Visual Arts Brampton fondly remembers Jack Reid, an honourary member of the group, and for many years a Brampton-resident. In a career spanning over six decades, Jack became a very recognizable figure in Canada's art world, a favourite watercolourist for many.

A member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour (CSPWC), Jack may best be remembered for his love of sharing his passion. Locally, across the country, and abroad, in the pages of books and magazines, and on television, Jack Reid taught watercolour to countless thousands. At one point, he tallied over 11,000 students since 1971.

His passion for the renowned techniques he teaches was known to be infectious and invigorating.

Jack Reid started out as a graphic artist, and with no formal training, plunged full-time into a new career of painting. Knowing only what he taught himself, Jack painted what he felt, to great success. Along with numerous homes, galleries, and corporate collections, his work is part of the collection of Queen Elizabeth II.

In 1992, he was awarded the Commemorative Medal by the federal Government for his contribution to Canadian Art and was honoured to be Arts Person of the Year in Brampton. He has exhibited in London, England with the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours; he was a life-time member of Arts and Letters Club of Toronto and CSPWC. Jack was Visual Arts Brampton’s first invitational exhibit, at Artway Shoppers World; running from January 7th to 28th, 2005, Jack Reid and Friends also featured four of his favourite students.

Jack authored two books, Watercolour Basics: Let’s Get Started, and Painting Snow and Water, and had an instructional CD-ROM. A mini-series of painting demos, Watercolour My Way, was broadcast on Rogers TV, and released on home video. Jack was featured in Watercolor Magic magazine in 2001.