James Gurney’s Self-Education Journey - Draftsmen S3E04

[@Draftsmen]

Thanks James! You can find links to all of his stuff in the description and make sure to check out his KZbin channel - kzbin.info

[@yohenson]

Great episode guys. Thank you James for pearls of wisdom based on true experience.

[@jonataleite]

Uma pena que não vi antes... precisava disso... encontro de 3 que sigo...

[@Metalfrailruiner]

James Gurney leans into this phone call with the joy and enthusiasm of a teenager making a prank call

[@GameSharkBlue]

I'd never have him any other way! The father of Dinotopia is great! ahahahha

[@danieldowning6644]

❤

[@ascherwilson8339]

@@danieldowning6644 on table in Minecraft PS4

[@ascherwilson8339]

@@GameSharkBlue okoooo.kkm

[@JustineWiniker]

Is your fridge running?

[@castrojr.971]

"Does your dad have a job?" "No, he just sits around and paints dinosaurs all day." that made me laugh for a bit, great episode

[@elfynde8863]

i wont get tired of saying this, this podcast is a gold mine for artists

[@andersdenkend]

Yeah, most importantly for "artists of all kinds". It doesn't matter if you're a painter, a sculptor, 3D artist, Doom mapper, whatever. As long as you "create" these podcasts are highly valuable.

[@nategreyson6014]

+1

[@PoojaDeshpande84]

Well I just knocked your comment off being a perfect square... sorry

[@ArtMurmurs]

@@andersdenkend Man, Certainly this one!

[@frododododo]

It's so boring to listen to

[@angelina_artiste]

Yay! I watched this video back in 2023 and I’ve just spent 3 hours in 2025 looking for it once again! 🤗🤩🎉 I’m so excited to watch!

[@varuntulsyan2558]

Are we going to talk about how nice James' voice is?

[@drawkylesworld]

Yes. His voice is so nice. It's like listening to someone who never had his soul stomped on.. Ever.. wholesome

[@alicedubois1348]

He has a youtube channel. It's just as awesome. :)

[@varuntulsyan2558]

@@alicedubois1348 Yes. I am obsessed with his channel. Not only are the videos the best learning tools out there, they are just soooo wholesome and peaceful as art vlogs!!!

[@danieldowning6644]

James gurney guided meditation...🤷‍♂️?

[@crimsonix16]

His voice is what my mind's voice sounds like when I read things. For some reason I can clearly hear his voice in my head when reading *anything*.

[@TaterProduction]

James freakin Gurney coming through on the freakin landline!!!! im dead what a legend.

[@shinkamui]

3:11 you guys gotta work this out you're doing a podcast lmao James is a savage. I love his sense of humor.

[@ThePanode]

Holy crap you got the legend himself on the podcast!

[@GameSharkBlue]

He came back out of time just to come see ya! How great that he picked up a phone from inside his mad-wizard science lab! Gotta love that Dino-Dad! ahahaah

[@Rice8003]

James Gurney interviews Marshall and Proko! Lovely episode

[@michaelhilljr.7528]

60 year old science teacher here in no. CA, teaching myself art as a 4 yr DIY program to prepare for an encore career. You guys are my teachers, firming the core of my little program. BTW, small world, JG. I'm anthro major out of UCD, wanted to be science illustrator growing up. Thanks guys.

[@Rddesyfc]

Best of luck!!!

[@GameSharkBlue]

We always need the saints in the loft performing Hippocratic feats of Lara Croft. Power to you dude! Make your art, "It belongs in a museum!" ahahaha

[@thejakobistable]

When I read his book on Colour and Light I knew this will be something people will still read in 100 years.

[@wisonhendrik5855]

That book really changed me how to see color. 10 years since I bought and it still the best book

[@lulamidgeable]

So much info, so much and so well presented. And easy to understand. That book is a act of love to other artists.

[@MasterTow1994]

Is it also recommended if I work with colored pencils and/or markers

[@joelaguilarfuentes8758]

@@MasterTow1994 Of course. The book is not about oil painting per se, it's Light and Color. And can be applied to any color media color pencils, watercolor, oil, markers, digital. It's about the principles and workflows that every artist should know in order to understand and approach different scenarios of jow the light affect the colors in a scene and jow this affect the mood or emotion conveyed.

[@mrpoool1015]

What is the book called?

[@TheCoookieCrumb]

Recording a landline convo is such a James Gurney move. 😆 He is the king of inventiveness and thinking outside of the box. So much respect!

[@willmfrank]

Mr. Gurney is such a king of inventiveness that he will build his own box just so he can think outside of it.

