Exhibition : Southwestern Watercolor Society
"Marki”
2023: ArtReach Gallery Exhibition - Dallas, TX
"Perfectly Imperfect”
Exhibitions 2022:
2022: 59th Annual SWS Member Exhibition : Southwestern Watercolor Society
"Perfectly Imperfect”
Publications:
Selected Articles
Southwestern Watercolor Society - November Newsletter Artist of the Month