G.A. Johnston Memorial Scholarship

$1,000
1 winner$1,000
Open
Application Deadline
May 30, 2025
Winners Announced
Jun 30, 2025
Education Level
Undergraduate
Recent Bold.org scholarship winners
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
Undergraduate
Background:
Interest in watercolor painting
Degree:
Pursuing an undergraduate program
Education Level:
Background:
Degree:
Undergraduate
Interest in watercolor painting
Pursuing an undergraduate program

Gary A. Johnston graduated from Case Western Reserve University and was a Structural Engineer for over fifty years. He rediscovered a passion for watercolor painting at the age of 55. 

After developing his skills, he became a signature member of the Ohio Watercolor Society and the Pittsburgh Watercolor Society. 

The G.A. Johnston Memorial Scholarship honors the life of Gary A Johnston by supporting students who love watercolor paintings. 

Any student pursuing an undergraduate degree program passionate about watercolor painting may apply. 

To apply, please share your love for watercolor painting along with your intended career path and upload two samples of your watercolor paintings along with a brief explanation of what inspired you to paint them.

Selection Criteria:
Passion, Art
Published February 10, 2024
$1,000
1 winner$1,000
Open
Application Deadline
May 30, 2025
Winners Announced
Jun 30, 2025
Education Level
Undergraduate
Recent Bold.org scholarship winners
Essay Topic

Please share your love for watercolor painting along with your intended career path and upload two samples of your watercolor paintings along with a brief explanation of what inspired you to paint them.



0–500 words

Winning Application

Riddhi Bhattacharya
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main CampusAtlanta, GA
As I sit here, brush in hand, I am transported to a world of color and imagination. Watercolor painting has been my passion for as long as I can remember. The way the colors blend and flow together, creating a unique and beautiful masterpiece, is truly magical. My love for watercolor painting began when I was just a child. I would spend hours upon hours painting in my backyard, capturing the beauty of nature on my canvas. As I grew older, my passion for painting only intensified. I began to experiment with different techniques and styles, constantly pushing myself to create something new and unique. Now, as I look towards my future, I know that I want to pursue a lifestyle in the arts. I want to share my love for watercolor painting with the world, to inspire others to see the beauty in the world around them. Whether it be through teaching, creating my own art, or working in a gallery, I know that I want to spend my life surrounded by the beauty of art. Attached are two samples of my watercolor paintings. The first is a painting of a sunset over the ocean. The vibrant oranges and pinks of the sky blend seamlessly into the deep blues of the water, creating a sense of peace and tranquility. This painting was inspired by a trip I took to the beach with my family. As I watched the sun set over the water, I knew that I had to capture that moment on my canvas. The second painting is a portrait of my grandmother. She has always been a source of inspiration for me, with her kind heart and unwavering strength. I wanted to capture her essence on my canvas, to create a lasting tribute to the woman who has meant so much to me throughout my life. The soft pinks and blues of the background complement the warm tones of her skin, creating a sense of warmth and love. In the end, my love for watercolor painting is not just about the act of painting itself. It is about the way that art can capture the beauty and essence of the world around us. It is about the way that art can inspire us, move us, and bring us together. And it is about the way that art can change the world, one brushstroke at a time.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is May 30, 2025. Winners will be announced on Jun 30, 2025.