David and Peggy Rogers chose Morro Bay to open his thriving art gallery in 2018.

Watercolor artist brings vibrant landscapes and seascapes to Morro Bay

The unique beauty of the Central California coastline’s rugged cliffs and serene ocean views has long been an inspiration for artists. It’s no surprise that David Rogers chose Morro Bay to open his thriving art gallery. Along with his wife and business partner, Peggy, David established the David J Rogers Fine Art Gallery in downtown Morro Bay in 2018.

Self-taught artist

Even as a child, David never questioned his path in life as an artist. A self-taught artist destined to take his talent to the next level, David built on his skills with a trial-and-error approach to his pencil drawings and his preferred medium, watercolor.

With 25 years of experience and expertise under his belt, David has become a highly sought-after instructor, renowned for his ability to simplify complex techniques. His “learn by doing” method allows him to share in minutes what took him years to master. This approach has earned him a loyal following from students all over the world who are eager to learn from his unique teaching style.

“Watercolor is a natural transition from drawing, which was where I started,” David explained. “The two mediums are similar in that they are subtractive, meaning the artist is not only preserving the light but, at the same time, removing the light with shadow.”

In other mediums, he explained, the reverse is true. It’s also why watercolor has a reputation for being the toughest of all mediums, and why many find it difficult to switch from oils or acrylics to watercolor. David’s ability to demystify watercolor painting has made him a beloved teacher to aspiring artists worldwide.

Workshops—inspiring a love for watercolor

David offers online watercolor workshops, enabling art enthusiasts from all over the world to capture the essence of this extraordinary coastline from the comfort of their own homes.

For many, attending a workshop is the first time picking up a paintbrush, yet they find themselves creating beautiful works of art on their first attempt. His students consistently express appreciation for the invaluable lessons learned under David’s guidance, and for his patient and thorough instruction that improves their skills, demystifies complex techniques and boosts their confidence.

“Confidence comes from experience, and when your experience is successful, you gain even more confidence in yourself and your painting abilities,” said David.

Sign up for watercolor classes on the davidjrogersart.com website. You can also download the free guide “12 Watercolor Hacks That Every Artist Should Know.”

Commissioned artwork

What better way to own an original painting than to commission one directly from a favorite artist? Reach out to David at the studio with your idea or a photograph and become the proud owner of a David J. Rogers watercolor.

Sharing inspiration, tranquility and community

David and Peggy warmly invite you explore the gallery, join the workshops, and immerse yourself in the unique charm of Morro Bay. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or a curious visitor, you’ll find inspiration and tranquility in the gallery’s watercolor collection. The collection tries to showcase the vibrancy that is the beauty of the Central Coast landscapes and seascapes.

“When we lived in the valley, we would visit the Central Coast and instantly fell in love with the area,” David said. “Since opening our gallery in 2018, we have been embraced by the community with open arms. The positive response to our gallery and art instruction has been overwhelming. Morro Bay is a breathtaking place to live, and the kindness and support of the locals have truly made us feel like an integral part of this remarkable community.”

As a gift to the community that so warmly embraced them, David and Peggy donated a mural to the City of Morro Bay, celebrating the annual Kite Festival. This colorful artwork, proudly displayed on the side of their gallery building, has become a beloved landmark and a testament to the couple’s dedication to enriching the local culture.

The David J Rogers Fine Art Gallery is located at 407 Morro Bay Boulevard, Morro Bay. For more information about the art, workshops, instructions, commissions and gallery events visit davidjrogersart.com, call (805) 225-5077, or follow on Facebook.

—Meagan Friberg