About Watts Atelier

Teaching Method

Watts Atelier was started in an effort to help fascilitate training representational artists in a streamlined and logical manner.  The techniques used in this teaching method have led to a very unique progression that helps to develop artists with exceptional dexterity and well honed eyes.  An eye developed to this level can see in a non-biased manner.  Through proper procedure the art student can develop an acute sensitivity to proper seeing of edge ,value, proportion, placement and color.  This is a very subtle process and students can benefit greatly from the already developed eye of a senior teacher.  It is my belief that the duty of the instructors should be to demonstrate in front of the student and on the student’s drawings and paintings each and every class.  As the student begins to develop a similar eye for accuracy through emulating their instructor the individual’s confidence becomes greater and ultimately their individuality will be brought forth with all of the momentum of a truly well-trained eye and a unique talent will be the result.  The culmination of years of patient perception, focus and perseverance will lead the student to a life of never ending discovery and joy as they explore this fantastic journey of becoming a true artist.  I would like to make it known before you start this journey that this method is not one of immediate gratification.  One must understand that learning and progressing in art comes from doing; painting, drawing, studying, and we get from it what we put into it.  There is no shortcut to experience.

Curriculum

We offer a complete and well rounded curriculum of some 70+ classes throughout the year.  They range from fundamental drawing classes like Cast drawing to more repetitive model classes like Figure and Portrait drawing as well as very specialized classes in both illustration and fine arts using a variety of mediums from oil to digital.

Classes

Classes are taught in 3 hour blocks, meeting once a week for 10 consecutive weeks.  There are 4 terms a year with 3 weeks off in between.  We also offer 3 to 5 day workshops during the breaks between terms.

Drawing

Drawing is the foundation for all great endeavors in art.  We offer a range of classes starting from gesture or Quicksketch classes to 15 or 30 hour long drawing classes from models both nude and clothed.  We commonly use a very unique sharpening method using charcoal pencils and also drafting and led pencils for longer pose classes.

Career Potential

Students who attend the Atelier style of training will develop superior skills that can be applied to careers in a variety of industries such as video gaming, movie, animation, publishing, comics and more fine art oriented fields such as commissioned portraiture and fine art galleries.

Overview

Watts Atelier of the Arts is located in the quiet beach town of Encinitas, CA, 30 miles north of San Diego. The Atelier was founded by Jeffrey R. Watts in 1992 as an intimate studio environment now operated by Mr. Watts and a core of 8 professionals in the areas of representational drawing, painting, sculpture and illustration. Watts Atelier has been modeled after the studio atelier of nineteenth century Europe. Most courses use a unique two-teacher approach, which ensures each student’s individual needs are met. Watts Atelier now offers 3 progressive certificate programs: Foundation, Advanced and Portfolio. Students of all levels are welcome. No portfolio review is required for enrollment.

We at Watts Atelier believe that building a strong foundation of skills is the most important endeavor for any art student. We believe the path to prosperity in any field is paved with superior knowledge, a strong work ethic, and a clear focus of purpose. Much like an athlete or musician, the visual artist must continue to build up and maintain his or her skills through diligent practice of the fundamental concepts of art. Watts Atelier brings together students of all ages and levels of traditional art skill, from professional working artist to novice, in an environment of visual learning that is highly structured with a low student-to-teacher ratio. One of the most unique features of Watts Atelier is the number of classes run with dual teachers. Because our teachers are groomed from within our Atelier, we are able to offer this unique approach. This includes two instructor demonstrations at the same time in drawing classes and twice the attention per student in the specialty classes.