A retired cardiologist who previously headed both the cardiology and nephrology (related to the kidneys) departments at several Boston-area hospitals, Mike Mazer only took up serious painting later in life. That late start hasn't stopped him from winning over 100 awards for his watercolor paintings.

He recently added another national title to that list, alongside another national prize.

Mazer was recently unanimously approved as a "signature member" by the National Board of Directors of the American Artists Professional League in New York City.

He's the first signature member of the league elected in decades, and the eighth signature member recognized overall in the American Artists Professional League's 86-year history.

Mazer also won the Winsor & Newton Award in watercolor for his painting “Lobster Boat” in the league's 88th Grand National Exhibition.

Additionally, Mazer's watercolor painting “Dinghy Reflections, Mattapoisett” is currently in an exhibition with the American Society of Marine Artists that has been traveling across the country to six maritime museums for the past two years. It will visit its final destination of the tour at the Mystic Seaport Museum in Connecticut in January 2018.

The U.S. Coast Guard also commissioned Mazer to paint a piece as part of the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. This piece, currently on exhibit at the United States Coast Guard Museum in New London, CT, will remain in the Coast Guard’s permanent collection in Washington, D..C.

Throughout his painting career, Mazer has been part of more than 30 national art societies. He served as the president of the New England Watercolor Society for six years and the educational program director of the Canton Art Association for 10 years.

Mazer's wife Marilyn names his paintings, and submits them to art exhibitions. To date, 700 of his pieces, both watercolor and oil, have appeared in exhibits at galleries, museums and in several publications.