About

Aaron Coe

Aaron's passion for art was first kindled as a young child at his grandfather's side. He spent hours in his grandfather's art studio and on special occasions, accompanied his grandfather on trips to the gallery where he showed. Those first forays into the world of creating and sharing planted seeds for a lifelong love of art. His aunt and uncle were also painters and he spent many summers at their mountain painting retreat, accompanying them on trips to the banks of the Chatooga River for plein air painting sessions. He admired their work and their life and knew very early that he wanted to live life as they had. But there was something magical in their process and for many years doubt that he could follow their example caused him to falter, unable to see a path to talent and craftsmanship. So at a young age he abandoned the fine arts and set out studying the performing arts and writing instead.

For many years music, acting, and writing would serve as his artistic outlet until a chance occurrence started him on a new course. While writing a note to put in his young son's lunchbox, he sketched a little robin. It wasn't great, but it was recognizable, it looked like a bird. So he drew another bird and then another animal. It was one of the most joyful experiences of his life. In time, the drawings improved. He began to study art in earnest. At some point, he wanted to add color, and those first tentative steps led to a love of the watercolor medium that persists today.

Aaron lives and paints in St. Augustine, FL. He still paints the birds that drew him into the world of fine art. He spends about half his time painting local wildlife. He also paints landscapes and children's art. In children's art he allows himself the most freedom to explore the magical and mysterious because he believes that is how children see the world.