Jeff Watts

Jeff Watts is the founder and lead instructor of Watts Atelier of the Arts. From the age of 18, Jeff started studying at the California Art Institute under Fred Fixler, Glen Orbik, Mark Westermoe, Neal Boyle and Morgan Weistling. After working in the movie industry, Jeff’s desire to become an easel painter would draw him back to San Diego where he started a small life drawing and painting studio which has evolved into Watts Atelier of the Arts. Jeff’s oil paintings have won numerous awards in many different competitions over the years.

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.

Lucas Graciano

Lucas Graciano is a multi award-winning artist who began his education at the Watts Atelier in 2001. During this time, he began working in the video game industry as a visual development artist. In 2005, Lucas was approached by Jeff to teach. This gave him the opportunity to develop his skills further while he continued to explore different art paths in his career. After 20 years with the atelier, Lucas has since moved away from teaching in person to focus entirely on his freelance art career. An accomplished illustrator and multi award-winning artist, he focuses primarily on fantasy illustration doing book covers, card art, and other promotional works.

Course Materials

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