BEAVER DAM | Gouache Painting in the Snow

James Gurney paints a beaver dam covered in snow using gouache and watercolor. At each stage he shares his thoughts and his technique as he translates the complicated details of nature into brushstrokes and paint textures.
GOUACHE and WATERCOLOR PAINT
Titanium white (gouache): amzn.to/2XSOld4
Terra rosa (watercolor): amzn.to/2qRjCNN
Raw umber (gouache): amzn.to/2pgvHMg
Cobalt blue gouache (Spectrum): amzn.to/3qxVVFA
Cadmium red gouache: amzn.to/32SHjIw
Magenta gouache: amzn.to/3sJizh3
Cadmium yellow light: amzn.to/3EL6lqt
ART MATERIALS
Pentalic watercolor sketchbook: amzn.to/2L989y2
Water cup: amzn.to/2soTw2L
Homemade sketch easel: gurneyjourney.gumroad.com/l/s...
Filbert ½ inch watercolor synthetic: amzn.to/3CqTZT9
Rigger brush (synthetic #3) amzn.to/3AJoW4i
Richeson travel brush set: amzn.to/2xwq1Rr
Richeson “Grey Matters” brush set: amzn.to/2YeNO0P
Water cup: amzn.to/2soTw2L
CAMERAS and AUDIO
Pocket camera (Canon SX620): amzn.to/3lIbtVW
Stereo mics/recorders (Rode Wireless Go II): amzn.to/3mVsMSP
Stereo recorder (Zoom H2n): amzn.to/3aFjCUP
Tripod: amzn.to/2xrRaFc
VIDEO TUTORIALS:
“How to Make a Sketch Easel” (DVD and download options): jamesgurney.com/products/how-...
"Gouache in the Wild" : jamesgurney.com/products/goua...
"GRADIENTS: Color, Form, Illusion." jamesgurney.com/products/grad...
BOOKS BY JAMES GURNEY:
Color and Light: A Guide for Realist Painters: jamesgurney.com/products/colo...
Imaginative Realism: How to Paint What Doesn’t Exist: jamesgurney.com/products/imag...
Dinotopia: A Land Apart from Time: jamesgurney.com/products/dino...
OTHER OFFICIAL SITES
Instagram: / jamesgurneyart
Pinterest: / gurneyjourney
GurneyJourney Blog: gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/
JamesGurney Website: jamesgurney.com/
Facebook group "Sketch Easel Builders": / 403006076777641
Facebook group "Color in Practice": / 160510955315435
Some of the links above are affiliate links, for which I make a small commission at no cost to you.

[@Pixieshade]

As an amateur, I always love how you explain how to simplify the busy landscape. Great quote on peeling it back and looking at it as if it were a painting.

[@kishascape]

@@123495734 It's best to work on an empty stomach so you don't experience such interruptions.

[@gavinogara9360]

This was so relaxing, the environment, the sound, the commentary-not to mention the masterful painting-I love it

[@l.groeger1668]

Frost Waltz !

[@Kapiiu]

I love the little transitions and 'effects' like the painting tubes moving and the brush transition they are well done and very cute, they ad character to your already amazing content!

[@ivonned32]

me too. made it whimsical 😻🌟

[@PeterDavoust]

I really appreciate not only the painting insight and instruction here, but the production value of your videos themselves! Using lines of actual paint composited onto the landscape is such a fun touch that I don't see very often. Thank you for the advice and the inspiration! Also, I hope I'm not the only person who immediately recognized the music in this video as the "you've reached space" music from Kerbal Space Program.

[@Dennis-Hare]

You sir, are unmatched when it comes to your creative displays and ideas. You no doubt invest much time in your editing. Your art stands alone. Your knowledge is heads above the others. Thank you for sharing these videos with us.

[@MichaelPeterDalsgaard]

Exactly the kind of relaxing content I needed for January 1st. Happy new year!

[@timprichard1831]

James you have such an amazing talent. That scene looks so complex but you captured it and even enhanced the appeal of it. Great video. Thank you for sharing your work!

