David Tarbert
St. Augustine, FL
Paintings, Watercolor
For Dave Tarbert, painting is a quiet balance to a life of service—an invitation to slow down, study the world, and capture its light one brushstroke at a time.
Originally from Ohio, Dave Tarbert has called St. Augustine home for over 30 years. A veteran law enforcement officer and educator at St. Johns River State College, Dave is deeply connected to the local community through both his public service and creative pursuits. His art reflects the city’s unique blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty—seen through the eyes of someone who has spent decades walking its streets and appreciating its character.
Dave began exploring watercolor in the early 2000s as a hobby, studying under a local Bob Ross-trained artist. What started as a casual interest quickly grew into a dedicated artistic practice, fueled by a fascination with watercolor’s ability to capture light, shadow, and subtle detail. In 2020, he established Tarbert Creations and created a home studio that allowed him to fully immerse himself in painting and deepen his craft.
While watercolor remains his primary focus, Dave has experimented with a variety of mediums over the years—including acrylics, pottery, glassblowing, and most recently, fountain pen sketching. His art often starts with on-location urban sketching or plein air studies, which he later develops into full works that reflect his observations and emotional response to the scene.
Dave is an active member of the St. Augustine Art Association and Urban Sketchers Jacksonville. Whether traveling, sketching historic landmarks, or exploring new tools and techniques, he sees each artistic endeavor as a chance to learn and grow. His work is a thoughtful celebration of place, process, and lifelong creativity.
