Gouache Painting Tutorial: James Gurney's 25 Tips for Sketching Architecture

James Gurney paints a study of an old house in gouache. He starts by drawing the perspective with a water-soluble colored pencil on a casein-primed aqua media sketchbook page clipped to a DIY tripod easel. He then shares 25 tips for both beginners and advanced painters as he paints the building using a limited palette of gouache: white, black, yellow ochre, and raw umber. He demonstrates three main kinds of brushes: synthetic flat, round synthetic, and cat's tongue made from squirrel hair. The demonstration is interspersed with captions that explain the steps of the tutorial.
MATERIALS
Pentalic watercolor sketchbook: amzn.to/2L989y2
Cat's Tongue Brush, 1/2 inch: amzn.to/2RwV8D4
Travel brush: Connoisseur 9467: amzn.to/2DRdBVh
Richeson Travel brush set: amzn.to/2xwq1Rr
Water cup: amzn.to/2soTw2L
Homemade easel: sellfy.com/p/LnZ8/
Tripod: amzn.to/2xrRaFc
PAINTS
M. Graham (gouache): amzn.to/2ZWzLyR
Holbein (gouache): amzn.to/2JhMCWK
Winsor & Newton (gouache): amzn.to/2JiDMbo
Richeson casein: amzn.to/2MLPAG7
DRAWING TOOLS
Water-soluble colored pencil: amzn.to/2J4QTJJ
Fountain pen: amzn.to/2J7eWum
TRIPOD, CAMERAS AND AUDIO:
Amazon Basics Tripod: amzn.to/2ZZtkKw
Canon M6 (time lapse, video, and stills): amzn.to/2J4RTgX
Canon PowerShot Elph (point-and-shoot): amzn.to/2Ji1Vid
Zoom H2N digital audio recorder: amzn.to/2XXAOfP
Rode Video Mic GO (microphone): amzn.to/2UQGTc9
VIDEO TUTORIALS:
"Flower Painting in the Wild" (Gumroad) gumroad.com/l/flowerpainting
"Gouache in the Wild" (Download on Gumroad): gumroad.com/l/gouache
"Gouache in the Wild" on (DVD): amzn.to/2kF4YD0
“Casein Painting in the Wild” (Download on Gumroad): gumroad.com/l/casein
“How to Make a Sketch Easel” (DVD): amzn.to/2smDVAG
“Watercolor in the Wild” (Download) gumroad.com/l/watercolor
BLOG POSTS WITH MORE GEAR INFO:
Gouache Materials List: gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/201...
Watercolor 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: amzn.to/2LbVHhc
Dinotopia: A Land Apart from Time: amzn.to/2xyamRM
OTHER OFFICIAL SITES
Instagram: / jamesgurneyart
Pinterest: / gurneyjourney
Blog: gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/
Website: jamesgurney.com/site/shop
Facebook group "Sketch Easel Builders": groups/40300...

[@krautgraphics]

Beautiful and inspirational. As always. Great tips, wonderful painting, and great thoughts at the end. I would love to see Jeanette's painting too! Or maybe some of her thoughts? Would be cool to see and hear her interpretations!

[@JamesGurney]

Thanks, Ruth. I included Jeanette's painting in the blog post: gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/2019/06/an-approach-to-painting-architecture-in.html

[@SuzyPal]

James Gurney i have thought the same thing. And hers looks great too!!

[@krautgraphics]

@@JamesGurney You are just the sweetest person out there! Thank you!

[@oprekindo]

totally agreed

[@peggyhickman7210]

Just turned 82, wish I had another 30 years to study with you,Thanks so much.

[@memr5690]

live to 112, easy

[@lithiumx0x]

Love seeing older folks on the youtubes.

[@LukenUSee]

Think positive!

[@clintburgess8568]

Peggy, you just may get another 30 years.

[@aremedyproject9569]

@Peggy Hickman Enjoying your present minute is the first step to practice. Then the rest will come easier.🙂

[@DTHRocket]

"I painted this house twice before, once with a car floating over the roof..." well isn't that just the Gurneyest thing you've ever heard

[@Chill1332]

I KNOW RIGHT!??

