How to Paint Light and Shadow

I use gouache to paint a hayfield sprinkled with March snow. To capture the feeling of light, I start by defining the shadows.
LEARN MORE:
Houding: gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/20...
Scholarly paper: "The Concept of Houding in Dutch Art Theory" www.jstor.org/stable/751425
Lighting Ratio: gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/20...
Manichaeism: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manicha...
Gouache materials: gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/201...
Casein priming: gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/20...
BOOKS BY JAMES GURNEY:
Color and Light: tinyurl.com/3a8bv5m8
Imaginative Realism: tinyurl.com/atrf642u
Dinotopia: A Land Apart from Time: jamesgurney.com/products/dino...
GOUACHE COLORS
Titanium white (gouache): amzn.to/2XSOld4
Yellow ochre: amzn.to/2SfXc2O
Raw umber: amzn.to/2pgvHMg
Ultramarine blue: amzn.to/2X9GZ1k
Cadmium red: amzn.to/32SHjIw
OTHER ART SUPPLIES
Pentalic watercolor sketchbook: amzn.to/2L989y2
Richeson travel brush set: amzn.to/2xwq1Rr
Water cup: amzn.to/2soTw2L..
Filbert ½ inch watercolor synthetic: amzn.to/3CqTZT9
Rigger brush (synthetic #3) amzn.to/3AJoW4i
Tripod (Amazon Basics): tinyurl.com/2eepvcne
Tripod (Velbon): tinyurl.com/msfkashz
Spring clamps: tinyurl.com/26ss6w5d
Fountain pen (Pilot Custom 912): tinyurl.com/yywdd5zd
Fountain pen: (alt. Waterman Phileas): tinyurl.com/4xvfn7zx
Yama Guri Chestnut Brown Ink: tinyurl.com/37bak9rd
CAMERAS and AUDIO
Canon M6: (time lapse, video, and stills): amzn.to/2J4RTgX
Pocket camera (Canon SX620): amzn.to/3lIbtVW
Stereo mics/recorders (Rode Wireless Go II): amzn.to/3mVsMSP
Stereo recorder (Zoom H2n): amzn.to/3aFjCUP
Tripod: amzn.to/2xrRaFc
VIDEO TUTORIALS:
Gouache in the Wild: gurneyjourney.gumroad.com/l/g...
Watercolor in the Wild: gurneyjourney.gumroad.com/l/W...
How to Make a Sketch Easel (Gumroad video): gurneyjourney.gumroad.com/l/s...
OTHER OFFICIAL SITES
Instagram: / jamesgurneyart
Pinterest: / gurneyjourney
GurneyJourney Blog: gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/
JamesGurney Website: jamesgurney.com/
Facebook group "Sketch Easel Builders": / 403006076777641
Facebook group "Color in Practice": / 160510955315435
Music by Kevin Macleod: incompetech.com/
Some of the links above are affiliate links, for which I make a small commission at no cost to you.

[@nagridgecreative]

I can't get over the wealth of information you generously impart in only 11 minutes. I love your videos - and your paintings. Thanks for posting these.

[@scottpitner4298]

Yes! some of the best art content on YT

[@michaelstancato6057]

Love your painting, historic, philosophic, and technical narrative. Always jam-packed with insight!

[@pebblesthecat3625]

*Mr Gurney* Growing up I had art teachers try and explain about light and shade in a landscape. They could never explain it in a way I could understand what the process was and how to do it - it was always so complicated and unintelligible, nonsensicalu. Years after leaving school I was recommended your book about colour and light, and while reading it, suddenly I had that light bulb moment when it all made sense.. You are the only true artist I know that can explain to the general person the most complex of ideas, in the simplist of ways. The addition of the four little squares of colour on this video shows the complete novice, a visual concept that makes it so simple to see how to achieve what you want, in a way as to be easily understandable. You are a genius at simplifying and explaining the rules of painting, when everyone else makes "a complete pigs ear" out of it. Thank you yet again for sharing your wisdom and knowledge with us lesser mortals. Also, when viewing videos by other proffessional, big name artists about the books they own, your book is ALWAYS on their shelves. It seems your wisdom and knowledge has made an impact on thousands of professional artists, illustrators, cartoonists, animators, advertisers, film makers and lastly, us amateurs. I think it's safe to say your eternal legacy has already been set in art, if not in stone.

[@susankrzywicki]

Remarkable. Not only giving technical insight while I watch the creation event, but adding in a spiritual element that is inspiring - the dark side as mystery rather than evil! LOVE.

