Gerd Koch

Painter

Portrait © Donna Granata 1992 – 2020

Every great achiever knows that at least one person who has come before them has greatly influenced their life at some point. This influence can derive from close study of this mentor’s work, formal instruction, workshop activity, or by reading the proper books.

“Focus on the Masters” makes a point of paying special tribute to the mentors of this world who have dedicated themselves to directly bringing out the best in others through the high art of teaching. Without a good teacher, many artists would never discover their full potential. Gerd Koch was that teacher.  An instructor  at Ventura College for many years, Gerd Koch personally contributed to the success of many well respected contemporary artists. He had a unique ability to “see” creatively and to teach his students to “see.”

Koch took great joy in every experience and was constantly receiving visual stimulus and inspiration from everyday life. Born in Detroit in 1929, he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1951 from Wayne State University and later a Masters of Fine Art at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

He was a member of the National Watercolor Society since 1955 and is listed in Who’s Who in American Art. His work hangs in numerous California museums, including the Los Angeles County Museum, Pasadena Art Museum, Santa Barbara Art Museum, Carnegie Art Museum, as well as in private collections including the Universities of Montana and North Carolina.

He traveled extensively in order to continually experience the riches of the artistic capitals of the world. By putting together informal world wide tours in which he acted as historian and guide, Koch consistently made a point of traveling with other people who were willing to watch, listen, and learn; thereby sharing the world with anyone willing to join him. His mentorship and influence in the community continue unabated.

Gerd was a treasured member and supporter of Focus on the Masters as well as one of the founders of Studio Channel Islands Art Center in Camarillo, CA.

Gerd Koch’s documentation took place in 1997 and 2002. The FOTM Archive contains extensive information about this artist.