Do Artists See Differently?

James Gurney paints a pile of firewood in watercolor and gouache. As he progresses, he describes the strategies of seeing that help him concentrate on what's important at each stage.
--
This leads to the question about whether artists really see the world differently from non-artists and how they're trained to focus their attention in selective ways.
--
Gurney introduces the current scientific idea that visual perception being driven at least as much by top-down processing as by bottom-up processing, and he refers to the work of two cognitive scientists in this area:
Donald Hoffman: (TED Talk "Do We Really See Reality as it Is?") • Do we see reality as i...
Robin Carhart-Harris (Mindscape Podcast --start at 33:00)
• Mindscape Episode 82 |...
Website: "What is Top-Down Processing?"
www.verywellmind.com/what-is-...
Richard Feynman on fire as stored sunlight:
bigthink.com/surprising-scien...
Related blog post: "Do artists see differently? gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/20...
ART SUPPLIES
Titanium white (gouache): amzn.to/2XSOld4
Scarlet Pyrrol (watercolor): amzn.to/3s04NDt
Cerulean blue (gouache): amzn.to/2NtFH0E
Yellow ochre (watercolor): amzn.to/3eSC5AE
Terre Rosa (watercolor): amzn.to/2qRjCNN
Ultramarine Blue: amzn.to/2Sm4FyB
Azo Yellow: amzn.to/34iDpWW
Watercolor sketchbook: amzn.to/2L989y2
Travel brush set: amzn.to/2xwq1Rr
Brush set: amzn.to/2YeNO0P
Water cup: amzn.to/2soTw2L
Water-soluble colored pencils set: amzn.to/2DKmT5o
OTHER OFFICIAL SITES
Instagram: / jamesgurneyart
Pinterest: / gurneyjourney
GurneyJourney Blog: gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/
JamesGurney Website: jamesgurney.com/
Facebook group "Sketch Easel Builders": groups/40300...
VIDEO TUTORIALS:
“Watercolor in the Wild” (Download) gumroad.com/l/watercolor
"Flower Painting in the Wild" (Download on Gumroad): gumroad.com/l/flowerpainting
"Gouache in the Wild" (Download on Gumroad): gumroad.com/l/gouache
"Gouache in the Wild" on (DVD): kunaki.com/Sales.asp?PID=PX004...
“How to Make a Sketch Easel” (DVD): kunaki.com/Sales.asp?PID=PX00Z...
“Watercolor in the Wild” (Download) gumroad.com/l/watercolor
BLOG POSTS ABOUT GOUACHE MATERIALS
gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/201...
BOOKS:
Color and Light: A Guide for Realist Painters: amzn.to/2JhWtfc
Imaginative Realism How to Paint What Doesn't Exist: jamesgurney.com/
Music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

[@a.captiveaudience]

out of all the artists who share their process and tips, yours has always been the most helpful; the most inspiring. thank you for sharing!!

[@johnohare6379]

Great tutorial messed around with most mediums from being a kid many moons ago, you have really inspired me to get seriously back into water colour 👍

[@endless_art]

Oh, yes. I often find myself wanting to fix something that another artist painted during a speedpaint or mater class. There is no such feeling on the finished image, but it is during the process that I understand that I would have got a completely different result, because I would never in my life do the way the artist does on the video, I would do it differently. This is our difference. Drawing ten of us the same thing, we would never get the same result. Especially in paints, since there is a run not only in tone, but also in color. Every artist see differently. Two artists see differently too.

[@catmeow333]

That’s so funny ! I find myself imploring the screen, “No !! Leave it ! Leave it ! That stroke is PERfect. Sometimes the painter changes it and I tell myself it’s a reminder to me not to interfere with my next “chance” brushstroke. . 🤣

[@juilescieg]

and so many different techniques.

[@melanieopperman6688]

That doggie was working hard to photo bomb his way into the composition. Thank you for another great tutorial

[@nuummuun]

Smooth. Beautiful boy.

