Gouache Tutorial: 12 Tips for Painting from Life

James Gurney paints a husky dog using watercolor and gouache in a sketchbook, demonstrating how to achieve realism when confronted with a moving subject. He also sketches the same dog in a moving car, plus a woman in a train. His plein-air painting techniques can be used on any kind of urban sketching situation. His tutorial workshop tips include the following 12 suggestions:
1. Keep easel, brushes and palette near the line of sight
2. Use a limited palette of colors
3. If you don't like the start, start over
4. Use the corner of a large flat brush
5. Fix errors as you go
6. Look for other places to use each color
7. Use a different brush for each main color
8. Use colored pencils for small lines and textures
9. Wet the gouache quickly for a soft passage
10. Pick a pose your subject will return to
11. Prime with casein or tinted gesso
12. Start loose in watercolor - just spots and dots.
MATERIALS
Pentalic watercolor sketchbook: amzn.to/2L989y2
Travel brush: Connoisseur 9467: amzn.to/2DRdBVh
Cat's tongue brush: Connoisseur (Squirrel Hair Risslon) amzn.to/2W1qK9r
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 (watercolor): amzn.to/2JpBAyy
M. Graham Anthraquinone blue: amzn.to/2M1HzMI
M. Graham (gouache): amzn.to/2ZWzLyR
Holbein (gouache): amzn.to/2JhMCWK
Winsor & Newton (gouache): amzn.to/2JiDMbo
DRAWING TOOLS
Water brush: amzn.to/2J6ICb4
Water-soluble colored pencil: amzn.to/2J4QTJJ
Fountain pen: amzn.to/2J7eWum
CAMERAS and AUDIO:
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...

[@Chill1332]

Wonderful! I'm just trying to get into gouache. It seems like a good travel paint.

[@JamesGurney]

Me too! Gouache is great for travel. Because it dries fast, it packs up quickly as you go from one place to the next, and because it has no mess or aroma, you can paint indoors and all sorts of places where oil would be impossible.

[@Chill1332]

@@JamesGurney It seems quite useful. I see that you use it from the tube. I was hoping to dry it in pans because of the convenience of a mini pallet. Does this work as well? I have heard two sides of this coin.

[@Chill1332]

@@parientou Thank you so much for the information! I will surely try it then! I always carry a mini watercolor palette in my purse. But there are a lot of times when I find myself wanting to add highlights or do some other changes that really can't be done with that medium. Again thank you for taking the time to share this.

[@JamesGurney]

Thanks for answering, Parientou. I agree, and would add that Caran d'Ache makes a gouache set from formulated for pans: amzn.to/2JXe2Be

[@eybietie]

@@Chill1332 you can use watercolors and mix them with white gouache. you dont need a whole gouache palette.

[@jeffrlasley]

Props for being able to paint in a moving car without getting car sick.I'd be dead.

[@woshigepro2]

Just thinking about it makes me car sick already hahas!

[@MarleyPeifer]

haha, yeah I would be putting a barf wash on the gouache for sure.

[@steinnbjorn7627]

Lol, exactly, i thought about it too, every time you look down, especially on the back seat of a car, your stomach contents just scream for freedom

[@oxanalim8819]

James Gurney, a true gem in today's world (2019)

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

Hope everyone read his....The color and light...book......its one of gems in ART literature! His insights are phenomenal, pure genius...living genius....we are lucky to have him

[@JamesGurney]

Thank you, Sujanith!

[@JojobaNutOil]

james: say bark! smooth: high fives*

[@berzerk4]

Smooth peeing in the back of the intro was a nice touch.

[@JamesGurney]

I didn't even notice it until after I finished shooting.