[@eileenjohnston6835]

Scrolling the paint brush across the two scenes ( Photo and Painting) is very clever.

[@PaintWithPencil]

After attempting a few videos of my own, I now know that your video making skills are so good! Not just the editing but the story telling as well. Thanks for putting cool stuff out into the world for all of us to enjoy and learn from.

[@KlNETlCS]

James, I've loved your work since I was in grade school in the 90s. To follow your KZbin now and get insight to how you do what you do with art now as one of my own hobbies is an absolute inspiration. Thank you for all you do! Also, really enjoyed the editing on this one.

[@WabbyDoo]

I don't remember when or how I discovered your channel, but every time I watch a video I'm reminded that you're a gem.

[@Rick_Frigate]

The paintings are awesome but the videos themselves are also a pleasure to watch. Thanks for bringing us along, James

[@beckyisj]

"He must have gotten that half that runs for the stick but not the half that brings it back" 😂😂😂😂 always love your wit, James!

[@safir2241]

happy new year Gurney, you continue to be my biggest idol

[@chiekohoki]

It is honestly incredible how you capture the beauty in such normal scenes. It also amazes me how haphazard the initial washes of color look, and how it all coalesces into a gorgeous capture of a moment, every time. You're incredible, and I really look up to you as an artist!

[@Alexcutspie]

the paint brush transition is so cute

[@MillywiggZ]

You’re a bigger man than me. I can feel the cold coming through the screen.

[@ericastoddard1068]

Sounds fitting of his breed mix. The retriever goes and gets it, the husky doesn't bring it back lol. Your paintings and your exceptional teaching is a huge reason that I decided to break away from just graphite drawing and starting painting with watercolor and gouache! Thank you for sharing your videos!

[@vanessad2873]

Loooove that paintbrush transition at 1:00

[@ivonned32]

It is so therapeutic to watch you paint and explain. 👊🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@catsinhouse]

"Department of Art" - real Smooth!

[@kingjawbo1110]

I take you for the kinda fella that enjoys middle earth. A lot of the music you play reminds me of the shire and many other aspects of your paintings

[@opendstudio7141]

Nice animations and special effects, very subtle without being distracting. Most of your newer veiwers may not be aware of your animation skills or your knowledge of software.

[@JamesGurney]

Thank you very much! Most of my FX are simple physical mechanics, sometimes combined with basic iMovie greenscreen. because I don't know how to so Adobe Premiere Pro, Maya, or any of those things.

[@grahamcruickshank2888]

those final statements were very thought provoking and inspiring

[@alicebeshay1744]

Dear James, you are a wizard🧙🏼‍♂️👍

[@ZoungyArt]

These are so relaxing to watch

[@YanasooSibarah]

Happy New Year to THE Man and his fam!!! 🎊🌟💫

[@lefthandstory1280]

Beautiful sharing friend😃✌️.....

[@MichaelHalbert1952]

You're getting pretty fancy with your video effects. I love it! It seems you may enjoy the video-making process almost as much as painting.

[@euo95]

1:19 How did the paint tubes lift by themselves??? Mr. Gurney the magician! 😂

[@elakiya.lakshmanan]

Wow, Great landscape,Amazing to see the way you live as a creator.Beautiful painting, I could feel the cold😊

[@johncollado1151]

Thanks for another video James, Happy New Year to you and yours.

[@adriancosentino]

Not only your paintings are incredible Also your videos

[@phillipstroll7385]

May we see more of Mrs. Gurney's work please? She's so very talented we'd love to watch her work as well.

[@m-k-g-w]

This was fascinating to both watch and learn from James, and what a beautiful setting to paint. Love it. Thank you for another great adventure! ❤⚘

[@XAVIERCUERVO]

I will never grow tired of saying you are a true master I love everything about your videos and your editing I love it the most when you pull out the giant pencils I love you man ,,!

[@dianeo]

Very cool! Literally. I love the patterns and values in this piece. Also loved the info on Smooth. You often paint in such uncomfortable conditions. If you lived in Florida and a hurricane was coming, you'd probably grab your easel... time to paint! Thanks for posting today. Happy New Year!