[@classicartfoundation639]

It must have been his mispent LSD youth

[@publicopinion3596]

@@classicartfoundation639 um ok

[@ralphchristianson]

@@classicartfoundation639 If he can do movie magic, a flying bug is pretty regular I think.

[@KayInMaine]

I can't stop laughing about it! LOL

[@busboy3232]

"Mom these weird people are outside again painting our house" Great work James!

[@brittanym.greene871]

Hahahaha

[@limefroggzoned5112]

Lol!

[@mrlookeyluc]

Jesus man, not only is this guys art good he’s content and editing is spot on to.

[@Stephanie-xz7qd]

What stars really look like chill, dude

[@Cheems09]

What stars really look like Sorry to break it to you, but not everyone is religious.

[@kristypolymath1359]

@@Cheems09 well, no reason to see "Jesus" then, either, huh? Unless you're actually talking to someone named Jesus, it doesn't really make sense to even say. Religious or not, idiots tend to not think about what they're saying.

[@8cow945]

@@kristypolymath1359 religion has been apart of the english language since its beginning, thats why phrases like damn, jesus, holy shit etc are still common. Also have you never used expressive language since you question his use of "Jesus"?

[@jayt7178]

Kristy Whalen lol the irony of YOU talking about idiots speaking without thinking. It’s a figure of speech. I don’t think being a rude asshole is an approach supported by the Bible. It’s a great figure of speech. It’s not going away anytime soon because it’s a perfect expression of surprise or excitement. It’s literally one of the most versatile expressions there is. You can say it while mad, happy, enraged, upset, ecstatic, enlightened. So get over it. You and that stupid stars person. Starting a sentence with “Jesus” is one of the most open ended ways to form a thought. You can say Christ, or go on to a different thought all together. Not everyone is bogged down in your fundamentalist negativity and naïveté. Get over yourself.

[@WadeSmith19]

“I like to add interesting anomalies that I then cover up on the final step”

[@DowntimeMedia]

Hahahaha brutal

[@TravisHenson777]

Editing is spectacular. Painting is wonderful, but the storytelling that happens in these videos is razor sharp.

[@alexnelson6196]

Wife fails to catch kids first steps with her camera: “ Dang it!” James: “ Don’t worry honey, I got it.”

[@EctoGamer]

2 same comments

[@thepatsyfamily]

You make it look so effortless. Beautiful work and closing words.

[@Redhackle]

I love how you see the beauty in the less cherished, the dwarfed knarled branches, secure, only in the shadows. What people walk by every day. Marvellous.

[@avikdas1577]

Never ever had an artist slipped me into a emotional haze by his words, but you Mr.Gurney...did unexpectedly so well towards the end!

[@lonewolfterror8897]

Your the new Bob Ross, your voice is so soothing when your explaining the painting and I just cant take my eyes away from the screen. I love your work

[@kristypolymath1359]

Haha.....Bob Ross was a television personality. His career was painting in front of a camera. His passion was not painting. He even hated his afro. The guy was a pleasure to listen to, he definitely had a calming demeanor about him, but he doesn't hold a candle to Gurney.

[@jayt7178]

Kristy Whalen hey man...don’t cut down the titanic talent that is Bob Ross. He introduced hella people to art and painting as something they could try themselves, and he brought oodles of joy and relaxation to those who didn’t want to paint. He was awesome. He didn’t have to be the best painter, because he was the best version of himself he could he. That’s his appeal.

[@tundraillustration]

@@kristypolymath1359 What was his passion? :)

[@LeBronJames-StatPadderMan]

@@kristypolymath1359 You his daughter?

[@MAC-ws8fz]

You ever hear of William Alexander? Bob Ross was a student of his and signed a contract which he soon broke. BOOB Ross was an Impostor and a fraud and a thief! Mr. Gurney is the Real Deal!

