Watercolor In Open Air: The Art of Light and Lines by Al Kline
- Melissa Mitchell
- Jul 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 2
July 17, 2025
At first glance, Al Kline’s paintings capture the charm of coastal life—boats resting quietly in the marina, reflections dancing on sunlit water, shadows stretching across well-worn docks. But spend a little more time with his work, and you’ll realize something deeper: this is art that understands light, memory, and the power of a moment.
We’re thrilled to spotlight Al Kline’s Boat Yard Series at Padre Island Art Gallery this month. These plein air watercolor pieces, painted on location, are full of movement and mood. They carry that breezy stillness that locals know so well—when the wind hushes for a beat and the day feels suspended in the sun.
Two standouts from the series include Chelsea Ann, a graceful portrait of a shrimp boat docked against soft morning light, and Capt. Eric Mireles, a view of dry-docked boats captured with effortless texture and atmosphere. The way Al renders shadows and structure, using only water and pigment, is a masterclass in restraint and skill.
A Doctor, a Dreamer, a Watercolorist
Though his art career began in earnest in 2017, Al’s creative spirit has been with him since childhood. Born in Holland and raised in the U.S., he was drawn to sketching early in life, painting his first watercolor at age 11. Before art took center stage, Al spent over 30 years serving the Coastal Bend community as a surgeon. His return to painting came with retirement—but what began as rediscovery quickly turned into a nationally recognized artistic voice.
He’s now a signature member of both the Watercolor Society of South Texas and the Southwestern Watercolor Society. His accolades include Best En Plein Air Watercolor in the 2025 En Plein Air Salon Competition, with upcoming features in Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine and PleinAir Magazine.
Always Moving, Always Painting
Al’s current calendar is packed with international workshops and exhibits. From France in August to Spain in November, and then on to a 2026 Mediterranean Art Cruise from Venice to Sicily, his work continues to evolve and inspire across continents.
Closer to home, he’ll be hosting a 3-day workshop in Rockport this September, offering artists a chance to learn directly from one of the most respected watercolorists working today.
If you’re interested in attending any of his workshops, you can explore current offerings on his website: www.albertkline.com/workshops1.
Watercolor Guided by the Brush, Grounded in Experience
Al often says that watercolor has a mind of its own—and that’s part of what makes it magical. You don’t control every drop; instead, you guide it, you respond to it. And perhaps that’s why his work resonates so strongly. It reflects a lived understanding of precision and presence, patience and spontaneity—qualities honed in medicine and now expressed in art.
Stop by Padre Island Art Gallery to view his original paintings and experience the depth and detail that only watercolor can deliver. They’re not just images on paper. They’re moments—masterfully captured, painted, and shared.
The Art of Island Life will return next week with more stories and inspiration from our coastal community. Have a story to share or an upcoming event? Reach out to me at melissa@padreislandartgallery.com.
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