Joseph Raffael
Joseph Raffael was an American contemporary realist painter known for his large-scale watercolors. He gained critical acclaim in the 1960s with his vividly colored, nature-inspired works. Raffael’s paintings, often based on photographs, captured intricate details of flowers and water, earning him praise from art critics like Robert Hughes. His artistic journey included solo exhibitions, teaching stints at UC Davis and UC Berkeley, and prestigious awards like the first prize at the 1974 Tokyo International Biennale. After moving to the south of France in 1986, Raffael continued to produce celebrated works, including the “Lannis in Sieste” series. His artistry and spiritual explorations culminated in the 2018 book “Talking Beauty,” co-authored with David Pagel. Raffael’s works remain celebrated for their vibrant colors and emotional depth.
