Frederick Watson

Frederick John Watson was a Canadian fashion illustrator and painter from Barrie, Ontario. He is best known for his international paintings of women, fashion illustrations and theater and Art Deco posters. He has also created a fine art print collection of stylized women reminiscent of the Art Deco style. The start of inspiration for his work came from a woman he saw on Madison Avenue in New York City, wearing black, high heels, a diamond brooch, and carrying an umbrella.

Biography Frederick Watson was born to a farm family in Barrie, Ontario. His father worked in the air force as a pilot and not around much. After moving to Toronto in his early 20's, before becoming an illustrator, he worked at Simpsons for five years. He was an actor for a while but ended up deciding it wasn't for him. He also took up tap dancing for the Fred Astaire company in Toronto but ultimately went back to his passion of fashion drawing. Watson drew mice for a Christmas ad which would go on to be his first project.

His mentor, Jean Miller, illustrator for the Robert Simpson Co., who he credited for getting him started in fashion illustrations in 1957. Watson's pieces begin with a face either from a reference, his imagination or both. He started painting for himself and people seemed to have loved the results. He painted everyday and was always looking out for image that inspired him. These images were mostly found in books he owned and various magazines containing photos and illustrations from his favorite fashion era. When Watson was 76 he did nothing but paint and didn't want to illustrate anymore. At that time in his life he did not want to worry about the pressures of deadlines. He has done volunteer work at several HIV/AIDS|AIDS fundraiser events. Frederick's prints have not only been in newspapers but he has also contributed limited edition prints for jewelry companies, cruise ships and luxury goods. Watson's work has also appeared in several paramount shows in New York City and Toronto. The core of his art celebrates the beauty of women from all over.

Fashion journalist and Canadian television personality Jeanne Baker had known Watson for almost two decades and collaborated with him at several fashion events. She was first attracted to his work because of the history and fashion illustration aspects. She now owns several of his paintings that are displayed throughout her home.