Francesco Fontana

is an award-winning Italian painter renowned for his mastery of watercolor. His work captures contemporary life through vibrant urban scenes and expressive portraits. His paintings are held in collections worldwide and have been featured multiple times at the American Watercolor Society (AWS) International Exhibition in New York, where he earned prestigious honors, including the Bronze Medal of Honor.

He is a Signature Member of both the AWS and the National Watercolor Society (NWS), a distinction reflecting his emeritus-level standing in the global art community. Francesco is a frequent guest at major international events, such as Fabriano in Acquerello, and is a prominent figure in the US Plein Air circuit. He has been a featured faculty member for Watercolor Live and the Plein Air Convention, where he also released his popular instructional DVD, “Watercolor the Italian Way.”

A highly sought-after instructor, he leads workshops across the US, Europe, and as far as Bali, Indonesia. For several years, he has also been a faculty member at the Milano Painting Academy, sponsored by the prestigious Fondazione Maimeri.