Painting INSANE Detail in Two Hours: James Gurney Paints the County Fair in Gouache

Check out James Gurney's Gumroad tutorials at: gumroad.com/gu...
James Gurney uses watercolor and gouache to paint a detailed plein-air study of a cotton candy trailer at the Duchess County Fair. It's a wider palette of colors than usual:
1. Terra rosa (watercolor): amzn.to/2ZVJwfa
2. Pyrrol red (watercolor): amzn.to/34uD8Py
3. Yellow ochre (watercolor): amzn.to/2XYzvSB
4. Cadmium yellow light (watercolor): amzn.to/2PS2ZxM
5. Titanium white (gouache): amzn.to/2XSOld4
6. Ultramarine blue (gouache): amzn.to/2Uy40tA
7. Neutral tint (watercolor): amzn.to/2JVbVwb
8. Raw Umber (gouache): amzn.to/2TLgAVG
DESCRIPTION
In this tutorial demo, painter James Gurney visits the Dutchess County Fair, and he paints the colorful cotton candy trailer en plein air using a watercolor sketchbook. He shares some instructional tips to help with creating the illusion of detail in a relatively quick painting.
MATERIALS
Pentalic Aqua Journal sketchbook: amzn.to/2L989y2
Liner brush (synthetic): amzn.to/2zYOvS4
Rigger brush (squirrel/Risslon): amzn.to/2PU0vPx
Winsor & Newton Series 995 synthetic flat brush: amzn.to/31wvWjO
Cat's Tongue Brush, 1/2 inch: amzn.to/2RwV8D4
Travel brush: Connoisseur 9467: amzn.to/2DRdBVh
Richeson Travel brush set: amzn.to/2xwq1Rr
Water cup: amzn.to/2soTw2L
Water-soluble colored pencil: amzn.to/2J4QTJJ
Nupastel Color Sticks set: amzn.to/2YUJmnR
CarbOthello pastel pencil set: amzn.to/2YXIJdv
VIDEO TUTORIALS:
"Flower Painting in the Wild" (Gumroad) gumroad.com/l/...
"Gouache in the Wild" (Download on Gumroad): gumroad.com/l/...
“Watercolor in the Wild” (Download) gumroad.com/l/...
BLOG POSTS WITH MORE GEAR INFO:
Gouache Materials List: gurneyjourney.b...
Watercolor Materials: gurneyjourney.b...
CAMERA
Canon M6 mirrorless camera with Rode mic: amzn.to/2YVgbku
Canon PowerShot Elph (point-and-shoot): amzn.to/2Ji1Vid
Zoom H2N digital audio recorder: amzn.to/2XXAOfP
BOOKS:
Color and Light: A Guide for Realist Painters: amzn.to/2JhWtfc
Imaginative Realism: How to Paint What Doesn’t Exist: amzn.to/2LbVHhc
Dinotopia: A Land Apart from Time: amzn.to/2xyamRM
OTHER OFFICIAL SITES
Instagram: / jamesgurneyart
Pinterest: / gurneyjourney
Blog: gurneyjourney.b...
Website: jamesgurney.com...

[@pebblesthecat3625]

*Mr Gurney* Please consider writing and illustrating a book on gauche painting. There are only a handful of books on painting with this medium and non are of a standard that is easily understandable, written in a comprehensive & informative way, & is illustrated in a way that matches what you are reading, & that clearly puts the points across so you can easily understand them. I have your books on colour & painting what's not there and they both have what 99% of art books are missing - giving complex information in a way that's easily understandable without all the faff ! You make sense where before there was only confusion. Please, please, please, write the book that I (and everyone else who watches your channel) knows only you can write, & help us lesser mortals improve our skills & learning. Thanks.

[@JamesGurney]

Thanks for the vote of confidence. And for teaching me the word "faff."

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

JAMES .....PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE WRITE A BOOK ON GOUACHE ...I LITERALLY BEG YOU

[@johnswaim3919]

I third the nomination! You've no way around it now, Mr. Gurney. 💯 Cheers!

[@domhardycreative1635]

This would be on my pre order list no doubt!

