Jeffrey Watts

Jeffrey Watts is the founder of Watts Atelier of the Arts. He is a contemporary American artist known for his expressive and painterly style, particularly in figurative work, landscapes, and still life. Influenced by masters like Nicolai Fechin, his art often showcases dynamic brushwork and a keen eye for light and form.

Erik Gist

E. M. Gist began his study of art with Jeff Watts in 1996. Three years later, Erik’s training developed into teaching where he is now one of the lead instructors at Watts Atelier of the Arts. Gist began his career as a professional artist in 1998, eventually transitioning into genre illustration, and he painted his first comic cover in 2007. Erik’s clients include Dark Horse Comics, Marvel Comics, DC Comics, BOOM! Studios, Disney Entertainment, TOR Publishing, Wizards of the Coast, Upperdeck, and Palladium Books. Erik has been a finalist for 2024 Eisner Awards, Chesley Award, Rondo Award, and Pulp Ark Award.

Meadow Gist

Meadow began studying at Watts Atelier in 2002 and started teaching drawing and painting not soon after. She chooses subject matter she paints to express a love and respect of a simpler life when you grew your own food and more things were crafted by hand. She enjoys presenting a romantic view of bygone days, sharing this optimism with all who view her paintings. Her inspiration comes from the painting of the Russian Impressionists and the way they paint daily life, as well as the Orientalists and the pride they bring to the simple man. Enamored with the plight of the craftsman, the rural worker, and Native Americans, she enjoys trying to express the relationship between them and what they produce in a visual narrative.

Course Materials

This course will use oil painting materials. For a list of all materials used in this course, visit the materials page.