Gouache: Your Questions Answered by James Gurney

Gouache, also known as opaque watercolor, can be used in combination with transparent watercolor, and it's a favorite medium for oil and digital painters who want to try water media.
• M. Graham gouache primary set: amzn.to/2Zwd6rt
• Winsor & Newton gouache primary set: amzn.to/2JiDMbo
• Holbein gouache set: amzn.to/2KW4s1j
• Royal Talens gouache set (8 colors): amzn.to/2MGftGf
• Shinhan Pass watercolor/gouache hybrid set: amzn.to/2xw7EvV
• Caran d'Ache pan gouache set: amzn.to/2PfQTxX
• Holbein Acryla Gouache (matte acrylic): amzn.to/2L0g3MT
• Richeson casein set: amzn.to/2L02U6R
• Schmincke watercolor pan set: amzn.to/2IN7zJe
• M. Graham watercolor landscape set: amzn.to/2JpBAyy
COLORS USED IN THIS PAINTING:
1. Prussian blue (gouache): amzn.to/2JVbVwb
2. Titanium white (gouache): amzn.to/2XSOld4
3. Yellow ochre (watercolor): amzn.to/2XYzvSB
4. Transparent red oxide (watercolor): amzn.to/2Y6NhxD
5. Pyrrol red (gouache): amzn.to/2KX4TZn
OTHER MATERIALS
Pentalic watercolor sketchbook: amzn.to/2L989y2
Richeson travel brush set: amzn.to/2xwq1Rr
Richeson “Grey Matters” brush set: amzn.to/2YeNO0P
Connoisseur "cat's tongue" brush: amzn.to/2UaBJJj
Water cup: amzn.to/2soTw2L
Homemade easel: sellfy.com/p/LnZ8/
Tripod: amzn.to/2xrRaFc
Krylon aerosol gloss finish: amzn.to/2zstSNA
Workable fixative (matte): amzn.to/2VDSKPc
Water-soluble colored pencils set: amzn.to/2DKmT5o
James Gurney answers your questions about gouache and watercolor in a KZbin Premiere event. During the session, he'll alternate between a plein-air demo and an interactive studio format where he fields questions from followers. He covers:
1. Choosing a motif and avoiding the obvious composition.
2. Underpainting or priming the surface.
3. Laying out two-point perspective.
4. Painting trees, architecture, and cars.
VIDEO TUTORIALS:
"Gouache in the Wild" (Download on Gumroad): gumroad.com/l/gouache
"Gouache in the Wild" on (DVD): kunaki.com/Sales.asp?PID=PX004...
“Casein Painting in the Wild” (Download on Gumroad): gumroad.com/l/casein
“How to Make a Sketch Easel” (DVD): kunaki.com/Sales.asp?PID=PX00Z...
“Watercolor in the Wild” (Download) gumroad.com/l/watercolor
Animal Painting vid: gumroad.com/l/paintinganimals
Casein in the Wild: gumroad.com/l/casein
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: 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
Blog: gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/
Website: jamesgurney.com/collections/b...
Facebook group "Sketch Easel Builders": groups/40300...
“LIVING SKETCHBOOK” APP
Experience one of James Gurney's sketchbooks on your smartphone or tablet.
For iOS at iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/app/livin...
For Android at Google Play: play.google.com/store/apps/de...

[@Brian-ti6tt]

Haha I love the question machine. The fact that James's native language is pre-digital is part of what makes his work so magical.

[@paintinglabofficial]

I totally agree.

[@gorazdvahen492]

All those years ago, when I bought my first Dinotopia book, I never thought there would come a day when I would be able to learn from you and actually communicate with you. Thank you, Mr. Gurney, you make internet better!

[@Clamski]

Did he just say Dinotopia? Wow! Did not know.

[@emilybehnke8004]

I had this same thought. Full circle!

[@williamsfitts9173]

@@Clamski😢

[@dougg1075]

The question machine is amazing!

[@a13monkey]

I came here to say the same!