[@thomasdenmark]

It's fun seeing James Gurney take over the interview and give it some focus. I never get tired of hearing his insights on art, life, and everything.

[@Yang-yang81]

Mr. Gurney is one of the greatest in this time we are living in. His book "Color and Light" is life changing. You guys were so lucky to have him on there. -Cheers

[@Akenn]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen an interview with James Gurney until now. He’s seems like such a nice guy! I read his Color & Light book and learned a lot from it. Truly a gem :)

[@deromilly]

He has a youtube channel and an instagram. Highly recommend following. :)

[@mountainside26]

James is one of the nicest, brightest, most talented humans I’ve ever seen. He’s so incredibly generous with his knowledge and has brought so many people into the sphere of art, that might have found it too intimidating. He’s such an example of what teaching could be…

[@blessedandbiwithahintofmagic]

James and Marshall are chatting like they're teenagers, over their passion. This is such a great talk.

[@masterfullymediocre]

I fit firmly into the second group James brought up in the intro. I drew daily all through my childhood and into my teens and was quite good for my age. I pretty much stopped in my mid teens when starting to look at A levels and Uni courses, with encouragement in other directions from my parents. And now, here I am at 30 as a software developer trying to make up for lost time. I’ve got a lot of work to do, and I really appreciate all the great advice that comes from this podcast. Thanks to Marshall and Stan for the hours and hours of great content, and to James for his thoughtful advice as always.

[@Raya.T]

I'm 25 doing my bachelor in software development and i realized end of last year that i kinda don't wanna do it anymore and want to explore my more creative side which i dropped when i was 16. I'm still finishing my degree but i'm gonna deviate more towards UX and or consultancy. i feel in the exact same boat here needing to catch-up because i would highly prefer a job in a more creative direction.

[@felixoesinghaus]

Same for me I painted all throughout my teens, got pretty good, bit then hit a wall and started doing other things. Now I'm getting my computer science bachelor's at 27 and plan on doing only art afterwards

[@mussoletart8485]

Fellow software developer here trying to improve their art on the side - have a virtual high five!!

[@Raya.T]

@@felixoesinghaus I am planning something similar. I'm developing my art skills right now with some like minded people and plan on atleast getting to the point were i can do comissions when i graduate. and then find a IT consultancy job and develop my art on the side and hopefully explore a more creative career somewhere in my early 30's.

[@danrazART]

OMG! Landline Phone!!! How thoughtful of James, reminding us where we stand right now.

[@kava2021]

My best art education was an online class on classical realism. I spend three years with this program and my drawing skills had definitely improved tremendously.

[@andreaskurniawan7726]

finally, James Gurney!!!

[@NalgoDeSatanas]

Props to Gurney for not breaking character in almost 2 hours of holding a phone XD

[@varuntulsyan2558]

1:15:40 I couldn't agree more. I would really appreciate a podcast episode that teaches specifics about contracts and copyright and that sort of stuff.

[@Orozus]

Isn't it a kids dream job to draw dinosaurs all day? Fantastic talk. Thank you! You are great teachers and inspirers!

[@stale109]

I know this is a kinda old episode but I'm just going through draftsmen now, and hearing James Gurney talk about being super invested in something for a week or so and then moving on, it really connected to me on a deep level. I've always been so worried that my type of impulsive learning would lead me astray, and that I had to pick one thing and focus on that one thing forever. I've always been a jack of all (creative) trades, but a master of none. This episode was so reassuring. Over the years I'll go from writing to character design, to sewing, to plush making to sculpting all in a matter of months, and its hard to work at one thing continuously, I've never abandoned any of these, but I tend to leave it and come back later. I grew up home-schooled, and my parents have always been very supportive or my creative drive, but I can't afford collage, and even then, the idea of being stuck in one specific category for years learning what everyone else is, feels so limiting.

[@fernandomatielobueno8716]

I like the the focus and the shine in his eyes.

[@ImhereMK]

I have followed and LOVE James Gurney for years now. Such a knowledgable, gentle, kind, intelligent, talented man. One of my favorites. I am so happy you all had him on this interview. I'm a little behind on watching it =). I have to say I love to TOUCH animals. I don't feel augmentation is the same. Animals are as different as people with personalities that they bring to the table. This is something to be captured. I do like the idea of the schools going online and I feel that could eliminate a lot of school shootings, attitudes, etc. Something together such as families who currently homeschool their kids is all needed. Thank you for sharing this, and having such an icon such as James as a guest.

[@faisaltariq_artist]

James Gurney will be remembered as one of the giants among representational artists of our time. Love his versatililty and control of all artistic mediums.