[@carolepivarnik9316]

Definitely would buy and recommend to all my artist friends a JG book on gouache! But meanwhile, his Gouache in the Wild DVD is also excellent!

[@AllanGildea]

You're as consummate a filmmaker as you are a painter, James. Superb.

[@JamesGurney]

Thank you. I was experimenting with slo-mo to balance against the time lapse.

[@AidenCassaroArt]

Agreed! I love the videos

[@Adriano-do-Couto-Illustration]

James Gurney You also have a great voice for this kind of voice over. Always enjoyable to hear.

[@jalopy2222]

@@JamesGurney I really enjoyed the slow motion elements! Great video!

[@marisangiovanni]

Allan Gildea I agree! Great comment!

[@real3ater]

We are so unbelievably lucky that we have a living Master that is so patient and kind as well as being an amazing teacher! This level of instruction and demonstration is easily much more valuable than we realize. Bless you Mr. Gurney.

[@sakrai]

"Make sure straight lines are absolutely straight". I'm really trying, James :(

[@markyang1924]

Don't try, 'make sure'. jk I've been struggling really hard too, since I had to learn a total different medium than what I was used to (from design markers on paper to acrylic paint and brushes on canvas).Took some time to get the feeling, besides getting the right supplies. You'll get there :)

[@Reach3DPrinters]

@@markyang1924 Funny, but some truth in there too. @Sakrai If you want a straight line, slow down and craft the line. Build the edges, go over it and over and over molding the inaccuracies until you get it. Imagine if you had a month, to make a straight line... do you think you could do it? I find most people rush through, trying to get to the amazing end result... but if you rush, you'll never make it to that result. Consider DaVinci, he spent 30 years working on Mona Lisa, playing and working on his smoke technique, trying to get it right. Its more about the process than the results that define the artists work.

[@goodguybuy7961]

haha

[@marisangiovanni]

sakrai Hahahaha me too!

[@CaiMorgan420]

I felt that comment

[@quicktastic]

The ability to draw that text from left to right and have the size, spacing and centering come out right like that is amazing. Amazing right along with everything else in this painting. Very nice. Thank you for showing the process.

[@ik3912]

It is carefully created. The painter must be polite. I have a very good feeling.

[@Bartyron]

a haiku for reaction? never have seen that before. what a nice and beautiful way!

[@i.8357]

Best comment by far The man sure is hardworking Perfect as his art

[@ajsky1066]

You just spoke in Yoda style!

[@jyothidudupa240]

@@Bartyron I thought the same!😃

[@josephgomez2249]

I’m confused, I thought haikus were only based on 575 syllables, but this one was 878. Is it still considered a haiku?

[@johninnella9981]

Amazing to run into you at the fair, wish I could have caught you in the act of painting. I had my whole family and couldn't stop, or I could have spent the whole day watching. I said hi at one point, but didn't want to intrude.

[@JamesGurney]

Thanks for saying hi. Maybe I'll catch you again next time.

[@ghifariabi]

To think that all these lessons and demonstrations available to us for free. We're all very fortunate. Thank you, Mr Gurney..

[@antoniskyriakou327]

PEOPLE LIKE YOU GIVE JOY AND COLOR IN OUR LIFE.

[@wattscreates1977]

Your videos sing me to sleep, the background noise, your intellectual commentary, and the scraping sounds of your materials, create a blissful calm that is superb for drifting off. Extremely unique and pleasant! Keto up the good work!

[@diannadiatz1140]

It is a delight to watch you paint in "plein air" at the fair. Wonderful to see you enjoy the feedback from passersby as well as the "Sno Cones" enterprise. This country fair would make an excellent subject for a book of paintings.

[@metman3]

Fantastic, James! Loved the reaction of the folks you showed the painting to at the end! I recently retired and am getting back into painting, having worked many, many years ago in watercolor (mostly). I've been watching your videos, and you have really been an inspiration for me to pick up the brush again. I even picked up some gouache recently to try! Thank you!

[@marisangiovanni]

metman3 I love seeing the public reactions too

[@cuminoni9534]

A masterpiece with nice details...You still have a very steady hand to draw straight lines so straight...

