How to Start a Watercolor

[@ariweaver1543]

Wonderful! I've only been painting for a couple years, and I've been watching and enjoying your videos for over a year now. I've finally come around to painting everyday objects and views in my own life. For a while I only wanted to paint super dramatic scenes, but seeing you consistently find the beauty in things I would overlook is slowly rubbing off on me. :) I'm starting to look out my back door at the view I'd always considered too boring to paint, but now I'm suddenly intrigued by the angles of the branches in a small tree, the shine of the patchy pavement after a rain shower, and so many other things that now I want to try to capture. Thanks so much for helping me see more beauty and interest in the everyday world that surrounds me!

[@JamesGurney]

Hi, Ari, your comment is music to my ears. There's magic in commonplace things.

[@annestevens3307]

Ditto

[@Milesjart]

This comment is what it's all about. Thanks for writing that out.

[@adamthorntonillustration9281]

Hi Ari, I was just about to write almonst exactly the same comment, then saw that you had already done it! TBH, I'm still at the stage where I think the dramatic scene is preferable, but it's very good to know I'm not (or wasn't) alone!

[@offroutegaming8249]

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[@i.george2321]

first some pencil, then a big mess. then some detail. at the end: pure magic and behold: i still cant do it! lovely

[@rbrunet4755]

So true! Haha. He's a wonderful painter.

[@nalcarya]

The trick to learning is accepting, embracing the mess aka ugly stage and not trying to add detail immediately. I improve so much faster since I realised that :)

[@whitestguyuknow]

@@nalcarya in a video I just watched of his he describes himself as a pilot flying through fog and just trusting his instruments in order to fly up out into the clear. It makes me feel more confident in myself and my own drawings and paintings because I always feel that moment and get pretty dejected and sometimes lose my passion to keep going because it just feels like a mess and it's taking so long and I just doubt myself. But knowing that someone who's such a great artists, who creates pieces very often, many many more than I ever have, *still* feels that way with each piece and just has to trust that the more time and effort you put in will ultimately lead you to the finished product

[@msf2126]

Haha..i know the feeling. I dive in all concerned with perspective and detail.. But just watching these iv got bolder with starting in blobs.. And its helping. Long way to go...

[@zeusolympus1664]

@@nalcarya yeah especially for watercolor you don't know what will happen next after that ugly stage. Its a bit nerve wrecking.

[@Bdb83]

The whole video I couldn't get over the fact he found another guy that likes to paint folding chairs. Lmao

[@windshearahead7012]

Code Underground artist, lmaoo 👩🏻‍🎨

[@HarryDinesOut]

I can't get over the fact that he visited a mansion just to paint a folding patio chair!! lol

[@kayaeki]

Wholesomeee gaha

[@willrothfuss8470]

Yeah he'll paint anything. Plop a black rolling garbage can down in front of him and he'll paint it like a cel from a Disney animated feature.

[@toonybrain]

Code Underground LMBO Check out the mountains and scenery at about 5:03, yet the chair is what rivets them.

[@Bastard01g]

This video shows exactly how much patience you need to have, as a painter. My grandfather was a superior paint artist, he had many techniques dialed. He often went to places and took photos, so he can paint them later at home. He loved to make huge oil-color paintings of nature sights. Some of those paintins now remember me of him and how great he was.

[@jayashrimalondewatercolour9994]

kzbin.infoFRV3eBEEHqI?feature=share

[@UCzAkaFnXOS2YmK0rVz2jwSA]

James Gurney is a national treasure. We are extremely lucky to have him on KZbin. Homer and Sargent are gone for good, and we’ll never have the chance to watch them work, but we’re here for Gurney, and that’s fantastic!!!

[@joannetiffany8047]

James you turn the most average objects into the most intresting pieces of art, it's simply amazing and the reason why i adore your art and you as an Artist.

[@TiffanysFineArt]

Joanne Tiffany Joanne. I love that you have an Amdrew Tishler playlist! Lol he is amazing too!

[@opendstudio7141]

If you haven't notice yet, he paints the light and everything else is an incidental stage. We may have more in common with moths than we think. :)

[@rebanelson607]

Using a large brush on an area that's "full of indecision" is an excellent idea. Thanks for the excellent demo.