[@zainabanimation936]

The sweetest moment was when camera showed his wife Janet who had drawn him on her sketchbook. It was so wholesome. I love it!

[@sofsofsofsof]

WHAT!! i started going through all of james' videos just this morning after finishing his book !! THIS IS GREAT

[@hannahfaithperillo8185]

Jeanette just standing there smiling and sketching James is the sweetest, most lovable thing I've ever seen

[@cesarleyva4608]

Omg as soon as I saw James gurney I HAD TO CLICK

[@firrycel]

oh man, this trio is 100% Gold

[@biancatargao2645]

I recently aquire Imaginative Realism and Color and Light, I've been readin the 1st book, and is such a pleasure to listen to this podcast and know more about James path. The art world is so mesmerizing and is such a beautiful journey if we take the time to embrace it and go with it.... I loved this episode!

[@lisafred1362]

Love love James Gurney. You guys are great together. “Let me know when your ear gets sweaty James” lol lol.

[@e2weevils]

This is definitely one of the best Draftsmen episodes yet. James Gurney is fantastic! Color and Light is the most valuable art book I own. I pick it up again and again to remind myself of key concepts.

[@sophianewtown]

I really love James Gurney. I've never thought I could learn art from a book because I have reading issues, so I went from teacher to teacher trying to explain what I aim "drawing something realistically, but this something doesn't exist, on another planet or something", no one got me, then I stumbled upon his book "Imaginative Realism" and that's it, that's what I wanted!!! Right from the title!!! I bought his second book too, "Color and Light", and after reading it - I felt like the world around me changed. And when I need to explain something in art to a kid - there is always a good explanation in those books - with a picture!

[@fAEtusDeletus]

Draftsmen is what podcasts are all about, shows you what a beautiful place the interwebs can be!

[@prometheuszero9]

What a great interview. I have had a great experience both with his books but also on a somewhat personal level. I was around 11 or 12 when I became obsessed with dinosaurs again, first because of Jurassic Park, but then because I found Dinotopia at the book store and asked for it for Christmas. In my 20s I let my art skills stagnate somewhat, and then around 2010 began taking an interest with learning all the stuff I neglected growing up. It didn't take long for Google to introduce me to Gurney Journey, and I immediately recognized the art style and was so tickled to learn it was "the guy who made Dinotopia" AND illustrated so many of the Nat Geo magazines that I read as a kid. I sent him an email to express how much I loved Dinotopia as a kid and how I was so happy I had found Gurney Journey, never expecting any sort of reply. And yet a day later, I had a nice reply from him, thanking me for the nice email and wishing me well. It might not seem like much, but that email helped me realize that my favorite artists were "real people" just like me, and that maybe one day, even as a late artistic bloomer, that I could actually make art for a living. Thanks James! And thank you Stan and Marshall as well, of course!

[@ericrogal995]

James Gurney is the real deal! He is multitalented and delivers high quality and high standard results! He’s extremely intelligent and highly resourceful and innovative with what he does. And he is thoughtful and sensitive behind his direct and intentional approach! I respect his work ethic and his dedication immensely! Thank you gentlemen.

[@Sketchrcat]

WOW !! I'm the same age as Marshall ! Hail to the 62 year old artists...we're still young at art. I still have a Draw with James Gurney book that I got in a kit when I was a kid. That book taught me the basics of drawing. I now work mainly in the comic book industry. And it all started with a book way back when...

[@whenturtlesattack]

James gurney continues to always inspire and push my self to become a better painter

[@alexwilkinsgames]

Right when I started college, I had been drawing a lot as a kid, and was shooting for Pixar, but then I got back advice and didn't pursue drawing anymore. From doing signs, graphic design, to marketing, now back full circle, I'm realizing that I should've been drawing more this whole time. But I think there could be a lot of people in my position, and this video has a ton of key values. Learning Principles and fundamentals is core, and technique and style birth from practicing those components. And my big take away from this video is, you should draw all the time, and stop worrying about your style or being "cool". And then rewatch this video!

[@mattmacaraeg]

I've watched this episode a couple times now. You two need more James Gurney episodes ASAP. The dialogue, information, and insight is super rich of useful content!

[@harshStroke]

I love this interviews. I learn a lot hearing experienced artist. Btw, Gurney's wife drawing him was ADORABLE

[@nmlss]

48:50 I think Gurney is talking about Dio's "Holy Diver" cover album.

[@kiplingbassil]

It was probably for the best that he didnt do that job, As much as i am baffled by Gurney's ability, I love the mood of that cover to death..

[@laserenforcer1317]

Exactly what I thought too.