[@Chris_M_Romero]

That house is like the surface of your mixing palette, it has seen many colors over the years. Some bright, some dark. Some joyful, and others somber

[@jeffhreid]

It’s art, it’s drama, it’s science, it’s history, it’s poetry. It’s a James G. Video nice!

[@GuenevereSchwien]

I love how you broke it down into steps. Also what a great example of limited palette. 🎨

[@clintburgess8568]

A limited palette is really a necessity when doing realism outdoors. I think it's silly to carry more than 6 colors. You really only need 2, beyond that is just desperation. 2 or 3 more colors is okay, but now you are showing off. Like James does!

[@leosypher9993]

This painting style makes that washed in, slightly weathered to even vintage look that I really like

[@TheRealSamPreece]

The coronal effect is my favourite part and gives it that warm golden light feel; amazing artistic additive and really takes it to another level

[@skateordie9628]

a house is also a stage in which we live our lives - mind blown! What a beautiful painting, I am blown away by the fact that you are almost calling this black and white, I see an overwhelming amount of colors. Seeing a master at work is something overly gratifying.

[@mihir89rd]

It was so poetic

[@partypao]

I finally found a channel focused on gouache painting. And its hosted by a masterful painter as well! Love your artwork sir! Subscribed.

[@LlamaDavidful]

This channel is so peaceful

[@Pixtureske]

Great work, Mr. Gurney, as usual. But a cool tip I've got from this video that you didn't mention was something like "don't get too attached to the painting". It was interesting how you dedicated a portion of the video to the painting of that little hole at the bottom of the house and then at the end you just brushed paint over it, almost covering completely, just to add a nice fading frame, which gives the painting a very nice look.

[@MrSandyboy4u]

It's always a poetry when 'Sir' paints..... So soothing so relaxing.

[@LRRPEXILE]

This is relaxing my brains... When I had no worries and responsibilities in my younger years, I was into graffiti and then drawing comic books back in the '80s-'90s, then I got married, kids and work my life has been so busy I barely do anything creative and I'm always feeling tired of being tired, if that makes any sense... Today I'm your newest subscriber!... Hopefully, by continuing watching your videos, it will bring out my younger years back into being creative again.

[@trajtemberg]

Let alone the way James captured it, im sure He an i ain't seeing the same thing. Truly a sigh to behold.

[@StefanMarjoram]

Artistry, wisdom, humour and thoughtfulness - all in one little film. Thank you.

[@jmreyes8671]

Im happy to see that his wife is also an artist too theyre the most talented couple ive ever seen ❤️

[@aitoralvarez]

These videos make youtube much better, that's a fact. Mr.Gurney shares so much art and knowledge that I'm starting to think that is not fair! Always thank you!!!

[@anemul123]

I was in USA for the first time and saw the subjects of your drawings in “real”. Now I understand why you select them. Before it was strange to me to see you drawing parking places, shops, petrol stations. Now the paintings also helpt me to remember my time in USA. 😀 🇳🇱

[@diegopena8360]

Wow, I've finally found an amazing KZbin artist that doesn't try to be quirky and follow trends! I've only watched bone video and I am so pleasantly surprised. Keep up the good work!

[@matzc557]

You always make painting seem so easy. And always manage to make the subject more beauty than reality. It inspires me to keep painting

[@Stargate404]

Mr. Gurney, you truly are a treasure. I've been fascinated by your work since I was a kid and saw Dinotopia. I hope one day I'll be able to make paintings look half as good as this painting or those in Dinotopia

[@henmich]

WHO the hell would downvote these videos? Lol... this information is pure gold.

[@michaeltomlinson]

Not only do a learn a lot from watching your wonderful videos James, they are mesmerizing and always leave me with a kind of meditative state and feeling calm and satisfied.

[@grvonny]

You got me thinking about gouache. I want to get some soon.

[@oliverr7627]

Your channel is probably the best channel I have discovered in a long time! Thank you for uploading this content.

[@EmiTheLoomistar]

You always make it look so easy. I'll keep practicing thanks Mr. Gurney.