[@avikdas1577]

you can change any subject into a masterpiece!

[@PasserEminibey]

i didn't think anyone could make a simple folding chair seem so angelic

[@jeanneratterman4174]

There was a woman in an art class i took back in 1983 who loved shoes. Her “shoes” were gorgeous on the feet of her subjects.

[@dannythebear743]

Fantastic painting... I can’t understand how on Watercolor painting.. the start looks like a hot mess and then magically, you end up somehow with a brilliant painting like this.... must take a special mindset to be able to envision that

[@stanleyhape8427]

Actually it's called setting dust. Once the painting is approximately 90% done you LIGHTLY sprinkle the setting dust and let it set. The setting dust will make any color corrections and define edeges to objects in the painting.

[@rubenspaul5271]

Yes, That is the charming of watercolor. And you also need a set of high quality paint affordable to do enough excercise. Here is an online store of brand Paul Rubens, which is what you are looking for. paulrubens.aliexpress.com/store/5140092

[@lr9171]

That's watercolor paint's identity

[@Akash-xq7kw]

2:10 will be my end look of painting

[@jitshreyachowdhury9917]

🤣🤣🤣

[@jitshreyachowdhury9917]

Same here bro

[@cjesterhuizen419]

Wow...that subject matter as plain as a garden chair can be executed so vividly. Really enjoyed this, thank you .

[@CaptainCretaceous91]

You know, I'm amazed he starts off with sketching the contour lines. Whenever I draw, I have to start with the basic shapes, then the lines.

[@chelseawhite7117]

It’s absolutely mind-boggling to be able to watch you take this painting and really bring it into that photorealistic level of detail. I do have to point out, however, the irony of being in a stunning place like a mansion in Hudson Valley.. and the thing the group is painting is a folding chair

[@kleerude]

I feel like I’m watching an old PBS show. Very calming ☺️

[@이예정-c4z]

I found your book in a bookstore in Seoul. I was watching . and there was your face in it! I realized then that it was your book!! OMG. It was so nice to meet you! I just bought a book and came home. Most of the time I will depend on the translator to read books, but I am satisfied!

[@JamesGurney]

Thank you. I'm so happy that my book is in Korea.

[@이예정-c4z]

I will always support your channel. From Seoul.

[@nancycampbell7959]

I do indeed believe you, that binge-watching your tutorials will make me happy. Just need to make the popcorn.

[@jeffhreid]

Such a mundane subject but James makes out the nobility and sublime in the everyday. Remarkable

[@hieunguyenminh8045]

So that's how you Gaussian Blur in traditional paintings. Awesome

[@traekas7228]

Now, THIS is the kind of ART/PAINTING that I’ve always wanted to do. As a young person, still dependent on my Parents, I was able to paint like this under the strict tutelage of my Art teacher. This was back in the 1970s. It’s been over a decade since I last took an Art Class @ a Community College. TYSM, James, for these great how-to videos. I’m almost positive that your videos will inspire me to, once again, pick up my brushes & canvases.

[@RealmsOfThePossible]

One phrase that stuck with me the most in this fantastic video was 'air in the shadow', it describes a much overlooked aspect of making a good painting as many paint shadows without taking into account that it is still real space with colour and light.

[@valerieannshort7109]

Who are the 139 people who didn't like this video? You must be Picasso and Dali revived. This man is a genius!! Just awesome work!!! Love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@amyreesor8128]

never appreciated a folding chair more than this one. really amazing to watch this. Thank you so much

[@imranq9241]

An artist is somebody who can take a seemingly ordinary subject and make something no one would want to throw away!

[@briancoyne6700]

James. you are my 21st Century Bob Ross! It was a pleasure hearing you speak at the Yellow Barn in Glen Echo, MD. I bought your book on Light and Color in Barnes and Noble in 2012 and have been a student of yours ever since. Thank you!

[@olivier7466]

Its a simple chair but the way you painted it !!!. When amazing and great are not just good enough !!