[@ankiesiii]

@@a13monkey same! X]

[@mykos21]

@@a13monkey ))))))))))))))

[@mykos21]

@@ankiesiii )))))))))

[@michaeltalbot8242]

Jane's I've been looking at pre pruning some of ny art I see some of your paintings are done on casine uv found a set of pebo Temper gouache do yo have any thoughts on this kindest" regards mickT

[@patricialopez-qi3xk]

What a pleasant surprise to see Gurney read a question posed in Spanish AND ANSWER IN SPANISH. Just awesome.

[@laowaistudieschina7470]

I love ratty old buildings (warehouses, metalworking studios, canneries). Your videos have really helped me figure out how to address these old beauties.

[@alexcamilleri3997]

I haven't picked up a paintbrush since I was in school 11 years ago until I found your videos James. Now I'm having the best time relearning my old skills and learning new ones thanks to your videos and books. Looking forward to this and more!

[@sorry4all]

How's it going?

[@nataliacases]

Pero cómo puede ser que no supiera hasta el día de hoy que James habla español?! Si habla genial! Llevo años viendo tus vídeos y acabo de tener un cortocircuito mental. Me ha encantado ^^

[@nmlss]

35:20 Wow, it surprised me how fluent you are in Spanish! Great video btw, I hope you keep making more like this, I find them extremely interesting and helpful. Greetings from Spain!

[@redbeard365]

Your question machine is amazing and shows just how much you care about your fans/followers. Thank you for all you do!

[@FutileGrief]

Coolest human, paints like a master and he SPEAKS SPANISH. Saludos desde Colombia maestro, por acá también tienes muchos fans!!

[@JacqueArmijo]

"I'm at war with the obvious" My jaw dropped.

[@elsevillaart]

A lot of artists never show techniques of loading paint into brushes, would be very interesting to see combinations of water and paint.

[@JamesGurney]

If you missed the Premiere event, you can view the archived live Q and A by pressing the "Show Chat Replay" button at right just below the screen to open the chat box, and then press "Live Chat Replay.".

[@artemisa92]

Thank you for your patience and kindness Mr. Gurney! You’ve put so much effort into finding appropriate practical examples to answer each one of the questions. This is great content. Have a nice day!

[@artemisa92]

By the way... extra cool points for the question machine.

[@boopydoop491]

I loved this video so much!! Thank you! I have a question about developing + rendering a painting -- your dinotopia works are typically more finished than your sketchbook studies, yet I notice that you still imply some detail in them like you do in your studies. How do you leave out some of the details without sacrificing quality?

[@danbleumer]

You're amazing sir. Thank you for your KZbin channel

[@SnkobArts]

Thanks for answering all these questions! This was great!

[@TheCombatartist]

And for us 55+ artists, the necessity of a "restroom" is an absolute priority for plain air painting...

[@real3ater]

I have Colitis and experience incontinence in my 20s It's best to just eat when you are almost done painting anyways.

[@EasyCartoonDrawingTutorials]

That endslate is one of the most creative things I've seen on youtube haha.

[@JamesGurney]

Here's how I built it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3XTpnuBrbB5rLM

[@karenvc8005]

I love it that James speaks and reads Spanish. I don't but often wish I did!

[@aitoralvarez]

This man is so generous... thank you! :-)

[@zebposada]

One recommendation for the ones asking the perspective quesitons is, go outisde and draw a lot, draw the city or the city where you live from observation, do tons of life drawing. It's the best way to get a feeling for perspective and to start shorthanding it like james does. And always keep in mind that your eye level is many times the horizon line, except with 3pt. One good thing that I did to learn perspective was to get a piece of transparent acetate or a board of transparent plastic and go to the street put that in front of me and start tracing building, you isntantly realize where are the vanishing poitns and the horizon lines.

[@zebposada]

@jank jankins it helped me a lot :3

[@tabbi888]

Acetate is a great idea.

[@blueBodypart]

This is the first video I've ever seen of you, and you have such a sweet and non-judgmental way of approaching all questions, art and advice it actually warmed my heart

[@simpleartofhealing286]

Loved this format of video! So much information for a newbie! Thank you for the support James! You're amazing!

