Unusual Gouache Painting Technique

Artist James Gurney paints an old woman in black and white gouache using an unusual sighting tool which is revealed at the end. During the painting he imagines what would happen if we could experience our lives backward, with old age first and youth last.
More about the comparator mirror from Tomas Georgeson's Painting Lab: • Pro level paint techni...
ART SUPPLIES
Titanium white (gouache): amzn.to/2XSOld4
Ivory black (gouache): amzn.to/2Ta46s7
Pentalic Aqua Journal sketchbook: amzn.to/2L989y2
Winsor & Newton Series 995 synthetic flat brush: amzn.to/31wvWjO
Travel brush: Connoisseur 9467: amzn.to/2DRdBVh
Richeson Travel brush set: amzn.to/2xwq1Rr
Water cup: amzn.to/2soTw2L
VIDEO TUTORIALS:
"Gouache in the Wild" (Download/ Stream): 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...
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...
Music by Kevin MacLeod, Incompetech.com
Some links are affiliate links, for which I receive a small percentage without cost to you.

[@QueenBee-gx4rp]

Wish I could-my husband died last week and I would give anything to go back to when we were young and healthy.

[@fraukehth8451]

I am sorry for your loss 🙏❤️

[@DannySabraArt]

I’m so sorry for your loss. . The love you have for your husband will never die. ❤️

[@QueenBee-gx4rp]

Thank you.

[@nancypalmer6729]

My heart to you today. May the memory of those times strengthen and lift you in your sorrow.

[@QueenBee-gx4rp]

@@nancypalmer6729 Thank you.

[@douglasskeen628]

I love your statement that Gouache rewards efficient handling.

[@omegasalmonfish]

Your videos would be extraordinary if they were simply art instruction, but the added layers of philosophy and wisdom make them something else entirely

[@Guru_Bhakti_]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2HYhIRmjcaUmqM

[@dianeo]

What an interesting concept. The smoke is coming out of my ears pondering this. All I can think of is, if only I had the knowledge gained with age and could apply it to my youthful decisions. I sure would have done things differently. BTW, a very interesting approach to a portrait here. Tim's Vermeer documentary was fascinating and I do see the comparison technique here.

[@Guru_Bhakti_]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2HYhIRmjcaUmqM

[@lindyashford7744]

There’s a terrifying novel that really challenges quite a lot of our thinking based on this premise, Time’s Arrow. I prefer it this way round! But as painters method it seems to work wonderfully. Nice thoughtful video, and great touché work.

[@dianeo]

@@lindyashford7744 Well, if I get up enough nerve I'll have to check it out, LOL. Thanks!

[@jeffhreid]

James all the unusual aspects of your video made it a very compelling one to watch

[@elmariejansevanrensburg2952]

Incredibly interesting. I love your narrative and ideas. Glad I found this

[@jenniewilliams1668]

What fun it was to listen to your thoughts - I have similar lines of thoughts when I'm painting or daydreaming, so I relate! I really love your expansion of this idea of grave to cradle - discarding wisdom and embracing foolishness. Imagine that reverse loss for a moment... hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Losses become brilliant reunions. Since I was in my 30's I've had the experience of awaking and for a nanosecond I wonder what part of my life I'm in right now. I'm so glad that I was able to watch your video and I delight in your presence. Warmest regards Jennie

[@paulwells782]

Excellent demonstration and great food for thought. Thanks you!

[@johnbailey520]

Wonderful B&W photo. Miss shooting B&W film. Interesting technique for sure! Thank you👍

[@Wendy8888]

Weird and wonderful. I like the metaphysical approach. ❤️

[@ErikBongers]

Quite the plot twist! It's thanks to your enormous experience that you didn't lose yourself to details and contouring. I would think this is not a tool for a beginner. Even though you started from a flat image, you clearly were sculpting the head as if in clay.

[@JamesGurney]

Actually Mr. Georgeson has had success in schools with complete novice painters, but you’re right : it’s a tool that experienced painters might use differently.

