Dick Cole

Richard "Dick" Cole (1927–2016) was a distinguished American illustrator, educator, and nationally recognized watercolorist. After serving in the Air Force during the Berlin Airlift, he built a prolific career as a designer and art director, co-founding the firm Cole & Angeli and earning numerous accolades from the Society of Illustrators.

A signature member of the American Watercolor Society, Cole held leadership roles as president of both the National Watercolor Society and the California Watercolor Association. Beyond his studio work, he was a passionate mentor who taught at the Academy of Art University and San Jose State. Known for his wit and storytelling, Cole's legacy remains visible through his extensive public collections and his impact on the Sonoma Plein Air community.