[@ronschlorff7089]

@@JamesGurney Dog's gotta do what a dog's gotta do; end of discussion!! :D

[@yasao_art]

"Remember, it hasn't to be perfect, it's just a sketchbook." Yes. That's a lesson I have yet to learn *laughs*. Whenever I see other people's amazing sketchbooks I get all "omg I want this, too!", which is why I am afraid of having "messy" or "ruined" pieces in my sketchbook and put way too much pressure on myself. A friend of mine also tends to say that my sketchbook looks more like an "artbook" due to this. Thank you for the great lesson and the wonderful video ♥

[@tsrorst2792]

My issue is that I am too compressed and tense, and I leave no room for my artistic side to express itself. I feel like this kind of paint would help me loosen up

[@tiagodagostini]

Have 2 of them. One for more calm moments when you can afford time and other for more sketchy stuff.... My sketchy one is always with me, the other one only when You know I will have time to sit and focus.

[@ronschlorff7089]

I'm a pretty simple man. I see a Gurney vid with Smooth in it and I click, I like, and I enjoy, and maybe make a few cheeky comments. Oh,..and I love the good art stuff too! ;D

[@GuenevereSchwien]

How fun. Love the woman on the train, that has inspired me to check out my public transportation!

[@WildWeRoam]

This was so helpful!! Thank you for making live painting tutorials :) I get so overwhelmed with a moving subject but this helped so much - Dana

[@DanielRustad]

We have a husky/beagle mix. He looks and acts a lot like Smooth. He is a wonderful loving dog.

[@kvr8286]

"Here he is in real time." BWAAAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@Cheripie506]

...And then Splash! Boom...

[@dianeo]

Fantastic! And thanks for writing out the tips in the description, too. An important factor to remember is you have to push past the awkward stage, such as at 1:42 and have faith that the refinement will bring you to the stage that makes sense. Your end result is perfection.

[@Cabooter]

Seeing your video’s makes me very happy and inspired

[@johnbenavidez1628]

Mr. Gurney your philosophy on mistakes and attitude during the session is amazing. "It's just a sketchbook." I sometimes forget that.

[@SeanSevestre]

Love your paintings and your videos James, bloody fantastic and also Smooth is great too

[@soliferi]

I love the car sketch at the end, the extra finished is nice but the sketch holds more of his energy

[@georgeanderson7499]

After watching so many of Gurney's videos I bought a set of gouache paints two days ago, and today I finished my first painting with them. Now I love gouache and wouldn't want to paint with anything else. Thanks, Mr. Gurney!

[@boppob1343]

I never liked gouache when I first started painting but you have given me such a new appreciation and fire to learn with it. the depth of color when it dries is fantastic

[@improvementTime10.3.17]

2:55 painting over the legs 3:35 4 brushes going @ a time -1 BG -1 Darker Pts of subject -1 Lighter Pts of subject -1 wet blender 3:53 Colored Pencils to add some saturated marks, some light on dark, some texture, etc 4:50) Adds Eye Highlight Shapes 5:02) Wetting gouache to soften edges ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 6:45 in the car painting, doesnt need hug tub of water 6:50) Watercolor paper was primed with cassein (Tinted gesso)

[@avocadoasmr6745]

“ a quick sketch “ bruh that’s a whole masterpiece 😍😍😍

[@jazzy7877]

Avocado ASMR exactly people talk about how sketchbooks aren’t supposed to be perfect but then I see videos like these that make me want to have a perfect sketchbook

[@edzejandehaan9265]

Great painting. I am very impressed by how quick and effective your style is.

[@satyajitkanjilal3674]

I am so happy to see ur videos !! From India 🇮🇳

[@jkell42]

James, you are such a master! I love your control of value, color temperature and texture.

[@TheTangaMandapium]

I'm in love with your art, i wish in my next life i could be as virtuous like you! Cheers and greetings from Mexico!

[@yobardoYobardo]

Viva Mexico

[@randysolomons3134]

I agree with you

[@wildartbyoldie]

Just love this. Thank you.

[@patrickdaily2107]

I love your paintings man.

[@peterpoliti2623]

Mr. Gurney, you are my favorite artist using gouache. I've learned so much from you, but Smooth always is a joy to see in your videos. Thank you for all of your gouache videos! Give Smooth a treat from me.

[@heathkitchen4315]

Your production values are top notch. Excellent channel.

[@wevidahwabbit]

Wholesome!!! So many nuggets in this!!! Thank you so much for making this super fun and applicable tutorial and sharing your tips so generously James!!