[@neiel6169]

I love the way you edit it's so unique and all your art is so wonderful it's a blessing to my eyes 😭❤️

[@maryk1668]

I am always learning from and enjoying the great videos you share. Can’t help but make a comment on this one. Definitely the most bizarre and fascinating painting demo I have ever seen. Your narration was so thought provoking and sentimental. Thank you.

[@markr.katzman3743]

Always very interesting and informative! Thanks.

[@ashleyhawkeswatercolor]

Ahh Benjamin Button! This was really interesting to watch and to ponder! Thanks!

[@Jessi-nf1ki]

Thanks a ton, James. Great video. Happy Holidays!💕

[@angustimmons729]

This was super fun to watch! I liked the pace and length

[@MilindMisalsPicassoArtStudio]

Awesome👏👍💐

[@royperezparedes5299]

Thank for the video !!!

[@Tat2TankT]

Amazing as always bro thanks for sharing

[@danw4930]

Amazing!

[@benlin1526]

Nice work.

[@garetkonigsfeld2]

Well it impressed me. Well done as usual. Thanks for sharing 👍.

[@ys164]

Круто,спасибо👍

[@ianmalcolm4731]

I seem to remember looking at you painting and talking us through this …..ah yesterday…….seems like.

[@marykallis3677]

Very deep, but cool video.

[@ren5211]

He isn't just a Painter, he also an Therapist

[@jujusparrow]

Great video, Mr Gurney. You quote Norman Rockwell. May I ask: Where did you get this information? Do you know any books by Rockwell himself about technique? My apologies if you already answered that question. Many thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge, thank you. Best wishes, Julien

[@JamesGurney]

The quotes are from his excellent instructional book "Rockwell on Rockwell," which was previously published as his Famous Artist's School master course.

[@jujusparrow]

@@JamesGurney Many thanks for your answer, Mr Gurney. I really enjoyed your book " "Color and Light". Best wishes, Julien

[@damianocheri3899]

I just want that giant pencil

[@debp9483]

Do you have a brand of gouache that you recommend? I want to try some as a switch from oils.

[@sameaston9587]

I've seen James often use M Graham brand. Good luck, mate.

[@debp9483]

@@sameaston9587 thank you! 😊🎨

[@jenskreibach9424]

David Hockney wrote a book about the development of this technique which is actually at least 200 years old. It is titled „Secret Knowledge“ and reads like a mystery novel. Nice Video though and a lots of brainfood to nibble at.

[@evamaria9603]

wow

[@terischiech]

Creepy but effective.

[@victoralosi1461]

Your so deep , ha ha

[@numbers22_28]

Certainly Possible Ezekiel 37:3 And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest. Ezekiel 37:4 Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD. This was a vision given by the Lord, but could it happen? Yes, it did! After the crusifiction of Jesus. Mathew 27:52-53 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

[@denissevazquez9087]

Came for a great tutorial, left with existential questioning about the meaning of life and time 10/10

[@nerfherder4284]

Imagine your children in his scenario: You meet some younger strangers that become so close to you it is as if they were a part of you until they eventually are.

[@CLHall]

That’s what I love about James’ videos, there is always something you take away other than just a painting demonstration.

[@yagobrasil9556]

I was taking a break from writing a history in a loop Then i get this. Great vídeo by the way

[@GuitarraConAndres]

Same, this was awesome!

[@williamsfitts9173]

@@nerfherder4284😂😂😂😂😂😂❤❤

[@cdsketch]

As weird as this technique looked originally, It actually makes a lot of sense, everything falls into place when you estimate the underlying form, Im going to have to try this out. :)

[@MillywiggZ]

You would say that being a skull yourself. You pro-skull people make me sick hahaa!

[@cdsketch]

@@MillywiggZ lol

[@paintinglabofficial]

Come on over and take a look.

[@nerfherder4284]

James, I absolutely spit up my oatmeal in laughter at the beginning of this video 😂.

