Painting Realistic Dinosaurs: 10 Top Tips

[@tamasmihaly1]

His blood is 50% gauche and 50% Casein. A disciplined, talented and deeply consistent artist. It's as though light follows his direction.

[@_inflection3209]

This made me giggle 🤣

[@zGerwinsaika]

@@_inflection3209 kh

[@andrewcheng2852]

His bones are made of oil paint😂

[@LoveBystroem]

That’s beautiful…

[@erkannurdun7074]

This channel is VERY underrated

[@armandoguajardo4789]

Indeed

[@eileenjohnston6835]

Absolutely, Gurney's book are well wort the price and time to read. I recommend them.

[@Welther47]

No it's not. It's very highly rated.

[@brotherfullmer]

I just made that same comment to my wife. He should have SO many more views. This is the best instruction on illustration anywhere.

[@gabrielerosa665]

It's not a channel for everybody, you need good skill to follow the learning process and may be, somebody feels not at this level to continue watching....there's a lot of "more easy" chnnels to "instant improve learnings"....

[@RocketWorm]

Honestly, it's almost as if Dinosaurs are still alive and you're just documenting them. Love your work.

[@professorpine7374]

You’re forgetting something...

[@Vergilsolosyourfavouriteverse]

It's so real I feel the dinosaur coming inside of me

[@raptorskill134]

@@professorpine7374ya mean birds?

[@redbeard365]

I searched for 'How to Paint a landscape in acrylic' and this is what popped up. A Master Class on recreating the entire Jurassic period with glue guns, moving boxes, wire and paint. Stunning. Wonderful. Thank you!

[@disegnintasca]

Considering the time it takes to prepare a single illustration, the fact that you find the time and energy to make these video is incredible. Thank you so much for going the extra mile every time and to share with us your knowledge.

[@Gabriel-y2o]

Just illustrating, painting, hand crafting, and sculpting, that's all. Just another day for a legend.

[@coyoteclockworkstudios3140]

You've been my idol since I was in grade school. I remember my dad took me to a print shop, and there was Dinosaur Parade and Treetop Village. He bought me one of your Dinosaur Parade prints, and it hung on my bedroom wall until I moved out. It's still with me. I've wanted to be you ever since. You showed me how amazing fantasy art could really be.

[@Art_Vandelay_Industries]

Even the preliminary sketches and models look like works of art. And the process of creating something like these paintings looks so satisfying. Also: the original Dinotopia is still my most prized posession when it comes to books, ever since I've been a kid. My father used to read me from it every night. When I read it myself when I was older, I found out that he added a lot of little details while reading it, that are not mentioned in the book. This is what is so wonderful about it, it really stimulates the imagination and lets you get lost in the world.

[@dianeo]

Fascinating and painstaking process. That trick with the cardboard strip pulling the colors down to create 'reflections' is pretty brilliant.

[@ptaylor4923]

Yeah... I enjoyed learning that technique, too.

[@agluebottle]

Thanks for the behind the scenes look, Mr. Gurney. Like so many people, I grew up with your artwork both in magazines and the Dinotopia books.

[@AllanGildea]

Wow, James - your casual maquette was outstanding! Your skills are off the charts.

[@nuummuun]

Master at work. James Gurney is a treasure.

[@randalllaue4042]

Cannot believe he is not more popular!!! WONDERFUL!

[@Johnmccoyart]

The whole time I know how contrived this process is, despite its outward graceful and natural appearance. What affixes an artist to this process and slowly in his mind makes it second nature is the love for doing it. That love is inspiring!

[@StudioHannah]

Aww, I remember getting Ranger Rick newsletters when I was in elementary school. RR has been around for a LONG time! I would have loved a dinosaur issue with your artwork

[@JamesGurney]

The folks that work at Ranger Rick are very impressive and great to work with. They make a big effort to get the science right, but also make it come alive for kids.

[@petergamble6318]

Outstanding. Mixing media gives the artist exponential possibilities. Walk softly and carry a big pencil James!

[@11serendipity11]

Hello Mr. Gurney, I ordered your book Color and Light and I must say it's the best art related book which I have. It took a month for it to arrive but it was absolutely worth the wait! I am so grateful for this book, it's been an immense help for me, it's full of great tips, I learn something new with every page. Your illustrations are incredible. If I was only half as good as you someday. :) Thank you so much for the opportunity to learn from you and for the inspiration which your videos and books offer.

[@JamesGurney]

Wonderful! Thanks for the kind words.

[@egas8701]

I second this! I bought Gurney’s book as well a month ago, and everything you said is true!

