Watercolor Painting Reproductions Produced By Giclee By The Bay, Inc. With Certificates Of Authenticity Signed By Jim Kosvanec
For The Love Of Art And "Treasured"
This watercolor painting, aptly named "Treasured," represents a profound connection that transcends simply painting a watercolor. For Jim, the creation of this piece marked a pivotal moment in his artistic journey. It was through "Treasured" and another equally important piece, "DayDreamer," that he took his first significant step toward becoming a member of the National Watercolor Society—a milestone that would help shape his future.
But the significance of "Treasured" goes even deeper. When Jim sought to have this painting grace the cover of his book "Transparent Watercolor Wheel," published by Watson-Guptill, he encountered resistance. They doubted the marketability of an old man carrying flowers, believing it would put off potential readers. Undeterred, Jim declared, "I understand your concern, but I see this differently, we’ll look into publishing the book with your competition." His passion and conviction finally led to the book being published with Watson-Guptill, proving that the heart of art lies in its authenticity and the stories it tells.
In the painting, we see a kind gentleman from San Miguel de Allende, embodying warmth and gentleness as he pauses in the central jardin (garden), a place with rich culture, laughter, and beauty. This figure resonates with Jim, perhaps due to the cherished memories of his maternal grandfather, a tall, gentle Scot who served as his guiding light. The spirit and kindness of his grandfather lingers in Jim’s art, infusing the painting with a legacy of love and connection. The spirit of his grandfather lives on through every brushstroke.
20"x15"
"Treasured"
$20,000
For The Love Of Art
This watercolor painting, "DayDreamer," accompanied “Treasured,” not only in its acceptance into the National Watercolor Society, but also as the true "opener" to Jim’s celebrated book, “The Transparent Watercolor Wheel,” a book that offered much more than just color theory—it’s filled with invaluable insights that transcend the watercolor wheel itself.
“DayDreamer” captures a quiet, fleeting moment: a young girl at the edge of the jardín (garden) in San Miguel de Allende on Día de la Candelaria. She was meant to be minding the flowers her family was selling—but her gaze was somewhere far away. In this poignant moment, Jim experienced what he described as a time that made him "wipe away the tears slightly welling in his eyes."
While painting, he found himself drifting into a trance, led not by conscious effort, but by something softer—something more intuitive. Nowhere is this better seen than in the young girl’s hands, gently melting together as she holds a flower that could easily fall from her fingertips. It’s almost as if the dream is formed—and her eyes will close for an instant. For Jim, it was a moment where the "left side" of his brain took over, guiding the brush and palette quietly, as he listened to opera.
Open Jim's book, flip just one page—and there she is, ushering in everything that follows.
20"x15"
"DayDreamer"
$18,000
For The Love Of Art–"The Bridge of Sighs"
This watercolor is more than a scene—it’s Jim's quiet tribute to a city that feels suspended between water, stone, and time. Venice has a way of settling into you, and what he said was "When I stood before the Bridge of Sighs, and knowing its history, I had to paint what I felt—not just what I saw."
The bridge, with all its ornate beauty and layered history, has long been a symbol of both romance and sorrow. History tells of prisoners who sighed as they caught their last glimpse of life while they walked from the Doge's palace then onward to the left side, the side of doom. Apart from the gloom of the palace, it was also the haven of many whispered love stories, at least those that remain.
When asked, he explained that he approached this watercolor while recalling the slow strokes of the gondoliere vanishing into the light of the main canal. While he's known to use impressive color, he used a limited palette, letting the mood breathe. It seems that his intention was to create a calm atmosphere—trying to capture where the distinct, slowly melts into reflections and memory. Each brushstroke was a conversation with himself and Venice. As Jim said, he painted what he felt.
Whether you’ve already wandered Venice’s canals or simply dreamt of them, this painting is meant to carry you there… quietly.