[@AndieArbeit]

hahahaha excellent answer about the subtitles in spanish, i didn't expected mister James speaks spanish so well. I hope some day a latinamerican fellow could help you to translate your content into spanish, your knowledge of color theory and environment is really valuable for the people learning painting, both self-taught and for academic students. This traditional approach into painting is kind of lost and I feel it must be preserved and teached. Greetings from Chile

[@hardworkcreative738]

Man James we really need another one of these.

[@Jozie88]

I'm absolutely blown away by your creativity. Not only because of your amazing art and color mixing skills, but also the question machine idea, editing and the flow of this video. Everything is so perfect that watching this is an utter satisfaction ^^

[@tkultra3501]

Late to the party but I loved this. Tons of great information. I love your work and your videos! Thank you!

Hi James! I think that nobody has asked this, but it really drives me crazy: When layering the first transparent layers of gouache, colors tend to increase their chroma, which is great for getting bright colors. But sometimes you need to match the same color painting over a part of the image that is not white anymore. This might come due to mistakes made or because the subject has changed (position, atmosphere...) or other reasons. So as to face this situation I can only think of 3 approaches all with its own caveats: 1. Trying to approximate to the original transparent color using a mix of white to cover the darker color added by mistake. The problem here is that the mix is always dull. 2. Covering with a thick layer of white and then add the original color transparently. This is what I usually try to do for small details but it is very easy to rise the white paint and end up with a dull color as well. 3. Trying to remove the paint using water and absorbing paper. (this option always helps but you never get white again) When working indoors over a planned project you can be careful with those special areas of bright color but what happens when quickly sketching outdoors? Should I be resigned to get dull colors if mistakes happen? Any tricks? Thanks a lot!

[@AmandaMG6]

The question machine is precious. I wish I could just follow and observe when you’re painting. I’d be a silent sponge for information.

[@astrorobinson3716]

James, your channel is so important to me.

[@clunky9072]

The way you just fluently spoke spanish out of nowhere was quite incredible. A man of many talents. Thanks for all the effort put into this video.

[@kessiacarolilustra2229]

This video is so good I've watched it entirely without realizing it was 42min long ❤😊

[@GREYFLWRMUSIC]

This guy's a genius, totally underrated, just finally started drawing again and I can't stop watching these

[@amel6206]

I'm really interested in how many of your paintings of buildings have a straight line that cuts the picture nearly in half in the middle of the image. It seems like its sort of a thing of yours. Its definitely challenging to make the picture interesting enough for the eye to rove around the picture rather than making it static.

[@REIQ]

Excelente el Español! Thanks for the amazing videos you are such a cool guy!

[@mikemor6005]

nice cross over i watch both 😁🤟👍

[@vampirillo14]

eso me saco de cuadro jajajajaj jaimito es el mejor sin duda

[@ProximoK]

When you put your practical effects and props in your videos, it makes my heart sing. There is a pleasurable form of deception there. Like the camouflage scene from “thank you for rewinding”. It’s so charming.

[@Legotron]

I love this format of Q then A then demonstration... learnt so much from this.

[@NameLikeNobodyElse]

Second or third time watching this. Loving all the references you give yet again

[@billhansen2008]

And with the palm tree painting - the "primitive" sketches you did while answering questions are *extremely* helpful to this near beginner!

[@C0raBr0wn]

I love this format for Q and A. It made it easy to take notes while you answered questions and demonstrated. Thank you so much!

[@adrianmuino3412]

Not only a great video, but also a spanish lesson included for free.

[@Cg3delijah]

Oh this is wonderful, always glad to see you on camera James!

[@leslieandrew8236]

Best format for instruction I've seen on KZbin. You continue to amaze.

[@danielleblackwell6952]

You are just the BEST! Thanks for being so open and generous with all of us James, I love watching you work:)

[@mayzhangful]

Thanks a mil James! this format of Q&A is simply great, love the way you group questions together for themed thoughts.. extremely insightful and hope to see more of these...

[@e.Kennedy246]

Finally someone that explains slowly enough for me to understand! Thank you!

[@paulettelane6428]

I love this kind of video. I learn so much that applies not just to gouache, small format, and plein-air painting but to drawing and painting in general. I truly admire how you can draw anything that's in front of you, wherever you are. To be able to do that is one of my goals. Have learned much from your books (that I refer to and recommend) that have helped me in working toward my artistic goals. Thanks for all you do.