[@kayaeki]

this made my day haha

[@vamsi8669]

May it's try to paint bomb ☺️

[@vintagekarma]

Came for the woodpile tutorial, left with a profound realization about “paint/draw/etc what you see”. James has the best way of explaining how the brain translates what we see and how we then create a unique shorthand as visual notation.

[@Slekkevet]

Hi James, looking at your videos I'm always struck by the quality of your painting, the elegance of your script, the profoundness of your insights, your general ability for unceasing associative learning, etc. All of which must be the fruit of decades of disciplined hard work. Stopping short of writing a love letter I guess I'm just dropping by to say thanks for being on this website and sharing your knowledge. All the best, Elie

[@JamesGurney]

Wow, thank you! It's often frustrating for me to try to translate my thought process into words, because in reality my brain feels so chaotic when I'm painting. But I'm glad if you can glean some useful insights from these presentation.

[@ptaylor4923]

@@JamesGurney I can't talk when I draw or paint. I simply can't. I immediately stop seeing what's there and lose focus.

[@---Joy---]

@@ptaylor4923 Same! It tears me out of the zone & snaps me back into reality. YUK!!

[@jackwilliams1468]

I've never been so early to a James Gurney video!

[@ptaylor4923]

I got here within 12 hours and almost 1,500 people beat me 😂

[@anaygupta4406]

I've never been so late to a James Gurney Video!

[@watercolourartincapetown2919]

Yuuuuup I’m starting to “see” differently

[@wessidestory]

This was some of the best teaching and explanation that I've ever seen on how to translate complicated reality to a cohesive, representative painting. Brilliantly done!

[@catmeow333]

Before even watching this, the title, Do Artists See Differently ? YES. It’s the first lesson my mom taught me.

[@JamesGurney]

I forgot to include results of a study that did eyetracking of artists vs. non artists: gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/2009/11/do-artists-see-differently.html

[@catmeow333]

@@JamesGurney Whoa ! Righr on Grrrr, I have a graphic arts background as well as painting etc and I silently lose it when people leave my window blinds crooked, carelessly nail a notice off kilter, arrange patio pavers out of horizontal plumb. OMG I don’t have OCD it just looks horrible to me. It’s as offensive as bad kerning in my book.

[@catmeow333]

@@JamesGurney wow great website/ blog

[@ARIANA-eh2qt]

@@JamesGurney I just remembered about this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKuyZomfhMSsbrs It's about how kids and artists see. I think is really similar to that study! I think this topics about how artists analyze images are quite interesting ^^

[@santone1849]

@@ARIANA-eh2qt thank you I looked at that Video . Really good

[@deborahfinney313]

I am a detail person. You help me to see it differently so I don't have to put in every leaf and twig to make a good picture. Thank you for all you do for us!

[@wileycom]

I am so moved, intellectually, emotionally and aesthetically by your sharing of your knowledge, your fine work, your sensitive and generous spirit. I am a beginner and I’m fillled with gratitude that I can simply flip on KZbin and have the awesome opportunity to enter your world Mr Gurney! That I’ve subscribed is a mute point; that I’m now privy to your thought and feelings about painting is a treasure of a gift. Thank you.

[@FeguerFineArt]

learning to see was so vague to me for the longest time, and then I hit me, seeing is noticing things that you see, and learning to see things in the right order.

[@JamesGurney]

Well said, that's it exactly.

[@mydemon]

What a treat when you see a notification from James Gurney pop on the phone. It feels truly special.

[@kingpen1179]

I really love rewatching all your vids mr. gurney, I hope I could meet you some time soon

[@mygoldenretrieverdogapu9360]

James you are genius! If you are reading this I will be so lucky.. I am from Mumbai India, 52 years old, just started painted 6 months back... I learn so much from you, can't put it into words. Love you and your work and wholehearted tututorials.