[@pigeon445]

A nice calm morning with a warm cup of coffee, watching James Gurney paint, is the definition of a perfect morning for me

[@icelery_]

I love how everyone was like, "who's he talking to?"

[@thegoblinmovie9793]

Everybody goes to a carnival to have fun, ride rides, eat corndogs..an Artist goes to observe them all on the outside and labor intensely over the color and mood of the whole thing.

[@asaltyem0826]

I’m a baby with gouache painting and these painting videos really inspire me. It’s so beautiful and it makes me want to paint more

[@halibut1249]

A splendid painting!! In only two hrs--all that detail. Appreciate you sharing what you're doing and why. It's so much more helpful than watching a demo without explanation.

[@marisangiovanni]

Halibut 1 Great comment! Always trying to figure out what viewers like best so I can learn for improving my channel.

[@aartadventure]

It's magic to watch James paint, and a delight to listen to his commentary full of useful tips and tricks!

[@sadface]

It's amazing how art connects people and puts a smile on their face.

[@oregonmadden8693]

You always choose a very basic portrait but always yields such a dramatic result!

[@ArchieBoldster]

Dang!!! I have been watching your channel for a few weeks now and could not tell where I had seen your style before. Now the advert in the left top corner of this video hit me like a hammer, I have had your book about colour and light for years! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@RichardM-kv4uu]

Brilliant, painting, and wonderful video, very entertaining - you should be on TV!

[@JoanKentBible]

Beautiful rendition of a very busy and vibrant scene. Thank you for giving me the thought that I might even give it a try. I love the idea of capturning a place and human activity in a particular moment in time.

[@z7412]

Loved the little paper scroll practical effect, James.

[@desleykakoulidisgallaway3382]

James Gurney, I am riveted to your extraordinary eye for detail and colour and scale and everything else....I love how you share it with others and it gives them so much joy....it is amazing!

[@nazekpurplesyou9739]

I am really looking up to you. When I finish university I want to travel the world and be able to capture what I see on my own, by drawing it. What you are doing is truly amazing. I'll enjoy your videos while trying to get as much knowledge as I can from them and then try to use the knowledge on the paper. I am determined to achieve my goal and become a fellow artist. Thank you for inspiring me 💕

[@cinimod621]

Thank you Mr. Gurney.

[@natew5544]

legend! if i saw James painting in person, i would ask if he would mind signing my hat in guache

[@Adriano-do-Couto-Illustration]

Nate W Better in caseine, though.

[@maryk1668]

All that chosen detail ( just the right amount of course🙄) on that small piece of paper! Crazy amazing! Thanks so much for sharing

[@glenkersul8536]

Another masterpiece. Bravo!!!!!! The Master does it again.

[@nettacanfi5475]

Thank you for explaning the WHY gouache dries in a different value. It does help! Love your paintings and your storytelling 😀

[@djwhitepeople]

i loved that you ended the video with you showing it to people! it's fun watching people be as amazed as I am by your work

[@endeen9274]

Thank you soo much for sharing such informative videos. Love the huge smiles of people loving your work and becoming part of it.

[@chrisbeacham7882]

Thanks for showing us the entire process including the detailed areas - even sped up. I have watched a lot of your videos and sometimes it jumps ahead and a ton of detail gets added. I'm trying to get my own paintings to be more detailed so it was nice in this one to get to see all the details

[@stacylewis4894]

I love painting dinosaurs and came to enjoy your work that way, but I also grew up in Woodstock NY and the high point of our year was going to the Duchess Co. fair. I love when you post from there, such nostalgia!

[@paulbaldwin6803]

James, You have a great connection with people. Thanks!

[@dianeo]

That cotton candy trailer has it all... cotton candy, fresh squeezed lemonade, sno cones, popcorn, caramel apples.... they can park at my house any time LOL. Awesome painting with incredible detail. I'll never know how you can paint with all those distractions around you.

[@DORIS4LT]

So thrilled to see the step by step demonstration of the whole painting process and your thoughts along the way. The sped up time lapse is super helpful! Your ability to command colors blows my mind. :-) Please do more of these longer, more detailed videos.

