Auckland born Robert Browning Watson was educated at Kings College and Wanganui Collegiate. He went on to gain an honours degree in law from Cambridge University. Watson served with the RNZAF, eventually becoming a stock broker in Wellington.

Painting was his true passion and he attended classes at Heatherley's School of Fine Art, London*, one of London's oldest independent art schools and at a later time studied under leading Australian portrait painter, Sir William Dargie.

In his fties, Watson travelled both worldwide and throughout New Zealand capturing his journeys on canvas. In 1966 he was placed third in the prestigious Kelliher Art Award, receiving first prize the following year. His work was presented in the Kelliher...