Did you love that vibrant poster for last month's Oakland Art & Soul festival? Then don't miss the opening this Saturday for an exhibit of fine watercolors, all on the theme of jazz masters, by local artist James E. Gayles (who created that festival poster).

The Reflections in Jazz opening runs from 6-9pm on Saturday Sept. 18. Admission is free. It'll be held at the new uptown location of the Piedmont Piano Company: 1728 San Pablo Ave. (at 18th St.).

Music: Performing at this show will be saxophonist Dayna Stephens (who has played with Herbie Hancock and other jazz luminaries), along with other local jazz greats.

Gayles is excited about this show. "This is a beautiful location, a newly renovated space all in art deco style. And with Dayna Stephens playing, this will be amazing."

The art in this solo show was created with support from a 2008 individual grant through the City of Oakland's Cultural Funding Program.

For the past week, Gayles has been teaching his unique watercolor style to middle/high school students at the Oakland School of the Arts. "I love teaching kids, they really seem to get painting and run with it in their own way," said Gayles.

What's unique about Gayles' art? "It's the way I break up space; I define the shadows and highlights more," he explained. "When I sketch the composition, I let those lines show through in the final work. They tell you not to do that in art school, but it's a style I adapted and it works."

If you can't make the opening, stop by Piedmont Piano to see the artwork through Nov. 20. Also, visit Gayles' web site to see more of his work, and become his Facebook fan to learn about upcoming events.