[@sandjune2753]

So true that a photo doesn't show the colours that you can see in real life looking at a subject . Thanks James , great video

[@alexisarton-powell7992]

12 seconds ago, I'm so early! I've been waiting for another video, I love them so much! Thank you for teaching us James Gurney :D

[@cdsketch]

Very informative video, I 100% agree that painting from photos seems to lack the same vibrance and color that you get from life

[@ErikBongers]

As an artist, I guess you also choose what to see and not to see. I also think that other artist may see other things than I do, as if we are all wearing different filtered glasses, and that's ok. It's one of the aspects that makes us all different artists.

[@catmeow333]

Right on Erik 🤣 One artist’s Blue-Green is another artist’s Green-Blue

[@JamesGurney]

Hey, Eric, Well put. So much of focused seeing is choosing what to ignore.

[@vv1kas]

This is only 11 mins long but somehow is one of the most informative paintings videos I've seen. It puts words to what painting is like. Thank you for another amazing video!

[@nerfherder4284]

Absolutely the best art teacher I've ever had.

[@bozmundarts2614]

for me it's a simplification of shapes and forms i see, tubes, boxes and ovals are the most basic which help you ease into showing the perspective and position of the objects, then you can also dive into re designing these forms/shapes more to the character of what you're drawing, although human body parts or any animal's have quite specific and varied design (a lot of rythms and patterns too) that i would say having a source to learn from will accelerate the process of you managing to draw those usually (my only recommendation to this day is steve huston tbh). when you make art, you express yourself and the way you choose to see and translate life into the representational abstraction that it is! so each artist *will* see and do things as they feel and differently, i think that's the beauty of it, plus sharing it with other so relatable artists...

[@nairazak_art]

I freeze when I see that amount of parts in a reference

[@solivee5485]

When you are faster than the youtube notification... thank you Mr. Gurney for posting.

[@funkybinch6039]

I bought your book Color and Light recently and it's already been helping so much! Then I discovered you have a channel here and immediately subscribed. Thank you for everything!

[@ptaylor4923]

I've got Color and Light also. Amazing book.

[@amysbees6686]

That book is a CLASSIC! Required reading, so to speak!

[@XAVIERCUERVO]

your videos are also a form of stored sunlight master James

[@yuramazing]

It is obvious, for sure, how different the colors always are on photos, after you painted during a plain air! I've started having more and more plain airs because of James Gurney, and I'm very thankful for his existence!!! He brings a lot of motivation, knowledge and overall happiness with his videos! I've even started a you-tube channel inspired by James the Great!)

[@gloriart6558]

I love to see artists show us the beauty in the seemingly unbeautiful. you are so good at helping new artists realize how your thought process works. I too taught art, talked about learning to 'see' right off the bat, and drawing loosely to block in before putting details. only one word I want us all to start saying/using in perception or execution is: (from your video) "the brain is providing us with models of what we're seeing and this is largely "subconscious" so that this fills in ... " 'unconscious' is the guy waiting for the ambulance, 'subconscious' (or subconsciously) is the guy painting and all his knowledge from experience or education is coming to the surface naturally.

[@painter662]

Thank you. Over the last few years I have become a big fan of your videos. They have taught me a lot. Thanks

[@hyacinthdibley2420]

3:54 regarding seeing colours in photos that aren’t there...i have a short story i want to share. I was in St Augustine, FL a while back and was driving on the Bridge of Lions. It was cloudy with some sun rays/streaks peaking out from behind some clouds, and it had just begun to rain. There was slow traffic, so i was able to look past the bridge rails into the water, and i promise you, the scene looked amazing and immediately saw/imagined it... ...as an epic image from Pirates of the Caribbean or some other majestic fantasy movie. It was just beautiful and other worldly and just perfect. I couldn’t stop on the bridge to get a photo, and parking down the street was hard to find. I went back a few days later and was disappointed to find that that unique look was gone. This happens to me often; seeing a more exaggerated image of an already beautiful scene in my head. It also happened to me in DC...I’ve forgotten the name of the bridge there. Does this ever happen to anyone else? Also, thank you so much for this video. It really helps me reimagine my subjects and how i start drawing them. I usually draw without my glasses because my sight is blurry without them (and this helps a lot), but I’ve never started with geometric shapes before. Maybe that’s one of my problems. Hahaha.

