Watercolor Portraiture

In this class, students will learn how to render the human face as you study its anatomy, including bone structure, muscle tone and the relationship between facial features. Students will work with the instructor to learn and understand basic watercolor principles and techniques such as washes and shading to achieve a realistic likeness. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist looking to refine your techniques, this class offers a comprehensive exploration of portrait painting.

Tuesday – Thursday, March 19 – 21, 10 am – 1 pm

Instructor: James Gayles

Age: Adult (16+) | All Levels

Supply List: Show email confirmation at Nevada Fine Arts for a 10% discount.

  •  Watercolor paper – prefer 300 lb. cold press
  •  A set of watercolors
  •  A set of Watercolor   brushes. Minimum of   three – one large round   wash brush, one medium and one fine
  •  Graphite transfer paper
  • Ball point pen
  •  Eraser
  •  Container for water
  •  Paper towels

Instructor will provide handout materials:

  • A line sketch of the subject
  •  A color reference photo of the subject.

James Gayles

James Gayles is an Emmy Award-winning graphic designer and artist who specializes in watercolor portraits.

James attended Pratt Institute in New York, where he studied under renowned painters Jacob Lawrence and super realist Audrey Flack. James has won public art commissions from cities across the US and Asia. He is committed to cultivating artists and sharing his work.

As a commercial artist early in his career, he established himself in New York as a Graphic Designer and illustrator, becoming Assistant Director of Graphics at NewsCenter 4, NBC-TV.

At NBC, he won a television Emmy Award for design and illustration. James is also a two-time winner of Art Direction Magazine’s Creativity Award, one for the NewsCenter 4 logo redesign, and the other for an editorial illustration for the New York Times. James has illustrated for McGraw-Hill, Random House, Essence Magazine, Black Enterprise Magazine, as well as several advertising agencies on both the East and West coasts.