About the artist
Dan R. Parsons
Watercolourist · Groomsport, Northern Ireland
Dan Parsons' creative journey began in commercial design in 2001, rooted in early training as a matte painter at Fox Studios in Sydney. Originally from Australia and now working from his studio in the coastal village of Groomsport, Northern Ireland, he found his true medium in traditional watercolours in 2009.
Dan is deeply inspired by atmospheric landscapes, historic architecture, and a lifelong passion for maritime history. Through his previous business, PaperBark, he pioneered bespoke venue and architectural illustrations long before it became a popular trend, with his work even earning a feature in British Vogue magazine.
Heavily influenced by watercolour masters like Joseph Zbukvic, Herman Pekel, and John Singer Sargent, he strives to blend his cinematic background with traditional techniques to evoke a strong sense of place. Whether painting a rugged coastline or a historic vessel, his goal is to transport the viewer straight into the atmosphere of the scene.
Over the years, Dan's work has found homes in private and public collections across the UK and Australia, including the Australian Embassy in Dublin.
A life in images
Commercial design
Began a career in commercial design and visual communication, working across print, branding, and digital media.
Matte painting
Trained as a matte painter at Fox Studios Sydney, developing a deep understanding of light, colour, and atmospheric perspective.
Watercolour
Returned to traditional media, discovering watercolour as the perfect vehicle for capturing fleeting light and quiet atmosphere.
Groomsport studio
Works from a studio in Groomsport, Northern Ireland, taking on commissions, exhibiting locally, and teaching the craft.
Influences
Dan cites Joseph Zbukvic, Herman Pekel, and John Singer Sargent as the artists who shaped his approach most profoundly — masters of economy and atmosphere, of capturing the energy of a scene before the light changes.
Joseph Zbukvic
Croatian-Australian watercolourist known for atmospheric urban and landscape scenes.
Herman Pekel
Dutch-Australian watercolourist celebrated for his expressive, light-filled landscapes.
John Singer Sargent
American expatriate artist celebrated for his virtuoso brushwork and luminous watercolours.
Commission a painting
Dan takes on a limited number of commissions each year — landscapes, architectural studies, and bespoke wedding stationery. Get in touch to discuss your project.