Rex Kochel became a full-time artist only four years ago upon retirement after 24 years as an educator in the Ventura Unified School District. Rex's unique style has evolved continuously from his first art classes he took at Ventura College in his mid-30's, and his watercolor style continued to be refined into the present whimsical, lyrical approach through his experiences teaching in the art department at Ventura.

Rex has a strong compositional fcous, his artwork frequently moving towards abstract realism. The fanciful effect, seen in many of his paintings, comes from beginning with a blind continuous line contour drawing, then modified and adjusted in his studio before painting.

The variety of his work can be seen at the new Remax Building in Ventura, where you can find 54 original watercolors displayed in Remax's permanent collection.

Rex is a long time member of both the Buenaventura Art Association and the Santa Barbara Art Association. His recent selection into the prestigious Ojai Studio Artists (OSA) Tour means his studio will be open for visitors on the OSA Tour in October, or anytime by appointment (805)-646-7701.

Rex's home and studio are in Ojai where he resides with his delightful wife Deborah.