Mel McCuddin - Figurative Expressionist

A seven minute look at how Mel McCuddin creates his unique paintings with a series of oil painting techniques where Mel "finds the image" within the abstract expressionist "underpainting" that he makes first. This process creates a spontaneity that leads to some very interesting results.

[@Sommatix]

This is one of my favorite videos on KZbin.

[@honeyspoonbeewrangler4550]

I totally align with his way of using the underpainting to show him where to go. I too love to see pictures in the clouds.

[@dragonskinavi]

The Internet needs more Mel McCuddin videos!!!!

[@RamadanFes-yn9gy]

😊❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@painterchick34]

I love this guy. He's real, he's human and his paintings have a beautiful strangeness.

[@beccogiallo]

I think I'm a little obsessed. I've watched this several times this past year or so, and love it every time.

[@markfleming1202]

This is probably the most inspiring video on painting that I've seen on youtube. I'm going to try your method. Thanks for sharing.

[@beverlygoding6048]

I LOVE Mel's stuff. He is a genius as far as I'm concerned. LOVE IT.

[@maryamvossoughi9341]

You are an amazing artist ! Thank you for opening my eyes.

[@dragonskinavi]

I keep coming back to this video when I need a jolt of inspiration to paint. Mel is such an amiable, inspiring and wonderful artist/person. And his paintings are haunting, mysterious and darkly comical. Can totally relate to his approach to creating art, and making out shapes in his under-painting. Thanks for existing Mel!

[@demenshea]

Dood...incredible!!! LOVE your spontaneous visions and your dedication to allowing us to see through your world. BRAVO!!

[@bloomsums]

Now here's a painter working true blue works of art, my kind of process too. Thank you.

[@AndyMorrisArt]

I watch this video over and over. I love your work Mel!

[@kynragerplayzgames3966]

Abstract Painting Techniques with Andy Morris that's exactly what I do!!

[@stephenstokesberry3767]

The humble genius. I cannot thank you enough...

[@christinescurr1111]

Thank you! Thank you for being YOU. I love your finished works, but I love what you do to arrive there the most.

[@wisewordings]

Mel strikes me as having no pretense, but at the same time he respects his work and his process. I'm inspired to try this method, and I appreciate his willingness to share his method with us.

[@beccogiallo]

The work and method are fantastic and interesting and you also get the feeling that you would like to know this artist - he smiles a lot.

[@jimicwhite]

I've been periodically watching this clip for inspiration for atleast ten years haha

[@sadivilorya7971]

Wow, what an amazing artist. Love his paintings. And I love how he doesn't start with an idea, he just looks into the abstract background and sees something.

[@barbydoc1]

contrary to popular belief you are an expressive,unique,lighthearted and wonderful painter. I love your work I am an old artist and I give you a 5 star.

[@sobanosilva8585]

This is the FIRST artist in 75 years of my life that I feel connected to in terms of thought processes. I definitely get his thought process.

[@foggydrifty]

Great approach to painting and keeping your imagination active. Nice color and a kickass attitude. Cheers!

[@carolyndaniele7871]

I feel like I’ve found home!

[@LindsK23]

His work is incredible. Such a clever technique. What a lovely guy too!

[@Vladtepes1111]

This is how I paint. The art is there, you just waiting for it to emerge. But this gentleman is fantastically talented and unapologetic. Love it!

[@jackiepneal223]

Wow! My friend sent me this video and what a great surprise! I loved Mel's interview- such a down to earth,creative soul! no issues with this guy- just great artwork!! Thanks so much for sharing this!

[@giacomogarretto2804]

such a good video!! so cool to see his process

[@laureenlauney7692]

I paint this way too, its called simulacra, mostly the images are divine, i love it too. I really love your works of art too. I use, after the underpainting, indian ink in various ways, on the canvas, sometimes straight from the bottle, other times I dilute and soak cloth in it and then place it on the canvas, then let it dry and then spend days looking for the image to speak to me, and i stay true to what i find in on the canvas. This makes me feel like an authentic artist, a creator if I may, and layering feels like its (the image) coming to life, its own life, I'm just the maker...

[@dbr1310]

I believe you meant to say India ink.

[@paulramsey2922]

Some of my best works are a result of what I first thought was a mistake. But if you trust yourself, you can transform a thought or notion into something very different and appealing by seeing something in the nuances of form and shape, often formed by our experiences. Everything is an experiment.

[@ton321]

This is art the way I perceive it as well, spontaneous and directed by the painting and what comes from the images.

[@rolandanielsjamie]

I m new to painting and no formal training so this is where I am learning. This makes so much sense to me.

[@DanifPradana]

This man reminds me of my grandfather. LOL. And i love the fact that his view towards painting are extremely simple. His method, approach, i mean everything. What a humble person. I'm definitely gonna do some painting tonight. Haha.

[@Lifes1BeautifulRide]

I loooooove this video. The style and process of his work is very inspiring imaginative and free. Just amazing.