[@ptaylor4923]

I have Color and Light, too. It's a great book.

[@mauriciomardones7330]

This must be the most specific but oddly satisfying art tutorial ever.

[@tessa6307]

Your creativity blows me away. I love all your videos, but I’m just so tickled to see some of your “imaginative realism” in action.

[@jerryjacobsunny5574]

The realism in his paintings is so incredible

[@SDW90808]

I love how Mr. Gurney takes things to the next level by creating the maquettes to get a three dimensional view of his subject. It's like when a magician reveals a trick or when you learn how to solve a puzzle. Obvious when you see how it's done. Much thanks for sharing your knowledge and talent, as well as for the entertainment.

[@rskrakau8137]

It's unbelievable that we get this for free... Thank you Mr. Gurney

[@L_Martin]

He is so exacting and meticulous in his process. Very cool to see! I loved the paintings, 15:48 most of all

[@josephomally4244]

It's an honor to watch a master at work and get a glimpse of his process!

[@Gotblade]

The first thing I tried to draw as a kid just because it amazed me that the illustrations in the encyclopedia looked so photographic. I didn't know at the time they used models like you are doing of clay over scale skeletons to provide critical information on light and shadow. I was surprised that I could draw them fairly well. That was the first time I didn't feel like a kid with learning disabilities. For some reason I always liked the triceratops best. Your paintings are gorgeous! ❤❤❤

[@gabbievee]

i have to have added at least 100 views to this video by myself. it’s just so fascinating to see your process: all of the effort that goes into just one painting, and all of the techniques that you’ve mastered over the years. it’s a wonderful video. i really like it.

[@rfresa]

Wow, I'm learning so much! I never would have thought of using oil paint OVER acrylics.

[@fornamnefternamn1532]

Wow, you have a youtube channel! The Swedish translation of Dinotopia is broken by the constant reading of the child me but I still have it, and it's amazing to see that you have evolved with the scientific understanding of dinosaurs. It also makes me wanna create and paint dinosaurs!

[@gracieosornio9291]

Every bit of the process is an amazing art piece!!! I felt like I traveled millions of years back because you really can see them thru these models! And yes, pet birds and chickens are great models to use for inspirational pieces, just don't run out of seeds or treats! Thank you sir!

[@Artisticcreationsbylisa]

I’m so so very excited that I found you on KZbin! I’ve been a huge fan of your artwork ever since I was little. I used to spend hours staring at the illustrations you created in my favorite illustrated childrens books wondering how you created them. Thank you so much for sharing your process behind your work! You inspired me to be an artist!

[@yoavhalperin5852]

I was amazed at these little dinosaur sculptures! Great video

[@ravengreen6926]

Your creativity and ingenuity always amazes me. Most often when I paint I feel as though I’m stuck in a box and not quite sure how to get out of it. I hold myself to imaginary rules sometimes and your videos help me to see that there are many ways to get to where you are going! You said once in your videos that “everything yields to effort” and it has become a comforting reminder when I’m irrationally overwhelmed.

[@melo-u9o]

I just found your channel because of another KZbinr and I'm mind blown by your painting 🎨 💕

[@CeciliaSilva-bk4zx]

About a month ago I bought his "Color and Light" book and I can't recommend it enough. I'm about to read it the second time already. Looking forward to buying another one of his books in the future. Lots of useful information for artists.

[@lolaritter7518]

Agree, it’s such an amazing book

[@willmfrank]

"Imaginative Realism" is a Must-Have. Among other subjects, he explores the use of miniatures and maquettes in greater detail than can be covered in a video.

[@silasmcgarrah4796]

Such amazing work. It was people like you that made my childhood worthwhile

[@amyhunnisett9173]

My hat off to you sir. Truly magnificent tutorial video. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this!

[@kelsieroach8896]

Im literally speechless,you put so much work into your paintings…creating the models and everything. 👌

[@broderp]

One critique of most artist who make baby dinosaurs and eggs is the scale. Ever see a bird, chicken, snake or reptile hatch. They are tightly packed in the shell. Most artist make the shells so large the baby would have enough room for a big screen TV and recliner. Lol. I loved this video. Awesome work.

[@shannon68245]

Watching you construct maquettes is so helpful! I love drawing dinosaurs but get burnt out trying to draw their unique bodies from my mind's eye.

[@thesleepyginger1856]

What a convenient time to post this video! I'm currently in a prehistoric life class and was just thinking of focusing my art on prehistoric life when I walked out of class and you posted.