[@bbbele]

truly loved this video! and thank you so much for all the resources linked as well

[@JNeedels]

In the past three years I’ve been learning and studying how to draw, paint and see. I’ve always been a detail oriented person but I look even closer than ever at what appears to define an edge of the subject, the edge colors, the variance of colors that compose the highlights, shadows, and the spectrum in between. This heightened focus is now something I can’t “turn off.” Thank you for taking the time to share with us.

[@rivkasherman3906]

Artist absolutely see more and differently! thank you

[@thomasdenmark]

I wish someone had explained "seeing" this way to me when I was a first year art student.

[@gabrielbruce1977]

I wish anyone had taught me this at all, so same

[@phiangleflip]

I really like how these videos are done! This one is a really thorough and unique way to show people your process - thanks for sharing!

[@thuggy1]

Phantastic video...as usual! You made me really happy again!

[@TeamHatchet64]

Things at the art desk are making so much more sense now. Thank you so much.

[@paintingsofwaves_mikewoning]

This is soooo on point. Great, great video and breakdown of the painting process.

[@theatk]

James, I always appreciate your insight into your thinking, perspective, and processes. It makes me think and adds a philosophical element to your videos that I very much enjoy.

[@dierkkoenig]

if we see our mental model, then artists have a different mental model. Where others see logs, you see shapes and values and contrast and edges and options for composition and so on. I see you doing great work and sharing generously. 1000 thanks.

[@disegnintasca]

Very insightful, thank you for sharing this James!

[@paintinglabofficial]

Great Video James! The log analogy is just great as is drawing a distinction between learning to see and learning to handle paint.

[@jjed88]

You explain in detail everything you do as you're doing it. I find that SO HELPFUL. You must get so much joy of accomplishment as your beautiful artwork comes to fruition. You are so much appreciated. Thank you James.

[@Angela-jy8um]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. The visuals really help with your explanations.

[@shelmn]

I have learned so many truly insightful things watching your videos over the last few years. The Philosophy and Physiology of vision, and our perception of reality is a fascinating subject. Learning to narrow it down over time and honing in, is the biggest take away for me so far, and it has changed how I perceive creating in general.

[@-kattya-]

this is FANTASTIC explanation! thank you Sir!

[@sarasawyer2816]

The attention to detail Gurney puts into everything he does is just mind-blowing... I mean even in the description box he carefully gathers a lot of relevant information related to the video. That attention to detail for sure makes a difference.

[@dianeo]

Thanks for those excellent close-ups. Breaking down that pile of wood into manageable blocks (no puns intended, LOL) of shapes and tones onto the paper really brings order to what could be a chaotic and overwhelming painting experience. Very helpful. Same with the foliage which I still sometimes struggle with. What a good boy Smooth is.

[@deborahthompson3847]

Excellent as always!

[@kimbakerpaints]

I so love your videos! They are so expertly made. Your teaching and artwork is superb!

[@sarah-jz1cr]

this video is so helpful, thank you!!

[@cheychc]

what a great painting and discussion on perception! Thanks for all the great art videos!

[@stevesloan5935]

Great insights, and well- articulated. I agree with your thought on the "magic" of painting. I look forward to your next video!

[@mystforest]

Thank you, James. You are the best art instructor!

[@rutbrea8796]

Mr. Gourney you are a good teacher.

[@a.boston160]

Thank you for sharing this video sir. I’m not able to paint right now; this pandemic has not been easy. I am thankful I have not lost anyone close but I haven’t had the thing that I love doing most. Watching your videos helps tremendously. I feel the soul of discovery and your work is a refreshing breath of a true painting spirit. I send my well wishes and gratitudes to you master Gurney.

[@lslsls-mu5rb]

Thank you for the video! And I really enjoyed the podcasts and articles you shared with us, too. :)

[@HalfWarrior]

Thank you James! A brilliant teacher and artist you are!😁👍🏻

[@joschnee]

Thank you so much for your videos! I'm trying to get back into gouache these days after a biiig big art block filled with a lot of insecurities. This helps! so thank you!

