Kim Brandon-Watson

Kim Brandon-Watson is an internationally recognized artist, entrepreneur, and arts leader whose luminous paintings capture Southern California's coastal culture and the intimate bonds we share with those we love.
A California native based in Dana Point, Kim was born into a family of artists. She studied Illustration at Art Center College of Design, developing a foundation in visual storytelling that would shape both her business career and artistic practice. In 1985, she founded I.D.E.A., Inc. (Interactive Digital Electronic Art), a world-class Interactive Multimedia Marketing firm recognized as a leader in new media. For over two decades, she founded and operated the company, leading creative teams serving Fortune 500 clients including American Honda Motor Co., Beckman Coulter, and other industry leaders. I.D.E.A., Inc.'s unique blend of high-tech expertise and design capabilities enabled the company to deliver sophisticated solutions that helped clients expand their presence in the digital economy. After selling her company in 2016, she returned to her first love: creating fine art full-time.
Growing up immersed in Southern California's surf culture, Brandon-Watson developed a deep fascination with light, atmosphere, and the med...

Art Center College of Design

Brandon-Watson's work has gained significant recognition within the art community. Her paintings have been published in North Light Books' prestigious International AcrylicWorks collection, a juried publication featuring exceptional acrylic paintings from artists nationwide. She has exhibited at notable Southern California venues including Laguna Art Gallery, Las Laguna Art Gallery, Laguna Art-A-Fair, and The Brandon Gallery in Fallbrook, building a strong presence in the region's vibrant art scene. A career highlight came when the prestigious Montage Laguna Beach acquired two of her paintings for their permanent lobby collection, recognizing her mastery in capturing the essence of coastal California living. This institutional acquisition marks a significant milestone, placing her work in one of Southern California's most prestigious resort destinations where it will be viewed by international visitors and art collectors.