[@numbers22_28]

I did a digital illustration of my dog from a photo taken outdoors. It is very special to me. He is gone now. The picture is the wallpaper on my phone. I will never forget "Mr Brown".

[@benjamin5339]

Thank you James, wonderful!

[@elisabethseeger5837]

Love it AGAIN! Thank you!

[@jorgelozanoprol]

Thank you for the video James!

[@jjmcguckin2658]

This is just what I needed a right now! Thank you James

[@paulinehughes5325]

Thank you James always so helpful and inspiring!

[@SDW90808]

Best tutorial ever! Too many excellent points to mention all.

[@SebasPosada]

Best tutorial you've done, very straight to the point.

[@barrywebber100]

You have a unique talent, thanks for posting.

[@paulinehughes5325]

Great, enjoyed your demo, so helpful thank you!

[@cindy-hb5lx]

Gorgeous ! I'm so inspired by your work 💕

[@alternativeknowledge]

Thanks for sharing these tips.. Very insightful and helpful!

[@dusky7611]

fantastic! I love using gouache

[@boydwithart7000]

These are the best videos on youtube, flat out

[@fortytwocrayons3485]

Lovely! Thanks so much

[@JustMe-uc1lt]

Very informative. Thanks, James. Thank you too, Smooth

[@xcrunnerkc]

Everything painted is perfectly beautiful! Thank you for being so helpful I feel encouraged by your advice

[@Sarah-xu3bo]

Wow this is perfect I wish if I could paint like this Easy and fluent Good job 👌👍🏻

[@SarahAndBoston]

I always get excited when I see Smooth in the thumbnail! Thanks for another fantastic video, James!

[@m.phillips1517]

Yes! I can't believe I just am now finding your KZbin channel James! Wonderful tips and beautiful work as always. :)

[@AckerManGamoiweret]

Thanks for sharing this kind and rich knowledge

[@fitradical]

Awesome!

[@patriciachianelli7507]

Omg, you do inspire us to keep on. Great dog paintings.

[@rogerking8959]

Thank you for your videos!!

[@mgsBicycleO9]

what a wholesome painting video

[@crisalidathomassie1811]

You are amazing! Beautiful dog. You make it look so easy. Thanks for the video.

[@wandafuller-hillier1983]

Thanks for sharing James, you put me into a good mood every time! I'm off to the studio with increasing thoughts of trying plein air and gouache. Soon. Real soon.

[@bibble4135]

Great video!

[@AITullball3333]

That went fairly SMOOTH.

[@michaelbuchanan3212]

I watched this video and my earlier question was answered here in more detail. Thank you.

[@Budoshoha]

Fantastic drawings. Such an inspiration.

[@michelprins]

great tut thx for sharing ure knowledge.

[@MrKafein]

I put a like as soon I saw the dog pee... no, seriously, I love your videos, they inspire me a lot to get back on these tracks, thank you !

[@saturdayradionova1734]

Oh what a beautiful painting,,, it’s so fun to watch other people paint, I was so amazed when you put the white down on his tail, I thought it would look odd but it actually cut out a shape that added dimension and I replayed it three times over I think it was such a nice touch,,, ty for these vids

[@Lyomama22]

Very talented! Wow

[@eybietie]

thank you for the video! this is really good and useful info.

[@jeffhreid]

Great video! I liked the new scrolling notes in the video. Super content as always

[@yancowles]

Wonderful as always James. Took me a long time to figure out the tip of using specific brushes for different colours. I struggled for a long time constantly washing out the few brushes I had before finally realising that it would probably be a good idea to purchase a few extra ones and simply leave the colour on them - doh!

[@saundrayork767]

I use both gouache and casein but I had never thought of priming paper with casein before using gouache -- Brilliant! I will use this. And your shading method, I will try that tonight. Thanks!!

[@carlosbourdiel1671]

Hermoso trabajo!!!

[@stuarts7188]

Long time fan, introducing my own kids to dinotopia now like my parents did. I really like how you explained the start. You see things in a way I wouldn't pick up if you didn't explain it and I couldn't see the dog without that explanation. I will keep learning and one day I hope to be half as good as you are.