[@kirani111]

James I'm not one to be starstruck, not for movie stars not for celebrities, but if I ever came across you mid-plein air I would fangirl. This is fantastic, thank you!

[@JamesGurney]

If you see me painting somewhere, definitely say Hi. A few people did when I was working. It was nice to meet some folks from KZbinWorld.

[@babluebird]

you never cease to amaze me!

[@Omega30t2RG]

It's just a joy to watch creative and talented people at work,great video!

[@WatDoino]

Incredible as always! It’s just that moment between the 1st dabs of colours and the build up to half way point. It’s so difficult to know what detail to take in first. In these moments, persistence is key and you just have to power through it without despair and trust your instincts. So thankful to get this insight into your mind!

[@JamesGurney]

You're right. Every painting goes through an ugly phase, and it takes faith in the process to stay with it.

[@beccag3871]

@@JamesGurney So true. It used to really bother me if someone looked at my painting during the ugly phase. That was when I wasn't always sure I could pull it out of that phase 😂. Plein air painting helped a lot. I used to feel like I was giving birth to the painting. I paint in oils.

[@vampazilla2622]

I LOVE your storytelling on the mechanics of painting with gouache and watercolor. You make it so scientifically fascinating. As always, beautiful piece of art. Always a joy watching your videos.

[@Fred-ov5vb]

Watching James Gurney paint in the wild with a narration of his process is even more of a treat than a caramel apple! Thank you for another delectable video James!

[@josephlowry4320]

The Sno Kones stand portrait looks brilliant dude, well done James.

[@dougg1075]

You have this kinda throw it down way of painting and it comes out perfect. I get so nervous about every application. You are a master sir. Wonderful

[@jellyartist]

Great video, James. I always think that your illustrator’s eye/ knowledge adds a dimension to your work in both approach and subject, that a lot of plein air painters seem to miss. You obviously have a great knowledge of great painters/ methods, and illustration techniques etc. - and use that to great effect. I always learn something from your unique videos - Thanks for sharing.

[@brads4625]

You do in two hours from life what takes me weeks from a photo. Amazing, keep up the great work!

[@DonVigaDeFierro]

Oh, man. Thanks for doing these videos. I have learned so much from them.. I struggle with detail. I tend to add way too much detail, and when it doesn't look as I want, I throw it away. But your paintings and videos really inspire me, and make me think that maybe I can do it.

[@Halo2glitchlover22]

Your paintings are amazing.

[@jasneskis]

I need to learn to paint fair scene. Last year my fair scenes were disastrous. I’m glad you’re showing me how to do that a bit.

[@TheEshy]

Im astonished at how easily and quickly you're able to mix comparable colors on the fly.

[@user-mv5tm8eu5z]

the Bob Ross of gouache and water colour, thank you for a great tutorial and another beautiful video ❣

[@PleinAirAdventureswithTezDower]

Great job Mate love it 🎨

[@ericpasquelot5451]

Wow... This is pure bravery!

[@boopydoop491]

Thanks so much for that tip about the underpainting having to be thin! Whenever I had a thick underpainting, I'd have to paint layer after layer over it for the actual subject to settle flatly. Glad I don't have to deal with that anymore :)

[@jinyoungpark2341]

A master of color and value. Two thumbs up!

[@alisonhendry2928]

Every video I sit in wonder as dabs and blobs turn into amazing! Of course I realize it is time and practice, but also that incredible talent and imagination you have. I really enjoyed this longer video as two minutes of James Gurney is never enough, I enjoy your commentary and instructions as you work and the visuals you show us. Many thanks. Big fan here. Ok, groupie!!!!! I admit.

[@grandiose_3392]

Fantastic painting! James Gurney rules!

[@DyordsNavatrutu]

this was an absolute joy to watch

[@animutung]

I love the production quality of James's video . I'm glad your video went viral

[@buri1873]

Ah James, you bring back so many memories to me. I have been living in duchess county for a couple of years, and you keep painting places which are familiar to me. Think that I bought a car at the volkswagen reseller in Kingston nearby Hannaford you painted in a previous video. To look through your eyes and brushes it's almost like to look at all those places again in real life :)

[@JamesGurney]

That's amazing to me that you recognized the spot.