[@joeblogsart]

Pay attention to this guy. He's really good, definitely someone worth investing your time in watching. His demonstration of knowledge and art through this painting demo speaks volumes unto his skill. I've never seen anybody so precisely articulate the stream of consciousness going through an artist's mind while at work. Excellent naming of the videos, too; they're the answers to many questions people don't know how to ask. I'm going to keep watching more!

[@catherinecervas3726]

Just saw that note, “Binge-watching my videos will make you happy.” So true! 🙂

[@velvetchiharu]

at the risk of making you feel old, I first saw your work 25yrs ago when I was in 2nd grade, we had a very small school library but they had Dinotopia, and your illustrations had a huge impact on me and I decided later that same year that I wanted to be an artist. I’ve come very far in my artistic journey (I’ve sold commissioned oil portraits! And prints!!😆) and I take joy in knowing I have so much more ahead of me but never did I imagine that I would be able to learn directly from you just how the work is done. It is an incredible time to be alive, I think of artists in the past who only had books or prints to go off of, or who would be limited to painting studies in museums and today we are so lucky to be able to hear and learn directly from the living masters themselves, what a joy! Just blows my mind to think how far technology has come that we now get to watch dispatches from you on a regular basis.

[@barrywebber100]

There's no substitute for talent, skill and ability, and plenty of practise! A beautiful painting, thanks for posting.

[@aifutureknowledge]

Watercolor is the most challanging in art. or for an artist to bare. Respect. Its an amazing work.

[@bennydelarosa9064]

Thank you for the demonstration! That watercolor painting looks fantastic and much more realism.

[@mohammeda1858]

You’re a wholesome person, keep it up! I wish you all the best. All the love from Saudi Arabia, I hope you visit us one day.

[@priscillahoang8824]

wow i never thought watching someone paint a chair would be so relaxing! beautiful colors and direction

[@NetTubeUser]

You, sir, are a gem for the artist community on KZbin.

[@gillianshen4016]

The painting looks infinitely more stunning than the original

[@Swaneeart]

수채화를 오래 그렸었지만 이분 보면서 다시 하고싶다는 마음이 드네요 함께 모여 그리는 모습이 아름다운 천국의 한 장면^^ 쯤 되지 않을까 생각했어요 The scene people paint together looks like heaven.

[@k3n972]

I could watch you paint real time for hours. I love watching people paint, I love how you do it . It's amazing and beautiful

[@mindseye4914]

Even though I saw each second of it I ask myself how how how did he do it??? You are sooo damn good!!

[@patrikahlvik8607]

So much joyfulness in your paints

[@damonhackney6142]

The narration is reminiscent of those 60s educational videos that Disney used to make. Just great.

[@nickagarrie]

I used to paint.add 15 years of life....I realize how important it was and is to me at 40.As I dip my toe back into the waters is youtube.and this channel. Fuel to my fire sir.thank you.

[@RandalfElVikingo]

I was never good at drawing or painting, but I always wanted to. At least I can do a last try.

[@RandalfElVikingo]

I was never good at drawing or painting, but I always wanted to. At least I can do a last try.

[@tyuninforlove]

I had a misconception that watercolor NEEDS to be transparent. So as someone who mostly has to work with acrylics, I always found watercolor so intimidating. I found your page a few days ago and have been hooked. And I tried watercolor yesterday. It came out better than I expected. Just wanted to say thank you

[@patriciachianelli7507]

I really like the subject matter you pick for paintings. You know how to pick a scene and paint it at it's best angle.

[@Abe-rz1nm]

I love how you've taken a very simple subject and found so much complexity in it - beautiful result.

[@ankeshmbbs]

he is one person who can paint anything.. literally anything

[@andreasmartini9327]

Diggin' the ruff zen approach of your process!

[@heyryanisonx3141]

Mr. Gurney, you are a God-send!

[@jenniferalarza9643]

I started watching your videos after a first year of fine arts university where I barely learned anything, I purchased color and light and with that and your videos is how I learned to paint. Now that I live surrended by nature, this makes me want to go paint in the wild

[@liviariviello9474]

Quella seggiola è diventata viva!! Complimenti e grazie per i suggerimenti!

[@gerrid9092]

The look of light coming through the chair is amazing.