[@celocic]

very helpful thank you so much!

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

How addictive your videos are!

[@joaomiguelxs]

Smooths a good boy =) Also, Gurney published a couple of phone apps, like a digital sketchbook, with some quick paintings that remind me of this. Its a ton of great content, a bit like this.

[@ptaylor4923]

I never get tired of seeing Smooth or watching you paint him. I assume he gives you family rates on modeling fees. My favorite is the dog park sketch. (Do the other dogs know Smooth is famous?) Thanks so much for all your tips & also for you blog pieces on art, artists, techniques and tools. They are wonderful!

[@isabelwittich9148]

So nice thanks

[@valasafantastic1055]

Gouache is so much fun! I want to get that anthricrinone blue and some more primary magenta and cyan... hmmm hansa lemon. Well I still have gouache but more seems like a good plan! and mixed media all the way, best of all worlds! That under-painting technique is worth looking into as well! Masterful and inspiring as always!

[@marissa3161]

Lovely video. Very helpful. :) thank you..

[@ritzie3131]

Every time I watch one of your gouache videos, I say that I will try to use it. But I never get far. I will keep at it. Smooth is a beautiful dog, and a very good subject. I challenge you to paint a JACK RUSSELL TERRIER. The moment you attempt to even take a picture, they get wild. I rarely seen my Sophie sitting quietly like that when we're outdoors. She is always on the hunt!

[@JamesGurney]

I've noticed some dogs get wild when you give them the attention while painting them. They're not used to it, especially from strangers.

[@ritzie3131]

@@JamesGurney let me clarify: my challenge to you is a YOUNG (under 6 yrs) Jack Russell!

[@MicahRauch]

A really great video! Makes me want to get out there and do some painting! :-)

[@skytower1662]

Thats a very good pup

[@Guiullay]

Que pintura linda!!😍👏👏👏

[@ssjean4445]

Cute doggo ✔ Good editing ✔ Amazing art ✔✔✔✔✔

[@WindOnMyWings]

So skilled

[@ganarseunacre]

Hi. I just discovered your channel, completely unaware that you had a KZbin channel. Now you have a faithful subscriber more. Your book on color theory "Light and color" is the best I've read in my life. Great job. Thanks and I will follow you from Spain. Saludos!

[@JamesGurney]

Thanks for subscribing, Roy, and for reading my books.

[@giridharm5598]

Wonderful

[@NAVINARTSTUDIO123]

Very nice painting

[@alithomaga]

beautiful painting of your friend. Your channel and your work are fantastic.COngrats

[@dirtyharry1844]

That lady is going to sue you over image copyright. Amazing job.

[@brandytaylor1986.]

I love him 😍 Hess soo cuteee his name is soo cute 🥰

[@angrytreespainting]

New sub! This is great work!!

[@aquariusgine6829]

Wait.. you’re the guy who wrote the book on realistic lighting 🤣 I’m a bit surprised to stumble upon this channel by accident.

[@yobardoYobardo]

Amazing work. New sub

[@me04100]

Very nice! Your dog looks exactly like our dog except ours is colored lighter. We rescued her about

[@TDuD3]

hahaha amazing intro!

[@saltlifegull4091]

Why gouache instead of acrylics? Super tip about keeping 4 brushes going. Brilliant artist! Ya sure got a heck of a memory if this is your main technique. Thank you so much for sharing your talent and skill.

[@CashWiley]

Some say James and Smooth are still running through the forest together to this day...

[@rkparc57]

Not only are you super talented but also super fast! I am waiting for the "Copying, in gouache, all the Sistine Chapel ceiling panels while waiting for the red light to turn green" episode. I love my gouache but wonder how you keep multiple brushes going at the same time without them drying out on you? Also, do you ever use gouache on larger works? Thanks for all the great tips!

[@boppob1343]

The woman on the train sketch was goddamned incredible. The jump cut made me think of /r/restofthefuckingowl lololol

[@naminkeun]

I subscribed N will learn ecerything from u.

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

Can you do a video on colour mixing please🙏