[@Guru_Bhakti_]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2HYhIRmjcaUmqM

[@MissPukingRainbows]

james, watching you paint and hearing you talk is so good for my soul thank you for inspiring a young artist and thank you for being you ❤️ i live in germany but i still hope to meet you one day and thank you in person :)

[@jamesjacocks6221]

We may start our life completely dependent on another and close our life as we started. One of the most difficult aspects of life is our temporal existence. For this reason the seasons of life make a wonderful theme for artists. Mr. Gurney has deftly posed a possibility, overlapping those seasons. Very well done. A photographer, I experimented with double exposures of a subject and a generic skull and the results were disturbing and heavy handed. I feel synthetic media are more appropriate.

[@sandradonofrio413]

Well James, you old philosopher, another sweet half hour with you and your brilliance. Thank you. I’ll sleep well tonight.

[@rdfjfgjyfdhfghy67456]

James, you're nothing if not generous with your demonstrations. Thank you for sharing💕

[@josthebosssable]

imagine you are a master painter and every day you paint a little worse...

[@JamesGurney]

Wow, interesting point. Living backwards means reversing all learning and personal progress.

[@StorytellingHeadshots]

This is a profound comment. Our society is so obsessed with youth as the ultimate good. We forget all we gain in wisdom, knowledge, skill as we move forward in life. Moving from old age to youth would also mean moving from competence and skill to incompetence… that would be very disconcerting and demoralizing. More youthful energy would feel like a less than satisfactory trade for losing ones skill.

[@DannySabraArt]

I’ve become acutely aware of the temporal aspect of our lives. It’s been making me more aware that I have only so many paintings in me on this earth, so many books to read, so many places to see and so many friends to love. It’s been making me feel like I don’t want to waste or lose any time!

[@_inflection3209]

Or waste time in poor company! ❤️

[@DannySabraArt]

@@_inflection3209 very true

[@ragoodvin44]

The concept reminds me of the book Times Arrow, in which a doppelganger conciousness emerges into a man's death and experiences his life backwards. As an extra twist: he's an assasin.

[@portablecity]

Talking about living backwards, old to young, through time, reminded me that in T H White's Once and Future King, that's how Merlin lives. It's extremely, poignantly sad, really exploring the burden of foresight. Yours was maybe a more hopeful vision here.

[@passions4963]

I learned that in watercolour you have one chance to get it correct, one small wrong stroke with two heavy a pigment and it’s gone. There is some leeway but few to cover or lift something going awry. Not a whole lot of wiggle-room to make errors that aren’t later apparent, I found there was too much to master. Whereas with oils and gouache there are no errors that can’t be fixed or improved later, I went from a mediocre watercolourist to a great gouache & oil artist almost overnight (pleasantly surprised). I repaint and repaint and repaint and cover with layer upon layer upon layer. (Hint: don’t buy cheap canvases)

[@valasafantastic1055]

I use this technique in layers (tracing paper traditionally, or separate layer groups digitally) I mostly do this when working on Paleoart reconstructions or when studying animal anatomy. Sometimes I do a full skeletal-muscular- fleshed of mythical creatures I am making art of so that I can use imaginative realism more fully and understand comparative anatomy more over time. I enjoy art and studying nature so combining the two is fantastic! I have never done this with gouache however, interesting stuff. Cool concept, freaky stuff.

[@Guru_Bhakti_]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2HYhIRmjcaUmqM

[@prestonowens4594]

Hmm, perhaps this is why gouache doesn’t not like me. I simply flounder about until something okay happens.

[@mf--]

Always giving us the good stuff.

[@johncollado1151]

Hi James... half way through the video I was going to comment and ask if you were using reference or working directly out of your head, fortunately I waited to see the device you were using. This is similar to the "Lucy" device I've seen advertised. I'm not sure if that can be scaled or not or whether it is identical to this device. I did like your approach here starting from the end of life traversing to the beginning.... interesting viewpoint. Thanks again for another great video, I always enjoy watching them.

[@julielevasseur7391]

This was both a delightfully weird narrative and an instructive video.

