Samuel Prout was born on September 17, 1783. He was a British artist who painted architecture in watercolor. This is quite a feat, because watercolor is a medium with a mind of its own and is usually used to create free-flowing, loosely expressed masterpieces. But note the precision with which Prout has captured his subject. His success with and attention to detail is commendable with the easiest of media, but with watercolor it is nothing short of astounding. He has wrestled an unparalleled control out of the headstrong paint.
Prout was born in Plymouth where, as an apprentice, he spent days at a time painting the quiet village life around him. It was when he moved to London that he discovered his love for painting architecture. He had a talent for bringing out impressive buildings and the life buzzing around them in a natural way. He captured light perfectly. He hungrily sought out architecture to paint throughout Europe. His son, Samuel, was inspired by his example and followed in his father’s footsteps to also become a watercolor painter.