The face is pretty much completed all that is left to do is go back over the highlighted
areas once more time. To protect the artwork on our custom painted shoes apply
several thin coats of spray bomb low gloss enamel clear coat.
Interview with Airbrush Artist James Watson by Cris Haynes
I had the pleasure recently of interviewing Canadian artist
James Watson. He specializes in fine art illustration with
a singular style and elemental approach. The following are
excerpts from our meeting.
So Jim, tell me a little about yourself, where were you
raised?
I was born in Toronto and raised in the beach district.
It was a great place to grow up. There were wonderful
parks and recreation areas, it was the best kept secret in
Toronto. I lived in the area up until 1989 when the flood of
developers had decided to ruin its unique character and
charm.
When were you first aware that art was something you
might be good at and what you wanted to do?
At age nine I started drawing cartoons. My parents said
they knew I would always be an artist. It seemed to be
where I was destined to go.
Did you have formal art training?
No, not really, I actually was kicked out of art school for
Tell me how you got your first airbrushing job.
not having any talent! I was in the commercial art course.
I received a call one day from the art director from the col-
I was in my platform silver flame leather boots and long
lege, he asked if I was willing to meet with John Wamsley who
hair, I stood out, a real rebel, I didn’t conform, I didn’t fit in
worked in the art department of a large production studio, a
with the art student image they had. I was told that I didn’t
seasoned veteran illustrator and photo retoucher who needed
have any future or promise. They put me in auto mechan-
some assistance on an overdue project. I was the only one who
ics! I dropped out soon after. Quite a few years later I did
used an airbrush at the college so I got the call. After a few
go back to finish the art course in college.
assignments with John, he became a dear friend and a most
humble mentor to me.
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