[@Guru_Bhakti_]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2HYhIRmjcaUmqM

[@kiwimiwi5452]

for me, the idea of being born old and dying when you eventually become a baby is really scary. I'm a teen right now, I could die at the age of 20 or I could become 110 years old, I do not know. but if I was 60 right now, aging backwards, I would know that I only have those set 60 years left. At the age of 10 I would know it will only be 10 years. there is no negative age, you are pretty much coming to life with your maximum life span predestined

[@lefthandstory1280]

Beautiful😍❤️✌️so nice

[@nancypalmer6729]

Interesting concept. I imagine this. My idealism rising from the ashes of my hard lessons and disappointment. My heart unbreaking. Waking up as a creature of hope? But also becoming vulnerable, fearful, losing abilities, power, self-control, wisdom. And then suffering through my childhood horrors, losing the lens of survival and looking again through the eyes of the helpless? I don’t think I’d take that trade. As I age, my facilities and faculties diminish, but I have the wisdom to know that I’m not alone in this journey, that this is part of the human experience. Or at least I know this until my tired brain loses the script. Thanks for the mental exercise, James.

[@deu4745]

I originally found your videos through watercolor -- but recently acquired my first beginner's gouache set after watching some of your paintings! I am very interested in trying this technique. Thank you for sharing :)

[@monicaperez2843]

Think the tool is meant for art students and you are not very satisfied with it because you are an accomplished artist.

[@iyo8]

When I was little my parents got me Dinotopia, Now I'm in my 10th year, 29 working as a professional artist and still learning from the master.

[@foreseengust]

This would be a better kind of life, to be strongest and most energetic at our most wise days. At least before becoming a senile infant.

[@amaad_]

I actually really enjoy listening to this in the background while doing work or some other activity. :D

[@artbyeliza8670]

How was your back after that? Looks like that forward lean would get painful.

[@thelamielousershow2896]

That's so awesome. Such a great concept

[@Occupant]

I saw a movie with that premise. I think it was called "Boss Baby"

[@RafelJaggai]

Ligma bawl

[@RafelJaggai]

Ligma bawl

[@JamesGurney]

Thanks, I'll check it out. It's probably an old idea, and completely impossible when you start working out the logical details.

[@Occupant]

@@JamesGurney Please don't bother, this was just a joke. Love the video as always!

[@RafelJaggai]

@@Occupant ligma bawl

[@mp77200]

Amazing video! I love seeing the process behind the paintings. Sometimes I think the social media apps reduce the amount of work, love and thinking there is behind a piece of art. The little concept/story of starting the life by the death is really interesting! I’ll definitely think about that concept and develop a story. It could make an interesting comics. Thanks for sharing and hello from Portugal!

[@fatClyde]

This is the technique claimed by many, including David Hockney, that was used to create a lot of the Dutch masters and other works. It's a pretty divisive subject to be sure. As for the rebirth/aging topic. I love all that stuff. I'm always pondering on aspects of life and death and can't grasp why others are not ! :)

[@4200timeB]

Funny how I end up here and get to find exactly what I needed with out even knowing I needed it.

[@mf--]

James Gurney is always giving us the good stuff.

[@Guru_Bhakti_]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2HYhIRmjcaUmqM

[@DbzTO]

James that snow out your window looks amazing! Are we going to get a snowscape painting any time soon?

[@TheGentleCreepers]

Reminds me of that movie, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

[@nightynightshade]

Was just thinking that!

[@rizjanmohamed1851]

The commentary is exceptional.. made me look at life from a different angle.. kudos!

[@KathleenRenninger]

Liked the imaginative narrative, and the technique was interesting.

[@abdulmuizchulan214]

Come to Islam n success mr Gurney

[@carmelorodriguezlemes2864]

Una vez mas James Gurney eres un genio.💗👍👍👍👍

[@Guru_Bhakti_]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2HYhIRmjcaUmqM

[@hartleygabolinscy3152]

This is one hell of a tutorial. Brilliant. 👍❤️👍

[@danmcdaid]

This video is a work of art. Just beautiful.

