Gouache: Your Questions Answered by James Gurney

[@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.

[@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

[@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😢

[@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?

[@FutileGrief]

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

[@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!

[@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 ^^

[@redbeard365]

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

[@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!

[@elsevillaart]

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

[@laowaistudieschina7470]

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

[@patricialopez-qi3xk]

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

[@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

[@aitoralvarez]

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

[@grandpa_eric]

Hello James 👋 Have you ever used aquafix? It’s a workable liquid Disney developed for animation backrounds. Artists airbrushed it between layers to protect the gouache layer below, but the surface remained absorbent. They could then paint in layers in washes or opaque over the top. Quite magical, as Disney can be.

[@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

[@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

[@nathanfidalgo7274]

Really instructive and beautiful to watch, as always. I'm improving myself everytime i'm watching your videos and listening to your teaching. But I've realised something in this particular video that just made me reconsider my entire creative process: the words on your ruler. I realised that something was hand written on it and the font really looked like the font from all your video's titles and wrting in general. So I've searched it on the internet. And it blown my mind. Thank you for unintentionaly sharing the best advice I ever had about art (even if you did already share this kind of posture in painting but it never came so clear in my mind), and thank you in general, for everything you do. Ars est celare artem : It is art to conceal art.

[@JamesGurney]

I'm so glad you noticed that quote and looked it up. I've heard it was a favorite quote from James Perry Wilson, who painted the museum diorama backdrops in NYC. Art hiding art indeed!

[@GREYFLWRMUSIC]

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

[@hardworkcreative738]

Man James we really need another one of these.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@lonnymcsherley773]

I love the format and would welcome more…

[@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.

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!

[@karenvc8005]

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

[@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 ^^

[@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 ❤😊

[@smithfnpsmith9904]

I really like your style, I even bought a set of Richeson Casein but not sure how to use it. Thank you so much for breaking your process down.

[@Legotron]

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

[@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

[@judygonet6030]

James Gurney's book on sketching shaped my art life. I have been sketching for over forty years and am now taking people on sketching adventures. I am a watercolor artist and have in the last two weeks starting adding gouache, because of these videos. I recently did about twenty 'Sky panels' in gouache and yesterday did two sketches in watercolors on top of the gouache. Cannot wait to watch this video for more information.

[@bill61570]

I discovered and fell in love with gouache about a year ago when I was required to use it as a medium for a color theory class I took in art school. It's an under appreciated medium, and frankly I prefer it over anything else. Around that time, I discovered your videos and I want to thank you SO much for all of the inspiration and expert guidance you have and continue to provide. I am such a huge fan of your work and of you! Thank you for taking time to break this down. You are a great teacher and an absolutely amazing artist.

[@Minipoodl3]

@Bill Lorenz which brand of gouache you like best?

[@bill61570]

@@Minipoodl3 I really like Windsor Newton the best but I have not tried too many brands

[@Minipoodl3]

@@bill61570 thank you so much for replying me. WN gouache quire expensive

[@billhansen2008]

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

[@lindaclark2253]

Really like this format and teaching method, ! Thankyou

[@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).

[@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!

[@Sam34292]

Compelling viewing as they say. Very informative, enjoyed this a lot, thankyou!

[@beatapaz911]

You are the teacher that a person like me can't afford. I wish you all health and bliss for a beautiful life. Life bless you for your generosity. The format of your channel is amazing. Great artist, teacher, person. Saludos desde México.

[@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!

[@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

[@astrorobinson3716]

James, your channel is so important to me.

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

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

[@Lanternamagika]

Precious lessons, as always ... Thank you so much. Happy new year 2024

[@joanbennettnyc]

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

[@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

[@alkasarin1073]

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

[@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.

[@Hexe.Mueller]

Your painting is much more beautiful than the reference. ❤

[@juliapace2845]

Love your paintings - they always feel like 'coming home'. Maybe it's the composition, the color, the perspective - or maybe the combination. Thank you .

[@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.

[@NameLikeNobodyElse]

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

[@pebblesthecat3625]

Mr Gurney - thank you. I have learned more in this Q & A session than I have watching a year's worth of anyone else's videos. Can you please consider doing this again as the interspersing of answering the questions that arise, with actual video of a real sketching session worked amazingly well, and made what you were explaining easier to understand because it was backed up with seeing it. Once again, thank you so much.

[@JamesGurney]

Thanks, glad you enjoy the format. The challenge with teaching art is to integrate theory with practice.

[@MrChinchilla_hn]

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

[@startstudios2320]

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

[@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.