[@lostonwallace1396]

I love that you and your wife both paint together. What a lovely thing that is!

[@cmeblu75]

The story of the house made me sad, I can relate a little too much. Inside my home are all the memories and joy of life spent with my son. He passed away in our home 3yrs ago. Memories are all I have left. I started painting after I lost my boy in my mid-40’s. I know I’m a late starter, but I spend hours everyday drawing, painting etc. it quiets my mind

[@kimyarmuch120]

Best quote of all time on what a house actually is. :) I just bought a wartime 1943 house - this tutorial, and what you said at the end, really resonated. Thank you for sharing!

[@madiha_tanveer273]

I love how you capture every single detail. That’s the style i love and i’m trying to learn! Hopefully i can be as good as the great artists like you here on youtube

[@themattman1173]

I don't know why but this one really grabs me. I really love it.

[@WilliamMcEntee]

Thanks for these tutorials, James. You've become a new favorite with me.

[@KonigDerLufte]

These tiny sketchbook and palette are adorable. That's a light and slick setup, very tempting to my minimalist nature but I need to work in bigger sizes. My travel setup is much messier, I sit on the ground and paint with different kind of paints(I sticked to tempera but it was taken on my flight, rip), just recently started mixing white guache with watercolors and I'm really enjoying it. I plan on taking my home setup next level with foldable chair, easel and huge plywood board. I love how a great painter Yuriy Khimich customized his setup - carried big jars and cans of paint in a suitcase which was also his chair, carried huge board with hole cut out for hand and bought whatever cheapest paper he could find that was used not even for drawing but for wallpapers and such. Also he used his brushes till they were absolutely worn out. Very inspiring to know such details

[@laZOETje]

This reminds me of my grandmas house in Salem, Mo. Gone now.

[@sadface]

I love surrealism and the car flying over the roof was incredible.

[@FcoGabler]

At the end of the clip, I was feeling that this painting needed some elements to enhance depth effect, and then just out of the blue this guy encourage our selves to improve this pictures adding some ideas, and he finishes the painting with that garage corner: just what the painting needed. Bravo!!

[@sandcaster]

just incredible. there's so much to learn I don't think my brain could ever handle it all

[@jofox8066]

I love the light on the roof in this one - beautiful!

[@deba417]

Another GREAT painting... and video!!! Thanks for the posting of this video and all your wonderful tips.

[@goldfishninja8086]

So peaceful watching this

[@BUZDRIFT]

Mr. Gurney, sets off my ASMR every time love his video's so relaxing and fantastic!

[@sebastianemanuelsson7846]

I've been thinking about moving from digital painting to traiditional so I can do more studies outdoors and this video gave some great advice. Thanks for making this video, James!

[@astonbean]

That got super poetic at the end. Great video!

[@SuzyPal]

love what you paint and your remarks at the end about a home. i always wonder who lived there, etc. love all the tips.

[@samuelmuiga3101]

The poetry at the end. Words blossomed to life. Wow that was so good.

[@williamhollaway2198]

It is an absolute joy watching you paint. Thanx for sharing

[@Wendy-wh2sm]

Many thanks James. I always look forward to your videos, especially that sense of nostalgia you convey in your art and narrative.

[@JamesGurney]

Thanks, Wendy. I remember your wonderful contributions to our painting challenges.

[@OOOHBILLY]

I've gotta say... Your work is beautiful and pleasant to watch you do. Great stuff.

[@vernedwards8128]

I love watching you paint and these reveal those hidden secrets I have struggled with, thank you James!

[@nancylarson9023]

Absolutely wonderful. Thank you for sharing!

[@jeremypajotart]

Amazing teachings and painting as always. You are really a modern master and I really thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. I am learning how to paint thanks to you! Thank you !

[@Chill1332]

Your mastery of texture is absolutely fantastic.

[@ssjean4445]

Its truly amazing how you can remember all the shadows as they pass. You have great talent keep up the good work!!!