[@rhemasartspace]

"Life consists of both light and shadow. And the two together in a painting compliment and fulfill each other to make a complete artistic statement." This reality makes art even more beautiful. ❤

[@simpleartofhealing286]

So true, and the videos SO worth watching!!

[@dianeo]

I had never heard of the term "Houding". Interesting. I like that you found a seemingly mundane landscape to have artistic interest and it shows in your painting. A fun exercise in juxtaposing values, color contrasts & textures. I love the use of an inexpensive house painting brush, too!

[@CharlesHancockCreations]

You are a fantastic teacher. The way you explain the process and use other subjects to illuminate the concept from another mindset. Your editing, narrative, experience and overall effort are a beauty to behold. 🙏

[@GhostCharlie1]

James gurney an example of life for artists. What I have learned the most from you is the understanding of things, the love for detail, sometimes it is better to stop and assess before even starting to paint. Sorry for my English

[@lenayeagle9650]

I excitedly went to like this video and accidentally hit the :down: thumb. I immediately remedied the situation, but KZbin told me that they were going to share the (negative) feedback with you. I'd be mortified to throw any negative feedback your way. I love all of your videos and appreciate how you go into such depth with useful, interesting and educational commentary! You're a gem, Mr. Gurney! Thank you for sharing your wonderful gift and demeanour with the world!

[@JamesGurney]

Ha, that's funny. I appreciate your feedback.

[@JaredCullum]

Excellent advice - and great video. Such an extraordinary composition out of something so ordinary, really beautiful. :)

[@JamesGurney]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@brucemaatta5859]

Beauty in every scene

[@Stadtpark90]

Almost as if there is no ordinary. The magic really is in the eye of the beholder.

[@anam7300]

Good evening, after viewing this video my son expressed his appreciation saying “ce mec est un trésor national” (this man is a national treasure) Thanks for your generosity.

[@pasitmanatphienlert]

Eventually the painting becomes breathtaking 😮

[@edzejandehaan9265]

Interesting, I am dutch and had no idea that common word "houding" once had this artistic meaning. Something to look into. I am always very impressed by your handling of light and shadows in your work.

[@PawsleyDirt]

(ver)houding?

[@Marysart]

@@PawsleyDirt Of misschien lijkt het op het duitse woord ''gestalt''?

[@recoveringsoul755]

Links in the description re:houding

[@sabinakoehoorn6657]

Yeah was wondering if he meant 'verhouding'... 🤔

[@user-kc7mu4jp4p]

@@recoveringsoul755 Thank you!

[@jorgesalinas9505]

Wow! your masterful skill to depict light and shadow moves me! I can feel that afternoon in the countryside

[@melissaaldosari8024]

The way you were describing how the light and shadows came and went, became poetry in my ears!

[@ernieflynn5124]

Thank you James your tutorials are gold. Your painting combined with your dialogue as a Rich's to the whole video. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@Adderallistheonlyway]

I have no artistic talent, but truly enjoy watching you all who do

[@ABSTRACTAL]

You're the best Art teacher on KZbin!

[@miguelportillo2936]

Hola James. Me encanta tu trabajo, el realismo que consigues con la luz y los colores es increíble. eres uno de mis artistas de referencia a la hora de pintar. Abrazos desde Argentina

[@astrorobinson3716]

Watching you paint helps me as an artist quite a bit. You break things down in a really helpful way. You’re an awesome teacher, James!

[@cookiemonster3147]

Awesome painting!! Bless you!!

[@willrothfuss8470]

I love the metaphysics train of thought while you are painting.

[@kathleengarness1660]

that's just magical. Thank you for your insights on the Manicheans!

[@magicasper3666]

i swear i learn something new in every video you post thanks

[@sharonrussell7933]

I must admit that I don't hear the word chiroscurio every day. Wonderful lesson. 😊

[@pamelasorrells2187]

Love this painting! and your narrative.

[@30035XD]

People like you should live forever Mr Gurney. Thank you so much.

[@bhornannawindeedeigh5007]

I just found you in my feed, and whereas I don't think I could ever accomplish a genuine painting of any sort (I just play with watercolors and acrylics for mark making to use the papers I paint on in collage), I have to admit that I surely wish I could create a painting as lovely as the piece you created here for us today. It's a beautiful piece. I love it. Maybe someday I'll find a landscape to paint - and have the courage enough to make a true attempt at capturing what I see, even though I am completely untrained. I've never taken any formal art lessons, and I'm probably too old to try now, but your vid is truly encouraging. Thank you. 💐🙏🏽

[@damienkearns3654]

Well if you don't believe you can, then you definitely never will. Believe in yourself, put the work in and you will. You must seek out training, if only through videos on KZbin and some books and apply that learning to your paintings. Then it's down to practice, trial and error. Mistakes are part of the process, don't lose faith through mistakes - it merely means you're learning.