[@Ratkill]

What a guy. Even the shots and angles in the video are really well composed.

[@Polecat54941]

You are my number one in watercolor and gouache, really enjoy your work!

[@Lauragld]

Wonderful....I have watched your snow pile in the parking lot many times and it's a big favorite :) Now the woodpile is added to my favorite list :). Always learning....thank you James for your generous videos.

[@VazP-qn8jo]

As usual very inspiring and interesting, thank you dear James!

[@kathyn3978]

I could watch you paint all day. How you make a pile of split wood come to life is mesmerizing. I could almost smell the aroma of it, too. Now to listen to you again without watching…it’s how my mind weeds out distractions. Then on to the podcasts…unless you need help stacking all that. Henry Ford said “Chop your own wood, it will warm you twice”. But it’s much more than that…much, much more. Thank you for an enlightening video!

[@IraMishchuk]

Thank you so much for this video and explanation! This 11-minutes shot gave more than courses and some books!

[@natedog2508]

WOW just WOW! Thank you for sharing!

[@SC4RArt]

Awesome artwork! Truly impressive... Thank you for sharing. 🤩🎨🤩

[@philipdahl8767]

The pup sniffing was well needed and very appreciated!

[@Whiteykid2]

Brilliant video and great lesson in overall drawing 👍 needs to be seen by everyone!!

[@junkabella6324]

The manipulated images/photographs are so helpful! I learned so many new things!

[@MalcolmMarcus]

Terrific. Great tips and insights. Thanks!

[@lecolintube]

Thank you so much, that was beautiful!

[@donaldmaddox4531]

James, that was a really outstanding video which made me think hard about the way I approach painting. Well done.

[@knightsintodreams]

Your channel is so wonderful. I always try to draw along with you when I watch 💕💕

[@suzanneboily5224]

Excellent works thank you kindly.

[@gloomy27]

Beautiful!

[@tarakate4925]

Such a great video! As my skills have developed, that I see details that I used to miss and my ability to parse out angles and shapes has improved. Hearing about the “top down” model of vision makes sense-I think much of my being an artist has been getting past my brain’s models for things to actually observe what’s truly there instead. 👍 I still struggle with complex scenes like this wood pile. Watching how you tackled it was very helpful! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us! 🪵

[@bassist41]

Wonderful lesson and thought process.

[@monikaazariah9237]

This was so aptly described....I love your explanations sir!

[@ZackAttack680]

what a legend. Had no idea you were on youtube! Instant sub.

[@Zemog23]

I just looked up your channel right now to revisit it and you recently posted a video. What a coincidence!

[@sebastianaplin4886]

Thank you for your great videos and links about the nature of reality. Wonderful!

[@leenamohan6646]

Amazing job, thank you.

[@danparks3799]

I love your painting channel. I paint in acrylic but just bought a water color kit to try this. Thank you

[@joshuaGmartin2023]

Wonderful, thank you

[@tosteson1]

Beautiful thoughts and paintings as always

[@avishekgadal7170]

wow,, that was a great feeling to dive in your perceptions.. beautiful

[@penguin744]

I see this channel at first time and I'm happy

[@wilfredomendez3450]

Very profound, perhaps. Thanks for sharing.

[@shelbynorthcutt5391]

I think it's really cool that my mind goes through each of these steps as well.

[@dianaharrison2280]

Excellent, thanks

[@RagingPariah]

Really insightful and informative. Thank you for the peek into your mind!

[@heavestlus8764]

absolutely wonderful

[@kevinnguyen552]

I just love your painterly style!!!! It’s beautiful

[@lxxl8156]

Fantastic video.

[@jamespayne9218]

Wonderful video.

[@sallyfinch540]

Fantastic!

[@marciareeves2179]

Appreciate how you explained it.

[@sydene54]

captivating... I would never tackle a wood pile... but you show it's not so difficult

[@Zoutsteen]

Awesome, every time again