[@johncollado1151]

Hi James.... you amaze me and show something that a lot of artists probably don't do.... go the extra mile to achieve the perfect painting. Some of us, including myself do not put in the 100 percent that it takes to get that one painting done. I guess that's part of what I neglected to learn in my early years. But watching you makes me want to do that now. Thanks again for a very inspirational video.

[@stormeffex]

James, you've out done yourself with this video! Love the maquettes and your approach. You make it look effortless but we can all see the amount of work put into each piece.

[@TheColdCreature]

Pure talent! I never would've thought about making a 3D model first when I'm struggling! That's all I want to do now!!!

[@athos9293]

He wasn't born with all this knowledge. There's no such thing as "talent".

[@sinifexxephinis4310]

I read Dinotopia as a kid and loved it. I'm still elated to know that the master that created the art for those books is still here and I am able to see more of his art and learn from him.

[@oswros]

Bravo! This video not only shows the incredible procces you follow to make your incredible illustrations, but also the fun you have making them. During the model making process you look like a kid playing with toys! Such increible and inspiring video. Thank you, James.

[@tb8865]

Me before watching this video: I should really learn blender to help with my 2D work. Me after watching this video: I should really learn how to sculpt maquettes and physical models AND use blender to help with my 2D work.

[@randominternetuser2]

Same!

[@WildPortraitArtist]

saaame, though ngl I'm a little intimidated by blender, sculpting by hand feels simpler xD

[@Splatterpunk_OldNewYork]

Don't forget to 3D print those Blender models and add them to your physical sculpts.

[@FengXingFengXing]

You can use Blender for general shape for lighting, no need sculpt if not create 3D model character.

[@Splatterpunk_OldNewYork]

@@FengXingFengXing Good point. I use it as a supplement to my own modello's. I also use clay, fake flowers, shiny metal things etc. It is nice to 3d print say, a crow, and later dress it into the model.

[@joethompson9001]

Thank you for posting another dinosaur art video James 🙏 you are such an inspiration and have such great energy. Thanks again.

[@malayalamwriter]

This video deserves more than 5 million views

[@majahermes5998]

This was absolutely gorgeous to watch. I rarely consume any art content, but I've been glued to my screen for the last 20min. You've done such a wonderful job with this video and with your art, thank you so much for sharing!

[@ankeshmbbs]

imagine the hardwork that goes into painting one dinosaur… which includes not just the dinosaur but the complete atmosphere.. these paintings have a unique feel to them !! great work James ❤️

[@DaveMeuleman]

I am following your videos for a while now. Looking at your paintings of houses and landscapes... Only now do I realize that you are the author Dinotopia!!! The book that kept me spellbound as a kid. I love your work!!!

[@garthok6224]

Oh man... James is an eminence in everything that is needed to make awesome art. Thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@cmanheman09]

Exactly what I was needing to watch! Your timing is incredible James. Thanks for the tips kind sir!

[@sgood1033]

It looks so easy to draw for you, not for us. That is a magic that make a modeling become to a painting. You are the best, it's true.

[@Galinn_Arts]

The painting with the sauropod pool party is my favorite

[@mystforest]

That PENCIL!!! Hahahahaha! We are all extremely blessed you share so much, James. Thank you :) This is fun....

[@telldpablo]

Wow! James you never cease to amaze me. Thank you again. Loving the marquette’s. You could do a whole how to to add to your collection of full length videos! (Please! 😉)

[@Daetalus67]

I swear James, you are always doing something subtle in your videos that just make me laugh. All though I guess the huge pencil you are pointing with is not really that subtle. I love it. Oh and as always, you are one of my favorite artists, not just on KZbin but PERIOD!

[@TOMMYVILLARREAL]

Thank you so much for showing your process master! Always it’s an adventure with your great videos!

[@ryanconnelly7782]

it seems rare that such a master of an art is also an amazing teacher, thank you infinitely for your work and your generosity

[@bksnow125]

I only learned of you and your fabulous art work the other day, while searching for more info on casein; I have owned my tube's over 15 years now ( Shiva brand). I am so impressed with your talent and how much your videos inspire me, I just had to subscribe so I don't miss anything. Thank you so much !

[@CassWomack]

This was such a fun watch, cheers!

[@yvesnarbonne6688]

Mind. Blown. The amount of work, technique and passion that you put into each piece is nothing short of astonishing! You, sir, are a master of your craft. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@Mancer1980]

James - can't thank you enough for starting a KZbin channel and sharing all of your amazing work and techniques with us. I never thought I'd be able to see something like this when I got Dinotopia as a birthday present back in 1993. Question - how long does it take you to complete a major painting, like Waterfall City?

