The second son of Gordon Nares, he was born in London in 1953 and was educated at Marlborough and then Dartington, where his artistic talents really began to flourish.  After a foundation year at Falmouth Art School he went to Chelsea Art School in 1972.  He took advantage of a student exchange program to go to the School of Visual Arts in New York from 1974-76 and has lived in America ever since.  Although best known for his painting he has also worked in music and film

MARLPIT HILL, 2002
Oil on Linen
32 x 81 inches

This is just one example of his paintings which are executed in a single giant brushstroke, made with huge brushes that he makes himself. His own website, www.jamesnares.com, has masses of information about his work and many more examples. 

He married Ameena Meer, who is a novelist and copywriter, and has a step-daughter, Sasha, and two daughters, Zarina and Jahanara.

Zarina, Jahanara & Sasha