Artist Paul Jackson was born in Kansas, but grew up in Starkville, Mississippi. He graduated from Starkville High School and obtained a Bachelors Degree from Mississippi State University. He earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in 1992 at the University of Missouri.
He was awarded signature membership in the American Watercolor Society at age 30. He is also a signature member of the National Watercolor Society and an honor member of the Missouri Watercolor Society.
His work has appeared in many publications including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Watercolor Magazine, American Artist, and others.
Jackson designed the commemorative state quarter for the state of Missouri. Jackson also works with photography, taking photos of his travels. Jackson teaches workshops throughout the United States and internationally.
Jackson is the author of the books Painting Spectacular Light Effects in Watercolor (2000) and Wandering Watercolorist (2013), which is a collection of his art .