[@santiagoavril4436]

You just gotta love the sound effects

[@telldpablo]

Thanks for so generously sharing your knowledge, experience and techniques. I am fascinated by how you take simple, ordinary things and make them interesting! I especially have enjoyed your videos of late. Thanks so much!

[@catherinecervas3726]

Beautiful painting! The light through the chair is fantastic! Thank you for sharing your processes.

[@Rhynni]

Thank you for just being so free and adventurous with your painting - I feel such a sense of liveliness and joy that comes across every single painting you create. Thank you for sharing this!

[@gundiart1755]

The peace this video evokes is understandable 🖤

[@bismillahfoodsecrets2671]

My 8 years old son is very creative and love to draw , he loves your channel

[@Giulia4151]

This is unbelievable, literally, even I am seeing the whole process, it suddenly turns into magic! I'm in love with this folding chair hahaha

[@alisonhendry2928]

Your skill just amazes me every video. I love how you just paint anything. And I love how you mix media. I need to let go of my transparent only fixation! I am still a groupie! Love to watch your posts. You have so many things to share! Thank you!

[@virginiarinkel7544]

Thanks for the tip on how to smear the background in certain spots. This still takes a bit of practice, but I love the idea of softening the edge. Thank you!

[@billykranberry6077]

The outro is just unmatched

[@felipefrango]

A true genius at work.

[@chestermansfield788]

I love how you mix media. I tought of doing so, before watching your video and was at first asking myself if it was a good idea... Then I thouht I should first learn one and then another one before mixing them together... Then I saw this video and I get even more conscious of how much I have to learn more about each media before mixing them on one painting... I'm impressed on how you manage reproducing the objects you paint. I'm trying to take models like this, but I always have issues painting it as I see it😅 I have a long way to go before being able to actually do a good painting ... And it's obvious you had to practice a lot before being this good. Your painting and especially your vision of painting and how to build a painting is still very inspirational to me. Thank you!

[@judwatkins9478]

Wow! You teach with great economy, and yet you always give specific advice on technique. This is perhaps the most helpful watercolor tutorial I've seen. Many thanks.

[@dianedreyfus]

Ooooo. Permission to use opaque.

[@magdalena-lisarobertson4143]

I love the precision and flexibility of your technique. Thank you so much for sharing so generously your artistic practice. Invaluable.

[@makasia_x]

I just started reading your book about color and I can't get over it, that you speak how you write

[@ArcheesWorld]

Leaning something new each day

[@felixscholz]

It’s a wonderful painting and a wonderful video tutorial, thank you so much for it. The part I love most is that you show that there aren’t any rules in art. That everything that brings your painting towards the direction you want to achieve is “allowed”.

[@sureshparmar8284]

Wow!, the sun shinning through, pure genius.

[@karenvc8005]

Just beautiful and amazing, James! I love that you don't fall apart when the paint bleeds into one another but just seem to push through. I am still learning watercolor after many years away from drawing and painting. I used gouache in a color theory class in art school and really liked it but dropped away from painting when I declared as a ceramics major. I will definitely add the white titanium to my kit, along with pulling out my flat brush. Thanks for a great tutorial. Who knew a folder chair could be this exciting?

[@joannepeyton1654]

Love your techniques and style. Picking up watercolors again after 40 years. I got frustrated with the drawing part. Went to acrylics and pastels, because for me drawing wasn’t necessary. But after watching Karen Rice, and now you, I’m getting so inspired to give it a go. Will definitely start simple (like the peach I just did.) Thank you, appreciate the time you put into your tutorials.

[@ateleskier7066]

This video touched several things that never seem to be mentioned by most other artists. The three that stood out for me was approaching the blank page, the use of opaque white, and painting on a small lay-flat book. Regarding the blank page, this is often (for me at least) akin to walking up to the edge of a high board in a swimming pool; it seemed like a good idea but ends up being a bit intimidating. The number of times I've suddenly needed to cut the lawn (a job I hate) rather than tackle that blank page I cannot count. Your video very effectively dealt with the act of just diving in, making those first marks in watercolour pencil before becoming immersed in the rest of the process. Those first steps are often the hardest. Then you covered.....gasp....opaque pigment! Using titanium oxide (Chinese white) as opposed to preserving the page. Even today this is still viewed as heretical in many circles, reflecting the storm of controversey from the mid 19th Century when it became a fashion. The use of 'bodycolour' in Victorian watercolours became very common, then seemed to wane as the preservation of the paper came back to the fore. This is an entirely valid approach and applaud you for treating it as just another technique to use. It's made me rethink how I approach my painting. The use of a small layflat notebook format is also praiseworthy, as it encourages and demonstrates how to use this most practical and useful of paper formats. My goal is to tour about here in Scotland capturing our stunning countryside using such small format media for watercolour sketches and quick paintings, so this was very welcome. All in all an excellent tutorial - many thanks for posting.

