Paul Bourgault

Art Director
Watercolor Artist

Paul Bourgault was born and raised in Laconia, New Hampshire. After several semesters at the State University of Iowa and the University of New Hampshire, he settled in at The Art Institute of Boston where he received his Associates Degree in Advertising Art.
Since his arrival in Oregon in ‘95, Paul has divided his time between graphic design work and watercolor painting. He has studied with Arnie Westerman, Carlton Plummer, Skip Lawrence, Barbara Niches, Serge Hollerbeck, and Cheg-Khee Chee.

Job and Career Experience

1966-1969 -- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. After training in Virginia as a topographic map compiler, he was assigned to the 69th Engineer Battalion in Hawaii as a topographic map editor.

1969-1973 -- Freelance graphic designer in the Los Angeles area.

1973-1976 -- Furniture Marketing Concepts. An advertising agency catering to the home furnishings industry, FMC was started as a division of Paul’s major freelance account, Furniture Guild Associates. He went on board as art and creative director.

1976- 1994 -- Bourgault, Leavitt & Associates. Deciding it was time to start their own agency, Paul and Maggie Leavitt, FMC’s chief production artist, incorporated BL&A. The new company provided a full range of business advertising and marketing support services to a variety of industries (see LA Client & Services List). In 1978, Maggie sold her interest to Paul and he became sole owner.

Aug. 1994 - March 1995 -- Seven month sabbatical. Break time! Tired of earthquakes, dirty air and swirling masses of humanity, Paul and his wife, Marguerite, decided it was time for a change. 
Having made several exploratory trips to Oregon they already had their sights set on Lane County. But before digging in in Oregon they decided to take a leisurely trip around the country in a motor home. They sold the house and cars, bought a Class A RV and tow vehicle, put all their belongings in storage, rounded up the dog and cat and hit the road. The 18,000 mile trip was a wonderful break and a great adventure.

Moved to Oregon in early 1995

March 1995 to present -- Since arriving in Oregon, Paul has been doing business as GRAPHICUS. His new company provides graphic design and marketing support services to a few past clients and Eugene, Oregon, businesses. (see OR Client & Services List).
He is also focused on developing his watercolor skills through various classes, workshops and commission work. Paul is a member of the Lane Arts Council and the Emerald Empire Art Association.
He is also an active member of The Watercolor Society of Oregon. He served on the board of directors from ‘96 to ‘02 and as of October '04 he is back on the board. He is the "pin man" of the WSO Publications Committee, produces the Watermark quarterly newsletter, two 28 page, color Exhibition Catalogs each year and directs the WSO website.