[@CharleyWang]

Like the beauty of winter, you can find a sense of picture in any scene, a great travel experience, great paintings, and the best part is your commentary. Wish you a Happy New Year!

[@holymolyitskarm]

Love the editing and how calming and useful your videos are! 💗

[@julielevasseur7391]

Enchanting.

[@mindseye4914]

Man Mr Gurney your videos are pure therapy. Not only do I learn so much in terms of painting but your painting, imagery, commentary instantly calms my mind which is highly valuable to me.

[@breet9499]

omg the editing is always so interesting that im always surprised by something lol also the fact that the dog's name is smooth is hilarious to me

[@alicebeshay1744]

Dear James, You are a wizzard!!!

[@Yenrabbit]

So lovely to watch James, really relaxing and comforting. Thank you for sharing :)

[@peggy3748]

🤩 FUN!

[@MisterBigDave]

Great rendition of a familiar theme!! I especially like the way you blended in the white.

[@joycebutler3494]

Happy New Year! Thanks for sharing your painting videos!

[@damienkearns3654]

Love your videos, the little filmmaker touches are always great.

[@facom40]

Congratulations James, it's amazing ! Happy New Year 2022 !

[@sawsqn6292]

Wow the editing is awesome

[@jenslingspaint3523]

Happy new year! What a great breakdown of painting this beaver pond. Top quality as always Mr. Gurney! Thank you!

[@asankaanujeewa6357]

Great work gurney

[@AmandaInEly]

You have such a kind voice, it seems easy to learn from you

[@claamedeiros_]

omg ' such a AMAZING video!

[@toggtlas7099]

Happy New Year, Gurney! Thanks for all the entertainment! 🙌

[@yunzers]

Beautiful thanks so much! Happy New Year!

[@yellowbicycleartstudio8974]

Beautiful video and painting!

[@riffsandpics]

I enjoy how you present a bit of the environment around you as well as the painting itself. Relaxing and informative!

[@WhereHeInsertedTheBladee]

these videos never fail to make me smile. today was a rough day, but seeing this has improved it ten fold

[@beanbagthemeanbag1303]

This video was really well done. I enjoyed the interesting transitions, the editing, and the commentary. Thank you!

[@evanvanpelt2380]

I’ve been watching for a while and your editing recently has been so so so good!

[@evansecencefan1435]

I love the little touches like you sliding the brush and revealing your painting or your paint tubes levitating when you talk about them :) it's so charming

[@cathyxu1301]

First video of the year for me! Awesome delivery as always! Happy New Year Mr Gurney and to everyone!!

[@chelseafontana2634]

Your videos are great please keep making them!!!

[@knightsintodreams]

I’m in Rome for the next three months and I’m binging all your videos! I gotta learn the tips for when I try to paint the buildings

[@JamesGurney]

You're in artistic heaven! Have fun making memories.

[@sadiahamidi]

So beautiful and natural.

[@purplepinkclouds8882]

Kerbal Space Program music?? I thought I couldn't love your videos any more! Excellent content as usual.

[@sindarpeacheyeisacommie8688]

I like hearing what you're thinking, the why of the choices you make. Highly instructional. Thank you.

[@birgitblume4980]

Great video, thank you! I love the quote: Peel it back and pretend you're looking at a painting!!!!

[@KathyBrooksArt]

Wow, amazing. The way you painted the leaves on the nearest shoreline that are visible under the ice is beautifully rendered. I love your videos because I always feel like I'm right there on the adventure! Thanks.

[@annikajustinussen6881]

Beautiful

[@progressdaily100]

i am so inspired by your work 😍

[@catherinecarlson6164]

Quite beautiful.

[@arashi.nakamura]

So cool to see! I can honestly say I've never seen a beaver dam, or at least did not know if I did. So this was very interesting, and I applaud your incredible painting skills again! You've sparked a joy in plein-air painting, and I'm awaiting some gouache paints in the mail as I type this. Looking forwards to your next video already! Happy New Year

[@deb5710]

Great video, thanks.