[@danielleblackwell6952]

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

[@e.Kennedy246]

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

[@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 👍👍👍

[@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!

[@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😁

[@leonardoromero2000]

Seemed a little surreal hearing James talking in spanish. Very good spanish, by the way. One of my takeaways is keeping the gouaches in a jar to keep them from getting dry.

[@kevinamack6]

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

[@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!

[@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' :)

[@potsrme]

James, this is a great format, even if you come late to the party as I have, and watch 3 months after the live event. You have packed so much information into this and it is much appreciated. I do hope you will delve into more paintings in this way. Amanda

[@Cg3delijah]

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

[@RMB.Atelier]

James, you are such a blessing and I feel so lucky to be alive as an artist today when we have unprecedented access to contemporary masters like you! You're so generous with your knowledge and insights, and I just really, really appreciate it. I received Dinotopia as a gift when I was a child, and it just blows my mind that I now get to read your books, watch your videos, and learn from you. Thank you so much! 💗💗💗

[@JamesGurney]

That's nice of you, Rach, and my pleasure.

[@ayyadhammadipa9502]

James, I don't paint landscapes very often because I'm better at animals and flowers. Still, I always learn something from your videos, and I appreciate the way in which you find just the right level of detail in your instructions and examples. Love this format of video. Thanks so much for making these teachings available to the public.

[@sarahbrahh5092]

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

[@tkultra3501]

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

[@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!

[@strange-universe]

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

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@sandrajohnson2489]

I am a painter and started out using acrylics then switched to oils. I just recently became interested in painting with watercolors. Watching tutorials I discovered that gouache can be used along with watercolor paint in certain areas but not too much. Because of this pandemic my materials are taking a long time to arrive so I am eager to get started. I just found your video a few minutes ago and wanted to say thank you for sharing your tips!

[@_tacocat_]

I enjoyed this so much, thank you! For me personally, I like this format a lot but would be sad if it were to replace your typical, come journey out with me while I paint format. But it was so nice to get to hear thorough explanation of a painting and to witness the cutting edge tech of the question machine! Thank you!

[@leannefortney3516]

Wow! I am so glad I came across another KZbin video where a commenter recommended your page! This is such a helpful video and an amazing site! Thank you so much! I love gouache but am still very much a beginner. Thank you again!

[@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!

[@mishosashiki6557]

Danke!

[@JamesGurney]

I appreciate your generosity, thanks!

[@aitoralvarez]

35:20, Un saludo desde España y muchas gracias por el video. Estoy aprendiendo mucho con usted mr.Gurney!

[@MatiasLunaMusica]

Encima habla español! un maestro

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Awesome video filled with lots of great details & tips. I’m super glad to see the answer to one of my questions asked by someone else about using White gouache to make watercolors into gouache. I have also just made my own bamboo version of your sketch easel. I do have a question about how do you know that you have got the correct consistency of the gouache paint before painting? Is there any formula of water to gouache paint for getting the right consistency? Thanks for sharing this wonderful informational video with us!

[@nazekpurplesyou9739]

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

[@BetsyRoutmanMarks]

Thank you! LOVE the video format and would be happy to see more

[@feralonmu]

I always recommend your videos and books in my classes at the University here in Spain. It has been a pleasant surprise to hear you speak in Spanish. A warm greeting and congratulations for your work and passion

[@richardsong8]

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

[@RBartsy]

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.

[@realce666]

Your spanish is awesome!

[@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.

[@1974gladiateur]

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

[@MarioManzanares]

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

[@billhansen2008]

Nice painting demo of the old house. I'm not nearly ready for this level of Gouache painting, but it's very nice to see several such demos are available.

[@simonahernandez1459]

Yes I really like this format of question/demonstration. Wanted to let you know that I really enjoy casein paints but regardless of where I buy them from there’s always a large percentage of them that are going bad (rubbery). So I’m pretty much sticking with watercolor and gouache, although I primarily work in oil paints. Thank you for translating the Spanish. Your books are packed with great information.

[@ibdense]

I have often wondered why you work in gouache so often. And I think I just heard the money quote. "That matte surface is nice to photograph because it doesn't pick up reflections." Thank you!

[@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.

[@TheWishDragon]

This was so delightful. I watched the live chat along with the video replay. I didn't get to catch the live chat in real time but I am really happy with the double whammy Q&A (video and live chat reply) and it was really informative. Really great stuff!

[@Welther47]

36:12 Im very interested in that painting here of the car. At a glance it looks photo realistic - and that's what I love about watercolor; they can look so amazing without painstakingly painting that much detail. Also, I really like this Question-time show.