[@CalvinHikes]

9:04 "Even the darkness is as light to you." -Psalms

[@DannySabraArt]

Love how this painting turned out!

[@pattyolson5947]

Thank you for a wonderful demo, the narrative, music, your explanations, all! A pleasure to watch and learn from.

[@sarcasteriskchuck113]

Wonderful. Just amazing.

[@guillaumeloreau1279]

Wonderful as always James, thanks for everything you are giving to this world.

[@aeastman59]

I could watch these all day... I love your videos!!

[@garetkonigsfeld2]

I love how you suggest to my brain what I'm looking at with such simple strokes of color. Just amazing, thank you for taking us along.

[@lauraking1331]

A wealth of info, shared with such clarity - thank you for such a poetic, thoughtful, instructive video!

[@mrirurfkjsdo]

Thx James !! nice trip !!

[@mai2015]

James Gurney is my hero!

[@davyrayjutras]

James - thank you for your dedication and focus on your craft. Always positive commentary and well prepared in your production in each of your posts, I admire your vast insight into art principles. Been following you for years and your consistent dedication in demonstrating techniques is very much appreciated.

[@marisangiovanni]

Fantastic work, James- I have also learned so much from your books!!!

[@josephinastover5785]

Love this video....such helpful tips and interesting insights! Also, thank you for featuring some of my Dutch landscape heroes. Beautiful painting!

[@lucysky384]

You really captured that warm glow....

[@daryllevine5156]

You are the most brilliant teacher and painter, with a wealth of knowledge. I am grateful to have found you. Thankyou so much.

[@user-kc7mu4jp4p]

Beautiful, I enjoyed watching it, thank you or sharing so many technicalities!!

[@vicnn1571]

Still in awe of your video composition skills -- that outro is iconic!

[@alisonhendry2928]

So many pearls of wisdom yet again in this . I must by now not be amazed when you take ho hum and make it brilliant. Light and shadow, warm and cool of each my new mantra. Thank you for sharing SO much and for this painting.

[@redbeard365]

I really enjoyed this lesson. Thank you!

[@marywilliamson2559]

The one thing I always get from your instructional videos is,,,,GET OUTSIDE AND PAINT wherever and whenever you are! Thanks again for creating a beautiful bucolic scene.

[@Slaneous]

To live is to give. Thank you so much for sharing some of your vast knowledge.🙏

[@theartofcharleen]

You’re videos are so helpful and educational! Thank you!!

[@megankimber8772]

I had a great friend who lived in Staatsburg, NY back in the 90’s. I lived nearby and visited him often……loved watching the rolling meadows, textures, and landscape during all of the seasons, and the sun rolling over the land. Wonderful work! I’m so glad I found your channel. Your color knowledge is perfect.

[@billg3356]

Genius painter

[@aliceprofitt8506]

Incredibly helpful and informative. Thank you!

For years i´ve been inspired by your videos. Your insight on the ways to aproach each themes and the abstract way of painting makes me just wanna go outside and give it a go. And all those plein air experiences i´ve had over the years has two great names as references: Richard Schmid and James Gurney. Big hug, James.

[@artbykcappadona5166]

I feel so serine and inspired after watching your videos. Thank you James. You have really helped me throughout the years. I have your book and videos.

[@JeffEickhoff]

Another fantastic painting and beautifully articulated lesson. Thank you so much for everything you so generously share, Jim. Cheers from the Netherlands.

[@Sachaannstarart]

Love this! Always do! Thank you!

[@elevenade]

James Gurney is the best painting youtuber, period. The only channel I actually use the "Bell" for. Always worth it. Thanks again

[@pam3366]

what a fascinating video! You're very knowledgeable and deliver information in a way thats easy to intake and dissect. the piece looks lovely. i adore snow and how it's painted. how it interacts with light and carries color

[@Shebacca6000]

Ooooo another good treat on my break at work ❤

[@artbyarta]

So beautiful!

[@easilydistracted5192]

Thanks very much; your light and dark metaphor is a lovely way to remember just how much values contribute to mood. Reminds me of our fear of the dark's unknown, Jung's Shadow. But it is also the darkness and silence from which creativity can spring; when the light of our consciousness relents control. Art practice at its best is a dance between intuition and knowledge. Light and Shadow are the same thing.