[@mirandas.7742]

Your videos have all been so inspiring, and helpful for me to improve my skills. In addition, they're just very relaxing to listen to when I'm having an episode of anxiety. Very much reminds me of bob ross. Thank you so much! I hope you keep making videos, and that they aren't a toll on you to produce.

[@taffinakatkus1370]

Beaver Dam painting outdoors, looks alot like my back woods here in Alaska, but too cold at -32 and wind. So thank you for filling my heart with nature for just a few minutes. I look forward to try gouache outdoors when it warms up in April. I have invested in all your dvd and learn so much from your style of teaching. Thank you for mentoring the fellow art spirits. :)

[@yungmaianh87]

When you swipe the brush to reveal the painting was so crazy, im learning gouache just so i can do that

[@ghmongo]

Happy New Year James!

[@corpusculum7117]

Schön!!!🎄

[@drewlovelyhell4892]

Nice beaver dam!

[@majeddraws5104]

we need to talk about your video editing technique!!! your editing is very very good! :)

[@lindahines7294]

Masterful…

[@hildegardkhelfa5358]

Beautiful painting and wonderful relaxing video. I was laughing about the half Labrador, who never brings the sticks back, since I have a half Labrador, half Longhair-Shepard and he is just the same. Catching, yes, playing that "give-it-to-me" game, yes: but bringing a stick back... No. Returning to get scratches and rubs, yesssss. Water, endless yesss. Back to your drawing: it always helps me so much to watch your handling of light, darks and shapes. Thank you for sharing and all the best for 2022 for you, your wife and all your family, friends and of course also your followers. :-)

[@reignandbongao9497]

While researching the style of easel James Gurney pioneered (I'm gonna make one myself soon!). I came across that he is the author and illustrator of Dinotopia! My family had the video cd for it (this was before the introduction of dvd in my country) It became one of my favorite film over the years, its one of the reason why I picked up table tennis as my varsity sport back in high school. To know that my inspiration back in my childhood and this channel being one of my inspirations in my endeavors now are linked is such a serendipitously magical feeling.

[@JamesGurney]

Thanks for sharing that memory, Reignand.

[@DJSHADDY2K7]

Happy new year's James for me all the way I the Island of the Bahamas.

[@pk3679]

I am just starting out with gouache, but have been using watercolor for years. I find your videos very helpful both for explaining the use of my new medium and also great painting tips that I can use whichever media I chose to use. Thanks for all of the help.

[@tradingpostfarms]

Another awe inspiring painting, I can't even imagine attempting to capture those leaves trapped under the ice, I saw the painting prior to the video, and was so excited that you shared the process. Thanks again.

[@joeiscoffee]

Those leaves are amazing.

[@Tat2TankT]

Amazing as always bro thanks for sharing happy new year

[@dgib1694]

It's magic

[@artfx9]

Well done Sir!

[@TheStugbit]

My first contact with painting was with building model kits and such, so I'm familiar with the dry brush technique because of that. But it took me a while to understand that you can actually dry brush in regular painting like gouache and oil as well and it works quite similar. There are many things from model building that you can import into painting. Happy New Year James! Regards!

[@Yimengh]

Thanks!

[@ErikBongers]

I'm surprised at how many different reds and browns you used. Happy New Year!

[@nehasane4579]

It was really cool to see the leaves in the water body being painted initially it is something which I would have thought is not important but it made the painting look awesome!

[@user-wd2mm7uq4b]

happy new year !

[@victorsaavedra6595]

this channel is what I call the SAUCE

[@normanmerrill1241]

Thanks

[@dabama2864]

Entertaining

[@RLDSTUDIO]

Your comments on trying to summarize the "nature" of the details is some of the best advice. For whatever reason this is something I always struggle with, trying way too hard to capture and exact copy which like you said is impossible. Also kudos for the production as usual and all the little goodies you include. I so enjoyed watching the clips of Smooth exploring the area and the levitating paint was a really neat touch. Would love to hear how you pulled that off if you're willing to share.

[@JamesGurney]

Dowel pistons from behind.

[@RLDSTUDIO]

@@JamesGurney So simple! Genius.