Uploaded June 2015 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Join us "In the Studio" of award-winning illustrator and Watts Atelier instructor Lucas Graciano.
Our new "In the Studio" series focuses on visiting artists in their workplace, giving our students a chance to see what goes on "behind the scenes," and learn what inspires our instructors and aids in their creative process.
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. It is now operated by Mr. Watts, his wife and partner Krista, and a core of teachers predominately trained at the atelier. Watts Atelier has been modeled after the studio atelier of 19th century Europe. We at Watts Atelier believe the building a strong foundation of skills is the most important endeavor for any student.
With over 23 years experience teaching thousands of students at the Watts Atelier, Jeff Watts has prepared an unprecedented online program based on the traditions of the masters. Just like at the Atelier, students are strongly encouraged to build their skills in Drawing first, and then branch out into painting and Master classes.
Online memberships start at $99 per month and include pass/fail critiques. Visit WattsAtelier.com to learn more about Watts Atelier and Watts Atelier Online. Free Trial of Watts Atelier Online:
wattsatelier.com/shop/free-trial
Join us "In the Studio" of award-winning illustrator and Watts Atelier instructor Lucas Graciano.
Our new "In the Studio" series focuses on visiting artists in their workplace, giving our students a chance to see what goes on "behind the scenes," and learn what inspires our instructors and aids in their creative process.
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. It is now operated by Mr. Watts, his wife and partner Krista, and a core of teachers predominately trained at the atelier. Watts Atelier has been modeled after the studio atelier of 19th century Europe. We at Watts Atelier believe the building a strong foundation of skills is the most important endeavor for any student.
With over 23 years experience teaching thousands of students at the Watts Atelier, Jeff Watts has prepared an unprecedented online program based on the traditions of the masters. Just like at the Atelier, students are strongly encouraged to build their skills in Drawing first, and then branch out into painting and Master classes.
Online memberships start at $99 per month and include pass/fail critiques. Visit WattsAtelier.com to learn more about Watts Atelier and Watts Atelier Online. Free Trial of Watts Atelier Online:
wattsatelier.com/shop/free-trial





![7 Steps to Paint a Costumed Character in Gouache - Watts Weekly
Follow along with Jeff as he demonstrates how he’d work through painting of a costumed character in gouache. Here he paints an old cow hand he knew.
VIDEO CHAPTERS:
[00:26] - 1. Sketch a line drawing in pencil (H, HB, F)
[00:58] - 2. Wet the board. Add in diluted color stains.
[03:48] - 3. Lay the groundwork for some color harmonies.
[05:19] - 4. Develop the shadow pattern, whats lit/unlit.
[07:27] - 5. Establish the figure ground relationship.
[09:17] - 6. Add opacity to the core shadows. Develop tiles.
[13:18] - 7. Use water blending to finesse the edges.
Supplies:
Paints:
Winsor & Newton Gouache
Ivory Black
Titanium White
Ultramarine Blue
Cobalt Blue
Burnt Sienna
Yellow Ochre
Cadmium Yellow
Cadmium Yellow Light
Cadmium Orange
Flame Red
Cadmium Red
Pthalo Green
Olive Green
Brushes:
Robert Simmons Synthetic Sables
Rounds: 1,3,5
Flats: 1,3,5
Surface:
Crescent Illustration Board - Cold Pressed
Happy painting!
Do you want to improve your figure drawing? Anatomy? Portraits? We would appreciate you stopping by the Watts Atelier website to see all the teaching that we offer. From courses on the Reilly Method, Figure Drawing, Bridgman Anatomy and Structural Drawing to portrait and figure painting we have you covered. Our Online school provides students of all levels with a solid curriculum to follow that will take you from a beginner artist to a highly proficient and if you have the dedication, a professional. Learn from illustrators and artists Jeff Watts, Erik Gist, Lucas Graciano, Ben M. Young, Meadow Gist, Robert Watts and more. We cover a wide variety of materials, mediums and techniques that you can use to help your learning. We hope to see you there!
https://www.wattsatelier.com/online Free Trial of Watts Atelier Online:
https://www.wattsatelier.com/shop/free-trial/ 7 Steps to Paint a Costumed Character in Gouache - Watts Weekly](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/FL7UJYbNnNg/mqdefault.jpg)



![Showing Portfolios at Conventions: My Advice, My Experience, Q and A with E.M. Gist - Watts Weekly
Erik gives some tips and tricks on how to show your work at a convention with the prospect of getting work.
VIDEO CHAPTERS:
[00:19] - Intro
[01:52] - Have at least 6 pieces of work
[02:56] - Target your portfolio
[03:36] - Ways to present your portfolio
[05:24] - Bring some leave behinds
[06:50] - How to conduct yourself during the presentation
[08:46] - Scheduling a portfolio review
[10:02] - Show your work to anyone who will look at it
[10:48] - Exhibiting at Artist Alley
[14:01] - Q and A
[14:07] - What would you have in your portfolio right now?
[14:57] - Can we see inside of your comic portfolio?
[16:04] - Did you meet anyone notable at your first convention?
[16:52] - What is your convention schedule and where can people find you at WonderCon?
[17:32] - Any advice for various types of portfolios?
[18:19] - What is the best place to eat in Anaheim?
[18:40] - Whos still on your comic-character bucket list?
[19:42] - What can you be found doing at a convention?
His convention schedule is as follows, drop by the booth and say hi:
WonderCon: April 1-3
Artist Alley E-09
Star Wars Celebration: May 28 - 29
C2E2: August 5-7
NYCC: October 6-9
Do you want to improve your figure drawing? Anatomy? Portraits? We would appreciate you stopping by the Watts Atelier website to see all the teaching that we offer. From courses on the Reilly Method, Figure Drawing, Bridgman Anatomy and Structural Drawing to portrait and figure painting we have you covered. Our Online school provides students of all levels with a solid curriculum to follow that will take you from a beginner artist to a highly proficient and if you have the dedication, a professional. Learn from illustrators and artists Jeff Watts, Erik Gist, Lucas Graciano, Ben M. Young, Meadow Gist, Robert Watts and more. We cover a wide variety of materials, mediums and techniques that you can use to help your learning. We hope to see you there!
https://www.wattsatelier.com/online Free Trial of Watts Atelier Online:
https://www.wattsatelier.com/shop/free-trial/ Showing Portfolios at Conventions: My Advice, My Experience, Q and A with E.M. Gist - Watts Weekly](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Gnjs_ToNQ2I/mqdefault.jpg)
