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.  In fact, there has been a surge of interest in his film work in recent years.

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 more information about his work. 

He was married to Ameena Meer and has a step-daughter, Sasha, and two daughters, Zarina and Jahanara.

Zarina, Jahanara & Sasha