[@theodorevandyk3786]

Great episode! I loved Dinotopia as a kid, and I'm a semi-struggling self-taught artist now, so I found this one very inspiring.

[@EzmeralDraw]

James Gurney! I've been waiting for this to happen since S01E01

[@slinky9512]

I owe Gourney his knowledge of colors and lights. Thanks Gourney! You're so great man.

[@Carla-pp4ru]

I just love what he says about emulating your favorite artists until you end up developing your own style. I've arleady been thinking that is such a great idea and it's what I want to do since obviously we're drawn to different artists that we like for a reason. Artists have always done master studies of other artists' work. But on the internet it feels like everyone is always screaming at you to never do that and it's like, wow, how can you not? I'm not saying post something influenced by someone else and take credit - we shouldn't take credit, and we don't have to even post the studies we paint. But it got to a point where I was paranoid about even copying other artists' work in my private sketchbook for practice. So now I just want to do that, and learn from that.

[@LevelH34D]

I can see myself returning to this episode a few hundred times! This is like my Avengers with my favourite heroes in one video!

[@victoriayuart]

Thank you for sharing the amazing Journey! I'm really enjoying the Draftsmen podcast! Been mostly listening and (occasionally glancing at the video) while I'm painting. But it's just really great to learn a different perspective and think outside the box! I'll be watching all your videos! Really great resource and learing material. And also very inspiring! Thank you again so much Marshal, Stan, and James!

[@ScotCampbellwindowpainter]

That was so wonderful. Great to hear about the past experiences you have been through. I am 65, a retired fulltime splash artist. I teach the art on KZbin and patreon all over the world and it's so gratify. At the same time I have the time to finally learn how to draw and spend an average of 2 to 3 hours a day sketching and studying the work of my favorite artists like all three of you. Thanks for the videos

[@AnneliLMendozaArt]

49:00 omgggg I just realized that album cover was Holy Diver!!! By Dio! I love how two of my favorite artists almost collided there 😂😂😂😂

[@Texicus_Reddicus]

holy crap ! what a classic album cover.

[@DeoCross16]

I adore this podcast, thank you!

[@fakerrain]

James Gurney is a modern master!

[@kathharper]

Love this! (Another "multidisciplinary learner" here so of course I do). Widening skills and knowledge this way throughout your life is really underrated!

[@kayr6422]

I have the copy of the book Dinotopia!!! When I saw the picture, I know that picture…And here I am listening to the author! I love my book, the colors and seeing all there is. I see something new every time I pick out a page to look at. It is so beautiful. Thank you for creating MY book.

[@crowpaper2882]

i cant imagine learning to draw without any instructional material. i would not have figured anything out. amazing

[@euo95]

The idea of making your own schedule and curriculum and making study books is GENIUS! I always felt like my art journey was so disjointed. I’m glad James was able to share that with the viewers ! 😊

[@APG2112]

Absolutely fantastic episode! So much knowledge between the three of these guys. Best part about it is we live in an age where they can share all their knowledge with the world in one click of a video. You’ve helped countless numbers of artists find the courage to create the art they want to or do something they never thought possible in themselves.Thank you so much Stan,Marshall and James 🙏🏻

[@veronicafensel926]

I absolutely love Dinotopia! Favorite guest so far.

[@INAVACL]

the thing about teachers/college/etc, is that some times that teacher ISN'T giving you the extra help you need / that they are supposed to give. at least this was often my experience with 80 % of the teachers I've had. the other 20 % are memories/experience I still remember

[@michaelbone5177]

As a self taught artist and an avid viewer of both y'all's channels this made me v excited

[@chadnicholasmachaya9599]

Best guest the podcast has had!! So informative!! And an absolute fountain of knowledge, much like Marshall ❤️ Bring on more of the old school guys! They are the best! Jeff Watts next fingers crossed 🤞

[@veronicafensel926]

I agree the old school guys have a way of talking about art that makes me want to listen for hours.

[@letsif]

I believe that being self taught through multiple sources, including a bit of art school, if only to learn what to reject, is the only way to foster creativity through individuality. In the end, making lots of art, leaving room for serendipity, leads to mastery.

[@sonseraedesigns]

This was an AWESOME podcast!!! My 3 favorite KZbin art instructors. James is always so interesting. Thank you!!