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

I preserve your videos... For my low mood or tired days..watching lightens up.....thank you

[@startstudios2320]

Love this format with you taking questions as you go along. Please do more!!

[@debmostert3173]

thanks James! as an avid follower of all your work and videos I really appreciate the time you take to share with us all. This form of Q&A is helpful even if I have to watch it after the fact (being in Aus)

[@catherinecervas3726]

This was totally awesome!!! Thank you for putting such conscious effort into this new format, really great. And your sharing so generously is appreciated 👍👍👍

[@TheCoookieCrumb]

I love watching you paint! Its one of my goals to get enough practice so i can paint as intuitively as you do. I also LOVE your gadgets! The question machine made me smile everytime you pulled the lever. 😁

[@slimshany4602]

😆 yeah that lever, it's awesome

[@strange-universe]

Excellent James. A truly great way to format this type of production!

[@crystalheart9]

This is brilliant, thank you so much Mr. Gurney. I love to watch you paint and learn something each time. The Question Machine is so much fun!

[@MillionPM]

I desperately wish I could have watched the is live. Great answers. Thank you again for sharing your knowledge.

[@joanbennettnyc]

Your rough, sketch book works done in minutes are better than my best that take me months... Love it!

[@MarioManzanares]

James, thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience with us. Your contribution to the art community is simply priceless.

[@erinfearns6844]

This was fantastic James. Thank you for all your hard work on this video and it’s comprehensive coverage. Really loved it! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@nazekpurplesyou9739]

Being able to witness your gorgeous artworks and learn brilliant techniques is always a pleasure to me! Glad I found this channel

[@pearleaves]

Thank you so much for sharing, James. Your work and teachings are greatly appreciated.

[@painter662]

I wanted to thank you. I have been watching these for a couple years now. You have taught me a lot. even gave me the courage to try Casein, an option I truly enjoy now.

[@havefundrawing]

Love this format of video. Please do more! Your question machine is too cute. I love all the gadgets you cook up. It shows how creative you are, not just about art, but everything else!

[@paolorui]

This is pure gold. Thanks a lot, James.

[@ridethepace6005]

I can't decide what I like most about your videos. The paintings, you, your instructions, or the neat steampunk vibe of it all. Well done!

[@christineteague7048]

I really enjoyed this video and learned a lot. Thank you so much. I never cease to be amazed at how you find interesting subjects in things most of us would just pass by!

[@marymcandrew7667]

Yes please do more long videos like this, it answered many questions for me as I'm learning gouache painting. I like how it was longer and you really took time to do some good teachings! Thank you!

[@cizeccreative]

Thank you James. This is by far the most professional and informative channel about gouache I've seen on KZbin! Again, thank you for being here and teaching us, newbie 'artists' :)

[@riordenjeff]

Mr. Gurney, You are one of the gods of this medium. Thank you so much for this long-form video. It’s incredibly informative and I recognize the time and effort you put into its production.

[@alkasarin1073]

Thanks Mr Gurney...you are an excellent painter teacher and human being

[@sarahbrahh5092]

Please do a sketchbook tour if you haven't already! Awesome video as always

[@eiderglast]

Always have been a fan, and thank you so much for having a youtube account! I'm more of a watercolor hobbyist, but I can see that using Gouache has many advantages.

[@tinaschmidtsart]

I really love your casual instruction whether you are on location or in this class room setting. The limited pallet is a great discipline and brings the painting together in a great way. I wish I had your strength to do location paintings like you. You withstand the environments so well and turn out amazing studies! I remain inspired by all you do!

[@kathyn3978]

I enjoy all your videos but this format was the best! I actually learned a new technique to try, plus I love how you choose to paint what many would just walk by. Please do more! Your gadgetry still makes me smile😁

[@tamijacque8335]

YES! Please do more of this type of learning format! This is fantastic. I have listened to this several times and with each viewing, I have picked up something new. I would love to hear more about light and shadow, backlighting and flair effect. Like so much how you take everyday common place locations and things, and put the focus upon them!!! Thank you!!!