[@vincentfoley7464]

ive been looking through my computer all week at painting videos and your work is the most inspiring ive come across,i jumped outa my seat a few times i can tell ya,so exciting

[@ScottHaley12]

My technique regarding many figures is exactly the same as yours. Ha! I knew I wasn't crazy. :) It's amazing how those figures materialize. Your art is excellent, truly expressive. Keep on truckin', Bud, and thanks for this clip.

[@jennyhughes4474]

What amazing brilliant and INTERESTING and FUN paintings and he comes over as lovely man! I sometimes work like this (I see faces in loads of paint splodges/marks) but have never made anything as wonderful as his paintings, his talent is extraordinary. And yes: how to know when to STOP, not over-do it = that takes years of learning/experience plus a good memory to REMEMBER it - which I haven't got because of my brain injury: learn, forget, learn, forget, relearn...

[@lesliesansonewilliams5993]

I love this interview, especially the comments at the end re the forensic psychologist. So funny. Love Mel's work. Amazing storytelling.

[@rondatreebelly3903]

I'm madly in love with his work and his smile and his sweet spirit. And especially his work! I'm in Oregon, so a trip to Idaho is definitely in order!

[@brucemilletto2909]

One of the few KZbin videos that teach and show depth in both painting and life - weeding through the "gimmick artists" tough here but Mel is the real deal - Bravo

[@joywong23]

Thanks for his kindness inside out, valuable creation making abstract understandable to reach every viewers!!

[@marygwin9951]

I loved watching this video of Mel McCuddin...interesting how he looks for the subjects within his work...I might have to give this a try; really liked this alot.

[@pfoster89]

This is the FIRST time I've seen someone use the same method I use. I do the same thing from picking the figures out of an abstract background to flipping them upside down. Good to know I'm not crazy.

[@jayeverett4168]

Who said you're not crazy, and why is it good to know you're not

[@hermenia5192]

Im in love. 😭 Ive always seen things within things, but its the first time ive seen an artist use this approach to creating. I love it so much, the paintings speak volumes within their simplicity. Thankyou for inspiring me and others and showing the world that your way may not be everyone elses, but thats okay!! ❤👏

[@rafaelsoriajr]

i love his approach. kinda crazy spontaneous fun real expressive dark alive. just beautiful. i want one

[@Jacklette]

hi Mel, I love your paintings and watch them over and over again. I wish there would be some new ones. May I hope?

[@klgranger21]

I love this guy and his art!!!!

[@kcurby]

This dude is an animal. Love his spirit

[@ldeder1]

I studied a few years with a well known teacher and she always encouraged me to use the process and techniques you so generously shared, when I find my inspiration, I just take off and the end is sometimes very surprising, sometimes I aso fail, but keep going. Haven't painted in many months but you have truly inspired me, and tomorrow I will paint!

[@jonleenunn4610]

Mel, your paintings startle me, fascinate me. Truly your own. Love how you work. Hope to see them sometime. My studio is in Edmonds,not so far.

[@robdee9341]

Thank goodness I found this artist. I have been trying different styles for a while but this was a wake up moment. It's in my head but I couldn't find a way to get it onto the canvas. I can't wait to give it a try. Thank you so much.

[@johnkitching6293]

I have to watch this film at least twice a week! I love Mel’s work and the fantastic paintings he creates as I like to paint whacky kind of crazy paintings ! Thank you for sharing with us!

[@applepiewithdad]

love his style of painting

[@missl1109]

I do this too! I am just about to finish a degree in Fine Arts and my teachers hate us doing this. In fact, they pretty much don't allow it. But I LOVE working this way. I love to meet my mystery characters. I think this art is completely relevant. Why can't it be? I can't wait to graduate from university art school...so I can make what I like. Ridiculous! But true!

[@satoshibitcoinsaki6532]

Miss L it has been 6 years since you posted this comment. How are things going? I assume that you finished art school. Have you been able to make a living in the art world?? So many things have happened in the last six years.

[@bonifaciomagdiwang1697]

My answer fot that, is a Mystery

[@satoshibitcoinsaki6532]

Love your work sir!!!

[@kathrynlaroucheimler8311]

Absolutely love your method. I'm going to give it a try and see if I'm "crazy" too. I can't wait to try it. Great video

[@deadlypendroppingby]

Yeah, I like his style! :) Could watch him painting all day

[@yanaray9495]

1 minute in and I love you already. I too look for the images the come forth. Your paintings are beautiful and truly evoke an emotion.

[@beberbank8894]

colours gorgeous -love his work

[@LouDufranef]

I forgot to add, the paintings are genius!

[@JennySimonArt]

"Sometimes it seems like a waste of time but it never is". Love this. Such organic and courageous approach and flow. Thanks for sharing!

[@corinneyates7922]

Scrummy paintings. Great figures and creatures. Just a super process which I will try. Thanks. 😀

[@RubyRudi]

You are truly amazing. I have lost count on how many times I’ve watched this video. I would love to come to your studio and spend hours watching you paint.