[@bruhsleepineed929]

Can you try out himi gouache/ jelly gouache? I would love to see how you use it!

[@JamesGurney]

Great suggestion! Yes, I've ordered a set and will do a video about it in 2022.

[@bruhsleepineed929]

@@JamesGurney can't wait!

[@neiel6169]

right on the day when I have so many existential doubts, and so much melancholy😔❤️you are my favorite person on all of KZbin

[@socratesthecabdriver]

🙏🌊🔱🌪️🌪️🌪️

[@anglergarzon2541]

🔸Disfruto enormemente sus videos - tutoriales. Mi ideal es pintar como usted! Gracias James 👏🏻♥️👏🏻

[@MugenGlider82]

Would love another video similar to this but also focusing on your mixing palette 🎨 one area of painting that still illudes me...

[@aliciamolloy5948]

Thank you so much for this wonderful video.

[@isabelaneves7253]

I quite liked the skull with the hat. Would you consider oil painting tutorial?

[@jeffhreid]

James all the unusual aspects of your video made it a very compelling one to watch

[@mmikaelyan1315]

Amazingly beautiful painting💫💫💫 Thanks a lot for the video🙏💞💞💞

[@DavidWoodArtist]

You're a wise old owl! Like the philosophical element to this video, often go hand in hand with physical activity and perception.

[@tamasmihaly1]

You have a lovely world-view. If only I could be as optimistic as you, my friend.

[@tb8865]

James Gurney painting a momento mori, describing life in reverse makes me want to watch Memento, where the story begins at the end and goes back from there in reverse order. I wonder if he has seen the movie?

[@JamesGurney]

Yes, I forgot to mention Memento and Tenet. It seems Christopher Nolan is also interested in time reversal scenarios.

[@tb8865]

@@JamesGurney hey, thanks for the reply! Glad to know you're also a Nolan fan! :)

[@phillipstroll7385]

Rockwell traced everything from photos. He didn't draw anything.

[@doradora5547]

As usual your work is amazing Thank you for sharing. I love your narrative. And the timetravel through art. This reminded me of sculptors techniques with metal armature then a modeled skeleton over that, then muscle added, then skin. Layer over layer of anatomical knowledge.

[@VJFranzK]

Sometimes painting is: A very flat sculpture!

[@nikogrujic6807]

Yeah this guy can probably paint with his eyes closed . because he discover the stile of painting it's like learning to swim ! You never forget EVEN if don't swim for 100 years you already programmed. Greetings from LAS Vegas

[@jolakedra2998]

Well, that wasn't only a great painting lesson! ❤️ 👌

[@cardguy2000]

How is this tool is any different from the one Tim Jenison came up with in 2013? It's not. Watch the docu by Pen&Teller titled: Tim's Vermeer ;)

[@Splatterpunk_OldNewYork]

Dear Lord Gurney: Do you recommend gouache as an under painting for say, an oil painting? Certainly looks like you could model a storm with this technique.....

[@Lanternamagika]

I like so much this philosophical bend that your painting has taken ... You are a really intelligent person, besides being an extremely skillful painter and great teacher ... My respect and high esteem 🙏🙏🙏 This video is a masterpiece, thank you

[@vllad74]

Hahaha. These pencils again :)))) Thank you for the great tutorial James!!!

[@NilO_D]

That's great. Keep our meeting! 👍 Watch the video to the end.

[@larryglatt2548]

I'm wondering if this technique will work with watercolor combined with pen/ink?

[@terischiech]

You might not think it's an impressive painting but copy or not, building from a 'skull' was pretty cool.

[@yumtaco7376]

This inspired me to pic my gouache and paint so bad❤️❤️ great art

[@jenniefrench1338]

Very cool! I think that there are apps that focus an image from a phone onto paper and one uses a bendable clamp attachment for the phone. I have never used it but have seen the advertisement. Your photo was very interesting as well as your comments. There really are some among us of faith that believe the promises of one that can not lie and look very much to a beautiful future, not the movie version though. Take care.