[@jayedwin98020]

I have watched probably most of your 'artist interviews', and this one, with James Gurney, is in the top two or three I've enjoyed the most! "Thank you" very much! Jim Dasher Spectrum Graphics Seattle metro

[@s0ne01]

My mind just exploded, to know and learn that so many influential and amazing artist were self taught has given me the motivation to, sketch, learn, observe and do everything that'll allow me to bring the ideas and concepts that grow and die in my brain onto paper, 🙏🏿 thank you

[@safe4547]

Sir James Gurney in Draftsmen podcast is something I shouldn't have been surprised hearing about, but I still did. I learned so much today about him and his art journey as self-educated artist, which to me is what I needed to hear since I am in the same path as what he took right now. Thanks for this podcast Stan and Marshall!

[@jspohl]

I think the best artists (even those that go to art school) are very self directed - and the best teachers drop gems of wisdom that speak to their students for a lifetime. Inspiration is everywhere. I remember Georgia O’Keefe saying that even after her training she had to teach herself a new language because there was no point in doing things other people were doing so well. Such an interesting and inspiring conversation! Thank you! ✨🖌️💖

[@virginiarinkel7544]

Thanks to all of you, and James, you bring new knowledge to all of us. Thank you so much.

[@ryanmartinson8405]

This was so amazing! I was just on a James Gurney KZbin kick so couldn’t believe my eyes that my fav podcast (you dudes!) had him on!! Excellent stuff... gonna go ‘do it’ now ✏️🖌

[@hArtyTruffle]

Thankyou so much gentlemen. Such an informative upload. ✨👍🏼✨

[@IraMishchuk]

The was a big pleasure to listen and watch these almost 2 hours of talk. It's definitely the best podcast episode from the whole interview series. I can listen to you, guys again and again.

[@ianfinquelstein9380]

Oh boy, what an episode. Laughed and learned all the way through. Thank you for making this.

[@rahulrajeev9]

Gurney, Proko, Marshall

[@madillstudio]

Exciting podcast! "Drawing from rich soil"...what a quote from James. Thank you guys!

[@marnierose7816]

Love you guys, brilliant...I'm 45 and only just getting into art...told as a kid I'm not a natural...I don't learn the conventional way but still making progress...thanks so much for the inspiration...and James myself, children and grandchildren love dinotopia...thank you

[@the_Googie]

This might be my favorite draftsmen episode yet. So inspiring.

[@MojoMachin3]

One of the best art related videos I have ever watched. Thank you Proko, Marshall and James for making this happen.

[@AnssiRauhala]

Thank you all! It was a long conversation, but not long-winded. Altogether, a joy to listen to!

[@Tonisfarm2024]

Loved LOVED LOOVVVED this❤ Thank you soooo much!

[@playalot86]

James Gurney has always been my favorite!

[@timothymarkonis3630]

Ha! It's fun, as a lifelong artist and former draftsman, hearing you three young 'uns talkin' 'bout rotary phones, 'n art, and drawing, 'n stuff as it all USED TO be practiced in dinosaur days. I mean back when we had to know how to use t-squares and slide rules, and ellipse templates, shading films, actual graphite pencils, 'n stuff. And just for the record here my mom was a Southern California telephone company switchboard operator in the mid-late 1940s, and again into the mid 1970s at St. Luke's Hospital in Pasadena, CA. Always fun listening to today's kids trying to understand stuff that was from the world as it existed before their time.

[@kastaylor01]

Best interview ever. James is a real treasure of knowledge, experience and creative learning through life and experimental curiosity.

[@elisebutler808]

Illustration Master Class!!! WOOOO!!!

[@Anavillafraz]

Thanks guys. I admire you three so much!!!!!

[@jennymay4720]

James is briliant and so helpful. His references are new to me..I learnt a lot from this 'interview'. so thankyou very much guys.

[@space.tel-e-grams]

This should have been called Gurney's Learney Journey

[@kimdakang]

This was a really great podcast. Wow, I learned so much and the mentions of resources (books, websites, etc) was incredible.

[@BelaCurcio]

what a gift this guy has for storytelling and explaining concepts

[@sonasome586]

one of the best podcasts you guys have done

[@neoVIVE]

Best intro ever! xD

[@ArtelisStudio]

This was such great fun 😊 More James Gurney please! There is so much to learn from him. Mr Gurney is such a knowledge powerhouse, just like Proko and Marshall. He’d make the perfect fit as Draftsmen’s 3rd member,

[@Delta66-jz1vl]

Thank you for this great interview. James is such a gentleman. I have his two instructional books and really like them. Both are inspirational and full of practical details and theory.

[@Vianswer]

Very much helpful. I’m self taught and I did not have curriculum from any art school teacher😂 . Also I did not see any live demo of any artist as we now can watch your post s in the internet. Thanks for your sharing.

[@WotanSkyFather]

James Gurney is a treasure.

[@spaceskipster4412]

"Landline James" you gotta love him... 🖌 🎨 💗 😊