Jordan Merlino is a Santa Fe-based American artist working primarily in watercolor, whose practice is rooted in emotional expression and introspection. As a transgender and neurodivergent artist, his work reflects a deeply personal and meditative approach to abstraction, shaped by sensitivity to internal states and lived experience.

Beginning his exploration of watercolor in 2014, Merlino developed a visual language defined by fluidity, layering, and intuitive mark-making. His compositions often unfold as contemplative spaces, where color and form become vehicles for processing emotion and presence. Alongside his studio practice, he has led workshops with institutions such as the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and Harwood Art Center. His work has been exhibited internationally, inviting viewers into quiet, reflective encounters grounded in vulnerability and connection.