[@ShawNshawN]

Thanks for sharing Mel's style. I like the figurative painting style. Very interesting how he works to not overwork the painting. I think a lot of painters face this issue.

[@claudiaalexander5656]

Great guy,love your work!Thanks!

[@CoxJoxSox]

I love figurative expressionism - I like it

[@OrangeJackson]

A brave soul to go at a canvas in that way!

[@dailyartfix8862]

This is awesome!

[@neilmcbrideart]

What a great guy. So modest, so brilliant. I am saving up for one of his paintings.

[@Cre8iveSignWorks]

fabulous technique fantastic paintings....very bold style! a very humble and down to earth explanation of his process. hes doing alright for 77 too....good luck to him

[@jnixa1010]

The ultimate result isn't my favorite, but the process is absolutely killer! I like how he arrives at his decisions, and I might try to incorporate some of these ideas into my work.

[@nicolabishop996]

I love your paintings. They're unusual, dynamic and full of interest. Great use of colour, too

[@sek3ymisek3ymi]

Wow ! Mel , I wish I could paint in the studio near yours . Fantastic work !

[@phillhosking]

what a brave and confident painter, very inspiring.. Keep up the amazing work..

[@jvs333]

This guys work is brilliant.

[@lukejackson4964]

So glad to see someone that paints the way I do. Been feeling a little insecure as to my method so it's nice to see that I'm not alone in this approach. Nice. I love the paintings.

[@carmarome65]

Love,Love,Love YOUR ART!

[@Merzui-kg8ds]

First time I have landed on this guy's painting/process. I totally dig him. Lately I have had more success painting with the "find the image after laying down paint" process than with the attempt to draw or sketch or map out a precise image and then paint it.

[@lukeemmanuel4576]

I'm blown away and I relate

[@2countrylove]

What a lovely person you are. I love your work, I'm exploring working in the same way ie finding the image from the underpainting. Post more videos !!

[@contrabassoon]

His reminds me of Rufino Tamayo's work. Truly inspiring!

[@perlagaffney4776]

2010!! This is fantastic! Just in time ☺️

[@MrRemorseless]

A brilliant colourist! Great relationship with gesture and the materials he uses.

[@LynnePriceStudio]

I love your work and I am so glad I found your video. That's something else about the forensic psychologist. It goes to show how people who are left-brained cannot even begin to understand art.

[@MMinKS35]

The colors! The creative process! This is wonderful. Very inspiring.

[@lucyjones3493]

Mel, I absolutely love your work and wish you would give lessons...?...I enjoy your smiling face and wonderful personality and the paintings are just terrific! I love the freedom and the joy of the paintings. You express so much depth and feeling!! Thank you.

[@dorothysfriend]

I have just discovered this work, as an artist myself it's something to aspire to. I love it, especially the animals.

[@user-to3bi5gu6k]

Your paintings are quite inspiring. I am 66 and just started painting not too long ago. This has made me want to try something else. I feel a need to find my niche. You are AMAZING!

[@iacidboon]

Mel, I want to thank you for your work! You were 13 when I was born and I’m painting now though I started late - and the light you get in your work inspires me! I love faces and yours are superb in their economic sensitivity! I mean you say so much with so little. Again thank you from me in Wales, UK!

[@robdee9341]

Yes thank you again. Also from Wales..

[@joeyaerosmith]

At first I didn't like the paintings he made but then when I got to hear about his process on them I actually started to enjoy his style. Sometimes art just takes time :)

[@1deplatt]

These are great paintings. Love them

[@margithansen7058]

What a wonderful man, and a great painter 🌻

[@20bstone]

Excellent look at an artist's process. Gave me some ideas! Thank you for posting.

[@TLCcomic]

i think it is your process... Whenever I look for things in the paint it cones out very strange... Think that is pure creation ... Right brain takes over it is hard for those in their left brain to understand why we would paint that! :).

[@LucyMorningstarArt]

Love!

[@julietugwell3718]

I Love this technique . His work is really really fresh !!!!!

[@pjlewisful]

WONDERFUL STUFF, MAN!

[@lefthandstory1280]

Wow..beautiful friend love it👍😊😃❤️ ❤️👍👍👍...

[@ralphchristianson]

Great video, he is a wonderful artist who finds some great people and animals in the paint. There is so many different folks in his images, a fine inspiration for others to play with paint.

[@kilyenbalazs6398]

He is crazy for sure....i love it..this is how we all are :D You do the greatest thing in the world...enjoy what you do.

[@nekojita5150]

Wonderful! Quite inspiring

[@wendytaylor1486]

Mel,I am new to your work but loved your style instantly.I work as an Artist too so appreciate all that you put into a piece of work,I look forward to more of your videos.

[@shirleykamala1797]

thanks!...I love your lovely art..but more importantly your kindness,and your transparent soul.

[@LouDufranef]

Love it! thanks for sharing your process. Being an artist in itself is to express freely, so I found your comments about what others have said in the past interesting.

[@Irinoux]

WAW!! I love his work!