[@cvgurau]

1:25 given how good his final paintings turn out, I'm never not surprised by how loose James' sketches are

[@valasafantastic1055]

Great stuff as usual! I have to try some of this. If I’m going through the effort for a maquette personally I think I’ll try to go all the way into a full model. That matte medium and modelling paste tip was particularly inspiring. Keep up the fantastic stuff!

[@eitenswelt7002]

As a Collector, I would give my right arm for one of those maquettes.

[@TobyLerone76]

It would take 30 minutes to make bruh

[@debonairLADY]

James, I admire your work all the time... But this project went above and beyond. I don't have formal Art education and people like you bring so much light to my intellect. Thank you!

[@mountainside26]

To quote Wayne and Garth: “we’re not worthy!” You are not only amazingly skilled and talented, but so incredibly generous of your precious knowledge, for those of us who were not able to obtain an art school education. Thank you.

[@tradingpostfarms]

Oh now this idea of playing with the toys outside, in the dirt, brings me so much joy and inspiration. Thank you!!!

[@jjmcguckin2658]

Love it James, keep her lit!

[@exlibrisas]

This is real life Sponegbob's method of drawing the perfect circle.

[@bc7138]

This was very informative and oddly relaxing to watch. Great content as always.

[@NormanHilbert]

I can't believe how generous you are in sharing this wealth freely. So inspiring, thank you for that!

[@AnneliesvanOverbeek]

Everything in this video is amazing, but that giant pencil just made my entire day

[@jaxfishn0]

James, I truly love your dinosaur paintings, and the videos featuring your drawing and painting of them are my favorites. Please do more of these in the future. They are fascinating. Thank you.

[@harpoonlobotomy]

17:48 The water ripple shapes are amazing. Instantly transformed the water into... well, Water. Simple things like that always blow me away.

[@dmitarvukicevic4280]

Another great video by Mr. Gurney, I think the paintings turned out wonderfully, best regards.

[@panchoverde5078]

I am constantly learning from you.

[@bongaz3547]

The effort on these is amazing. Those models!!!

[@weill6872]

How to paint dinosaurs: create dinosaurs and their environment, take pictures, then draw them multiple times and paint them. Ok. What the egg!!! This guy knows how to do things!

[@virginiarinkel7544]

Thank you - I so enjoyed watching you tonight. Helped me through another day. I love how you put paint at the top and took a piece of paperboard, and drug it downward. That was a cool way to make that effect. Your video's are so helpful.

[@emmakay2986]

Mr. Gurney you are truly an inspiration. Love your channel. Thank you

[@Mallowolf]

Your processes are so cool! It’s great to see how any approaches you have and how you experiment with things. It gives me a creative boost!

[@DinoEsculturas]

Each video is a masterclass

[@christophepleinairperspect5096]

Fabulous work James! Love the creative process to get to the final paintings. Incredibly clever and instructive.

[@avelorelle5581]

Amazing! Thank you for sharing your process

[@isariquelmecermeno3226]

Increíble que chulos quedan.Gracias por enseñarme sus trabajos

[@alancastaneda8322]

Beautiful art. Always love seeing a maquette utilized.

[@alperozgunyesil]

James always manages to come with something special. nice to watch you man!

[@strathallanguy]

Besides the painting, really enjoying your dedication to filming the process getting start to finish.

[@coni2d]

This video is adorable and just so wonderful. Very informative AND you left feeling giddy afterwards.

[@katzsteel]

Wow, that process is just incredible to watch. Thank you so much for sharing it!

[@ptaylor4923]

You are great. Many people don't understand how much work goes into being great.

[@alonsorojas3829]

You and Dinosaurs are a perfect combination. Amazing pieces of art. Thanks for sharing your process.

[@laneatkinson6441]

10 seconds in and I'm already pausing because I'm so impressed...you do paintings for Ranger Rick?? 😍 I used to get that magazine when I was a kid and I loved it so much!

[@alanlawrence2954]

A Renascence man. Consummate artistic skill and a kaleidoscopic imagination.

[@pollomago]

The amount of work tht these painting has, its amzing thanks for sharing

[@danv1061]

Your ingenuity almost equals your painting skills. You’re an inspiration.

[@nikolaikai940]

The prep that can go into a single image is amazing. I was expecting him to go "For this dinosaur, first we'll acquire some funding for a DNA lab ..." /cue Jurassic Park theme. 😂

[@Silas237]

Yay pls do more dinosaur videos they are your best work in my opinion. Love watching the process with the Marquettes