[@buri1873]

James Gurney ah! Visual memory :) I have a really good one. But again thanks! If I’ll be back there one day I hope to stumble on you, I’ll surely stop to say hi :)

[@CharleyWang]

I have just completed a military-themed trip. I saw the tractor actually drove to the sea to help the boat. Also painted a watercolor. Look at your video again, your channel theme is great, we work hard together.

[@Guez_art]

That's incredible James!

[@jeffhreid]

Fabulous details. Really impressive to do that in a couple of hours

[@StefanoMaglovsky]

Beautiful painting and reactions on the ending! So cool!

[@Daddelmacka95]

I can never finish your videos in one sitting, I get up halfway because I get so excited to paint

[@franciskahoward1177]

Your sign writing skills are amazing as well as your paintings

[@Alexcutspie]

This is such a nice wholesome art channel. Beautiful work.

[@SacredHeartTarot]

Have been bitten by the gouache bug lately, and so I am enjoying all of your videos immensely. Bonus that they are all of scenes that I recognize, being a Hudson Valley native. ❤️

[@domhardycreative1635]

I got into painting with gouache because of you, it was the versatility of it that attracted me to the medium and I have gained so much from your work. Just purchased your book on colour and light and downloaded your "gouache in the wild vid" Thank you for sharing :)

[@sophiyasweet]

i really enjoy all the effort you put into explaining what you are doing! thank you!

[@Sandrinesgallery]

You never cease to amaze me. Thank you for sharing your mad skills.

[@nibbler1991st]

Your videos are so wholesome Mr. Gurney, I really enjoy how you can make the most mundane places look full of life and beautiful. Thank you for your work !

[@mitchcornacchia968]

Love your work just beautiful and your videos what peacefulness, thanks James you're a master!!!!

[@Babs9285]

I am from Coxsackie, NY you’re not far from us!!! Love your work. We attend this fair from time to time! Fun stuff!!

[@cynthiasanfilippo5537]

Love all your paintings,so realistic!

[@stephaniedescoteaux4759]

I so appreciate the whole process that I slow down the video significantly!

[@samwallaceart288]

Such a great description of why gouache changes value over time. It never really struck me how much that matte finish plays into it.

[@elisabethseeger5837]

AWESOME! So fun to go paint like that. Thank you - makes me want to get busy!!

[@cirimaxg651]

What talent ! We learn a lot by seeing you .... Thank you !

[@mavisseah2547]

I like the rolling scrollings for the material list and the instructions 😊 neat.

[@tonyjames327]

Unreal detail for just 2 hours. You’re pretty good mate.

[@Sachaannstarart]

Absolutely amazing! You have made me appreciate the world around me to paint/draw. Thank you!

[@gorazdvahen492]

The master strikes again. Thank you for constantly inspiring me, Mr. Gurney!

[@molossergirl2]

The Master at his finest!

[@Jack-qd3xo]

I get inspired all over again each time I watch one of your videos! I really love all your county fair ones, I can't wait to give this a try on my next adventure!

[@oswros]

Great video! love the scene and the art captured the place perfectly! I wish I was there!. Greetings from Venezuela.

[@samia5504]

when he zoomed in at the end. i felt that.

[@RED9INE]

You are a great artist. Very inspired to go out and paint!

[@ColletteisaBear]

What an amazing end screen!

[@cohbro96]

James, back at it again with the yellow ochre!

[@slewp]

Truly love these videos. Thank you for sharing

[@SergioBello95]

Love your channel. Your videos, tutorials and advices help young artists in process of learning like me. Thank you. Keep it up. Greetings from Colombia.

[@alithomaga]

Gooooooood job, James. You are amazing.

[@nuummuun]

Another Gurney's masterpiece. Thank you, Master.

[@janmaly7598]

I'm watching you about one year here. Thanks to your TIPS,tricks And so on. Your Fun from czech republic(veeery little country in the Middle of Europe.)

[@danthomas6587]

James you did a beautiful job. I don't even know where to start with such a busy scene. And trying to organize my thoughts looks like it'd be really difficult.

[@TitchLDN]

well done james