[@peternaughton3301]

Thanks very much for sharing your work like this James. It's lovely to see.

[@jjmcguckin2658]

Great video! Just started painting in watercolour + gouache and your videos are very helpful!

[@schazreel]

Breathtaking!

[@frittandy]

Very nice job James. Your masterpieces convey emotions to me. Thanks from Italy.

[@ceebee1461]

From just seeing the 2 past paintings I’ve already liked the video. And I know I’m going to enjoy the rest.

[@lulubeloo]

next weekend i will do nothing but stay in bed and watch all your videos, i swear!

[@dshe8637]

That is masterful. Your handling of light is just beautiful. Thank you.

[@filmart430]

Incredible...Simply incredible.

[@taisaweiss7086]

Thanks you so much for this moment! Love your art.

[@amonicafe]

Loved the idea of the palette being like a pencil box! Guess who's not buying pallettes anymore ahah

[@richardsong8]

Inspiring as always... Poetic and profound heartfelt observations, compelling and beautiful painting and entirely applicable master lesson... with with continued admiration and gratitude, thank you James!

[@hangingoutwithronwalters4505]

Thanks for explaining the process. I love gouache!

[@damienkearns3654]

Beautiful painting and words as always, thank you James.

[@grandiose_3392]

What a great video. You’re the mister Rodgers of painting, James!

[@robinmize4737]

You are simply wonderful!!!

[@aremedyproject9569]

You’ve inspired me to expand from my beloved watercolours into a bit of gouache. After much deliberation about brands and colours, I bought a few tubes of Winsor & Newton and one of Holbein. Today I’ll put some of it onto paper for the first time, yeh. Oh, and I remember how to spell it, finally!😜🎨

[@hardsync7873]

Your painting pushed me to get my gouache and tassels! Thanks)

[@clintburgess8568]

I learn something new everytime I watch one of your excellent videos. Thank so much, Mr. Gurney!

[@BAGG8BAGG]

Very few tutorials in existence that bring great knowledge and wonderful emotion together. Trust gurney to hit it out the park. :)

[@romigan1256]

Beautiful, I went and painted the sand dunes and sea yesterday inspired by your plein air approach

[@chriswhitehouse8982]

Wow, simply beautiful James. Makes me think I should give gouache a try.

[@mindseye4914]

Man your paintings are so incredible. Your videos are so informative to a lowly artist like me. And just seeing you wield your magic on the sketchbook is pure therapy for me at the end of the day. Thank you!!

[@johnvriveraalegre5022]

Now I want to try gouache.

[@jendesign5537]

That was excellent! Thank you I will watch it several more times. As always you are such an amazing artist, I absolutely love your work!

[@henry-jj1hx]

Wow man your drawings just look incredible, and you're making it look so easy

[@candiigurl7893]

So glad this video came up in my recommends. Thank you for uploading!

[@artoftheroses]

i love the addition of the second house it makes the first one seem more mysterious like a dream or memory

[@milkbread5036]

Wow. You're such an incredible artist and so inspiring! A great teacher too. I thank you for making these videos and giving great tips! I cannot afford art school so I thank you kindly.

[@ManuelPestana]

BEST CHANNEL EVER!!! I love your work so much

[@jcsallen3]

Wonderful!!!!!!!!! Most importantly....your thoughts at the very end of this painting, touched my heart and soul...you brought me a few tearful memories! Thank you!

[@edthe2nd]

Wow, I would seriously watch a full hour of this and I don't even paint.

[@opendstudio7141]

The art of making the mundane interesting by opening the minds eyes. Catching the sun and capturing that moment is always amazing. :)

[@Jigger2361]

lol the technique is epic but that ending where James pulls the levers is awesome! I think we have a "live one" on our hands and that is truly great!

[@tracycapule2894]

This looks so great!!

[@davidgeister]

James, this is wonderful.

[@loiseilers5058]

I love watching your videos. I learn a lot.

[@termite7790]

I’m always glad when I click on your videos. Your work and your explanation of technique are so good.