[@vandaspace]

most soothing voice ever

[@majovrbo9167]

I have already ordered gouache paints. thank you for the inspiration.

[@UkuleleEllie22]

Wonderful explanation, and enjoyed the bit of history & philosophy as well 😄 Thank you!

[@socratesthecabdriver]

Saved watching this for Sunday 🙏🔱🌪🌪🌪

[@bluewren65]

As we head into autumn in the southern hemisphere, this work suits my feeling of gentle melancholy.

[@sweetlilcollector]

I’ve been trying to get into painting again, this is amazing. Learning about history while learning about realistic landscape painting. Thanks💕

[@reneerose9730]

You are just brilliant!!

[@Vicvines]

This is like a history and art lessno while I watch you paint. I'll subscribe right now if this is what you're all about.

[@iaincullen7646]

Fantastic as always !!

[@guppysoul1574]

dude such a great vibes thank you

[@artonthecreek]

So beautiful! I expected the clouds to move within your painting and the pool of diffused light continue its path across the field. What a wonderful challenge you have presented! In Colorado, we have very few cloudy days. Most shadows are clear and with great contrast; a landscape style I am familiar with. You’ve intrigued me to try this style❤

[@KathleenRenninger]

Nice painting, and I loved your thoughts on light and shadow. One isn't greater than the other; it takes both. Always amazed by your ability to find a subject in something others may not see as worthy of painting. Liked the use of the house paint brush! Very effective.

[@lumindina699]

Coming into my trials and errors of painting with watercolor after painting with oils all my life, this session you did is absolutely the most valuable I have watched so far! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge today. You really helped me add much more depth where I struggled so badly in my paintings.

[@crisalidathomassie1811]

It is so amazing how you turn a simple view to a stunning work of art. Thanks for the tutorial, the info and demo are impressive. I have learned so much from you. Blessings and take care.❤

[@Dennis-Hare]

It is amazing, that you can produce such a wonderful painting, while teaching us at the same time. Thank you for your wisdom and kind instruction.

[@ManryLion]

Great choice of place

[@martimajor4766]

How lucky am I, are we, to be able to watch and hear your process. You are so masterful and generous with your skills, talent and genius. So very grateful for all you share.

[@Luis_D_Ruiz]

Muchisimas gracias, maestro Gurney, por seguir compartiendo tus conocimientos y pensamientos sobre esta forma tan bella de componer la forma, el color y la luz. Eres una inspiración constante.

[@henrique2799]

your videos are aways inspiring

[@junejeni]

Art school. Love so much.

[@craigc9710]

Beautiful as always, thanks

[@kindcoffeeart]

I love your videos and your talks thank you so much

[@danielpercent5434]

Thanks for making this very informative video. I do artwork on a digital tablet, and I've been struggling to do do light and shadow for my distance in scenery. This is absolutely marvelous.

[@giacomocolarullo1060]

Is it crazy that the highlight of my day is that James posted a new video???? Downloaded and watched like 3 times on the subway ride to work. James needs his own show. You hear me @netflix???

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

Excellent composition and pàinting

[@feriscascaferi8025]

Binge watching your videos make me happy 😊

[@sergeisarichev3651]

amazing as always

[@Melissa-gn3dv]

This is so well done! I do think though that when the Bible talks about living in the light, it doesn't mean the shadows of a landscape. It is just figurative.

[@ryno583]

Thank you James Gurney! I myself am an artist and thank you for the lesson. Ive been in love with your work since i was a child and now have a child of my own. Dinotopia is a magical book you share with your children and your imagination takes flight. It’s a wonderful gift and this video is just so cool. thank you

[@Jamie-Russell-CME]

I was just reading Ireaneus. Great painting. iNspiring

[@danthomas6587]

Beautiful

[@joann5157]

I just found your videos and subscribed! Looking forward to more painting tutorials! Thanks!

[@LovinLnCottage]

Wunderbar! ❤❤❤

[@hallucinati]

I have your books. And they are signed by you. I love ALL of your work!

[@DreamingCatStudio]

New subscriber here. I feel so fortunate to have found you! This was an amazing video, and I kept seeing that beautiful, cool shadow and thinking there’s a shadow there! I know that sounds goofy, but it really was so beautiful and subtle. It kept surprising me. I love hearing all of the Information while you were painting; They gave me something to engage in with both right and left sides of my brain! Thank you so much. Looking forward to going and reviewing your other videos and website.

[@zoobakitchlew2018]

Fabulous work 🎉❤

[@stellinablu156]

Grande lezione maestro 🌤️

[@LoriWoodward-gd5fl]

Enjoyed this!