[@1974gladiateur]

You are such a nice guy. Teaching us and using all this materials to show us. Thanks

[@alithomaga]

Thanks James for these tips! Always interesting and you always take great care to make our visionary time comfortable. pretty cool!

[@simpleartofhealing286]

AMAZING VIDEO James! As usual, although this one is PACKED with great information! You're making my self-taught artist journey so much fun! I love the style of back and forth from on-sight to studio. So much helpful information is covered!!! Bravo!!!

[@jmdfineart]

God bless your patience with trying to answer questions while concentrating on plein air painting - thanks so much for these fabulous videos - you are such an inspiration - I just love everything about watching you work out en plein air

[@MrChinchilla_hn]

This section of Q&A is very instructional. Your Spanish is real clear, congratulations!

[@rsb67]

Fantastic teaching and of course I love your painting style! First one I ever watched was painting the folding garden chair-got my attention immediately. Thanks.

[@lindab8078]

Thank you for this great live video! I would love to see more. Appreciate you demonstrating certain techniques, I found those really helpful. Also thank you for all the links both for other videos and for where to purchase supplies.

[@kevinamack6]

Amazing amount of info. James you are amazing. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@vickykirby6508]

Absolutely would love to see more of these formats of demo w/Q&A. Thanks for sharing this view into your process.

[@minuscolochao1557]

can't believe I missed this episode! Now I'm watching this video for the first time. Thank you so much for sharing. I m really enjoying your contents.

[@najibbasirun]

When he started in Spanish I was *shooketh*

[@Paranga.]

Me too

[@suzyg7716]

I really appreciated this Q & A and hope that you do more. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise!

[@red988]

James I am really pleased that you decided to paint then take a break to answer questions, it's a brilliant idea and your tutorial on painting with Gouache is very informative and interesting, thanks for sharing. I am learning a lot from your expertise and hope to watch more of your tutorials. I have not painted with Gouache for many years but now I feel inspired to pick up a paint brush again. JB (UK).

[@irakharch3385]

Thank you very much Mr. Gurney, I'm absolutely excited!

[@kevwe23]

I enjoyed the format of this video. It was very helpful and I'm looking forward to the next one.

[@richardsong8]

"Trust in the process"... poetic keys to bliss...

[@lindaclark2253]

Really like this format and teaching method, ! Thankyou

[@TheMarkEH]

Thank you so much for this masterclass. It is a real privilege to be able to hear your explanations and to see your demonstrations. Your mastery of the medium is impressive. The deft strokes that you make in seconds are really a reflection of years of dedication and practice and something for your followers to aspire to achieve. Bravo James, please keep posting your outstanding videos.

[@hayleymolesworth4010]

Such an amazing guy! Dinotopia was aired here in the uk as a three part series when I was a kid! I loved it and wanted more! It so lovely to meet (if only via a KZbin channel) the man behind this amazing story! I have watched every one of your videos and when finished I even popped along to your website and brought one of your in-depth tutorials. Love the portable easel too! You are amazing my hero! Thank you for sharing.. you!

[@jillharper7456]

Sketchbooks are for yourself. So fun making these. I’m happy. Also sometimes I’m awkward at parties, etc. makes me feel happy and not awkward. Painting is my happy place

[@sydene54]

so great a guy like you is in the world. Thanks so much for sharing. Thank you for clear explanations

[@DannySabraArt]

I really loved the format of this video! Would love to see more. Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge in an accessible and inspiring way!

[@carolwerner4521]

I do love this format.

[@tucsontom7244]

James, thank you. Fantastic instructional video. I love this format. Please do more like it.

[@allanfink7816]

Yes, I like this video format a lot, and hope to see more.

[@MLang-mu1jt]

Hey James, absolutely loved the video! I just discovered your channel here and instantly subscribed. Your Dinotopia books were a HUGE part of my childhood and I still can't wrap my head around your works. It's amazing too see you teach here just like that. Thanks a lot for all you did & still do!

[@Gringle_]

This is one of your best videos yet

[@marisangiovanni]

Just rewatched this video, love the longer format--Thanks for taking my question!

[@TheDoerf]

Thank you very much for sharing with us Mr Gurney. Saludos desde España.