Don Getz & American Journey Watercolors - A Primer

There is always a story behind the introduction of any new Cheap Joe's branded product. One such story surrounds the beginings of our American Journey Watercolors. After much trial and experimentation, 49 colors in "HUGE" 37 ml. tubes were introduced to the public in our 1998 reference catalog. Joe wrote the lead-in which began: "I have a friend whose name is Mark Hodges. Whenever we meet, I say, 'How are you doing Mark?' Mark pretty much always says, 'Top Notch, Joe and you?' These two little words, "Top Notch" pretty much sum up my friend Mark and my new American Journey Watercolors. I've got Brillant, Bold, Creamy, Smooth, WIld, Passionate, Sexy, Sensuous, Fun, Playful colors that will knock your socks off. And HUGE 37 ml. tubes so that you will WANT to fill your palette with color!"

Among the many colors named by Joe were, Andrews Turquoise, Passionate Purple, Red Hot Momma and Getz Grey.

Don Getz was a great friend to Joe and Cheap Joe's in general. Each year at Christmas we would get a huge package from Don of large poster-sized prints from one of his many workshops.

But a story behind the story is that Don created the original American Journey logo. This logo was inspired by his and Joe's love of the outdoors with a little life journey vibe included. That logo has since been updated but still reflects the feeling that birthed the original.

Don was one of my favorite artists and I asked him if I could include some of his drawing tips in the first issue of the New Palette magazine that I edited. It is out of print and we sadly lost Don in 2018, but his spirit and influence lives on.