[@brandiveh]

No dislikes! Only true lovers of talented art watching....

[@madi_as_rabbits]

This was so helpful! I always stress so much when my art looks like a mess in the beginning but you turned it into such an articulate masterpiece! Loved your soft voice and kind words about art. precious. 10/10

[@mschingacor]

Oooh i want to be brave and try this out. Absolutely magic painting

[@1ClassicalMusicFan]

In 1992, I bought your book, "Dinotopia: A Land Apart from Time", for our children right after it was published. Soon later, I bought the stuffed-animal, Bix (the Protoceratops and 1 of the main characters in the book). Growing up, our children read the book and played with Bix often. Then, I also bought your book, "Dinotopia: The World Beneath". We still have these 3 items at our home.

[@spor07]

Отличный результат! Рисунок выглядит как фото!

[@rydellgarcia5266]

3:10 when im at this part everytime i do watercolor.. i always knew i fuck up already and theres no going back... but him.... he can still manage to continue. man thats pure talent. im jealous.dang it

[@artdonovandesign]

Your watercolors and your spot-on drawing is damned good, James.

[@crystalheart9]

The beauty of your work amazes me.

[@pamgessler5923]

I grew up in the Hudson Valley. It's beautiful there.

[@lienhoaa12]

You know you are a master when you paint a chair but the viewers could feel so much feeling in it

[@Daturablossoms]

Thanks James! You are a great educator and a you're work is delightful.

[@kanishkabanikya2330]

Hey James, good video. I am a watercolourist myself. Your method is nice and simple and produces a good result.

[@RampantDaydream]

Thanks, Mr Gurney. Your Art, books and tutorials are very inspiring!

[@xanthumgun3162]

I love how the doggy is also deep in thought sun bathing, while you are creating a masterpiece 🤗🤗

[@dejasimmone9644]

You are a great inspiration to me. Whenever I get stuck I look at you and learn so much.

[@wiktoriakohman2200]

I love how your paintings looks like you dont know what are you doing but at the end it always looks so realistic

[@JamesGurney]

That's so funny, because with every new painting I really feel out of control at the start, like heading into a new country without a map.

[@stardoogalaxie9314]

Holy crap that's incredible work. It's wild how the transition from the unrecognizable just comes to life aaah.

[@Niseryusei]

GREAT PAINTING! Fun video! Thanks for sharing

[@aartadventure]

Thank you for sharing your years of practice and refined skills with us. It is such a joy to watch you create James!

[@douglascueva]

I like James Gurney's videos. They remind me of my time watching PBS as a kid, or watching wishbone. Very informative stuff.

[@MuriloSwis]

This is almost a oil paint... with watercolor! Suth a great technique! I learned a lot with your video! Tks

[@derekpercy7787]

Wow - You make it look so easy - Thank you so much for sharing -- Brilliant Artist and who doesn't love a folding chair

[@DORIS4LT]

Thank you for the amazing tutorial. The sped up video of the whole painting process is much easier to follow than the "abridged" version! :D

[@MrRodgers007]

Very generous James. Lovely painting too.

[@GuenevereSchwien]

Great one, simple composition but an elegant painting. Loved the break down of steps and thanks for sharing the new technique!

[@nickcook4184]

Gorgeous. Thank you. I've been making art and painting for a long time but recently started (again) to use watercolors. This was a great demonstration and clear instruction.

[@lisagiuliani8167]

Your videos and paintings are just incredible!!! You've single-handedly ignited such a passion in me for painting!!! Thank you so so much for sharing your techniques!