Sacrificing Detail for a Moody Light Effect

Рет қаралды 114,043

Күн бұрын

James Gurney paints a street scene in Greenport, Long Island in the morning light. His goal is to capture a fleeing light effect by using a warm priming color, "photographic" lens flares, and a glaze that reduces or sacrifices detail. Because he's painting in gouache and watercolor over a casein priming, the glaze is risky because gouache reactivates when it's rewet.
THEORY OF SACRIFICES
“Nature instills sentiments in the spectator through the selective sacrifice of details in order to improve the overall effect.”
--George Barret, The Theory and Practice of Water Colour Painting: Elucidated in a Series of Letters
“Painters without experience often weaken the effect they wish to produce by a prodigality which multiplies uselessly the figures and accessories of a picture. It will not be long before they learn that, the greater the conciseness and simplicity with which a thought is interpreted, the more it gains in expressive force.”
-Jules Breton, The Life of an Artist, An Autobiography
GOUACHE, WATERCOLOR, and CASEIN PAINT
Zinc White: amzn.to/3DJHmDF
Azo yellow: amzn.to/3AomPDn
Pyrrol Red: amzn.to/2XdPcS7
Transparent Orange Iron Oxide: amzn.to/3lHghLn
Ultramarine blue: amzn.to/2Sm4FyB
Prussian blue: amzn.to/2JVbVwb
Sepia: amzn.to/2X7Ulgs
Richeson casein set: amzn.to/2Huk4u3
OTHER MATERIALS
Pentalic watercolor sketchbook: amzn.to/2L989y2
Water cup: amzn.to/2soTw2L
Homemade sketch easel: gurneyjourney.gumroad.com/l/s...
Rigger brush (synthetic #3) amzn.to/3AJoW4i
Richeson travel brush set: amzn.to/2xwq1Rr
Richeson “Grey Matters” brush set: amzn.to/2YeNO0P
Water cup: amzn.to/2soTw2L
CAMERAS and AUDIO
Pocket camera (Canon SX620): amzn.to/3lIbtVW
Mirrorless camera (Canon M6): amzn.to/3BJIjeU
Stereo mics/recorders (Rode Wireless Go II): amzn.to/3mVsMSP
Stereo recorder (Zoom H2n): amzn.to/3aFjCUP
Tripod: amzn.to/2xrRaFc
VIDEO TUTORIALS:
“How to Make a Sketch Easel” (DVD and download options): jamesgurney.com/products/how-...
"Gouache in the Wild" : jamesgurney.com/products/goua...
"Casein Painting in the Wild": jamesgurney.com/products/case...
"GRADIENTS: Color, Form, Illusion." jamesgurney.com/products/grad...
BOOKS BY JAMES GURNEY:
Color and Light: A Guide for Realist Painters: jamesgurney.com/products/colo...
Imaginative Realism: How to Paint What Doesn’t Exist: jamesgurney.com/products/imag...
Dinotopia: A Land Apart from Time: jamesgurney.com/products/dino...
OTHER OFFICIAL SITES
Instagram: / jamesgurneyart
Pinterest: / gurneyjourney
GurneyJourney Blog: gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/
JamesGurney Website: jamesgurney.com/
Facebook group "Sketch Easel Builders": / 403006076777641
Facebook group "Color in Practice": / 160510955315435
Some of the links above are affiliate links, for which I make a small commission at no cost to you.

Пікірлер: 438

@farben_ 2 жыл бұрын

I don't care about ASMR but I think having the audio close and personal is more fun to watch the videos as it gives it a 3D felling.

@moser3712 2 жыл бұрын

Whats a 3D felling?

@farben_ 2 жыл бұрын

@@moser3712 Feel the brush moving in the 3D space.

@finn9233 2 жыл бұрын

@@farben_ yeah thats exactly what people call ASMR

@Rage4112 2 жыл бұрын

You sound like you've never experienced true ASMR. It is a wonderful feeling of extreme relaxation and a feeling of goosebumps. The peacefulness of ASMR cannot be told from one to another. A person must experience it to truly understand. It is a feeling mostly known when having sex, but it can be triggered through audio simulation. Sounds such as scratches, writing or other skillful utensils being used can trigger it. Also how the person is using something can also trigger it.

@JamesGurney 2 жыл бұрын

The consensus I'm hearing is that you enjoy the stereo sound capture in the background, but don't lose the explanatory voiceover. Got it, will do!

@XX-yz5us 2 жыл бұрын

A great way to involve the audience even more

@barbarahowell5438 2 жыл бұрын

This is magical! It made me think beyond realism. There are moments like this at sunrise and sunset that make you feel wonderful. You've expanded my painting horizon.

@sculpter100 2 жыл бұрын

Gorgeous work

@amandawatson-will7346 2 жыл бұрын

That’s it exactly James! Should be great.

@amandawatson-will7346 2 жыл бұрын

I enjoyed this video so much James. So inspiring and fun to see you playing and exploring, and to such great effect. I have to overcome my sense of preciousness about my sketchbooks. I tend to feel that as it’s recorded in a book which I’ll likely keep, it has to be good. Hence sketchbooks that are almost empty. My experiments go on loose sheets of paper, which are harder to store and even harder to track down if I want to use them as a reference. Hopefully lesson learned. 🤞

@CesarCordova 2 жыл бұрын

Another master piece!

@ilikeitimnotgonnacrack9307 2 жыл бұрын

I also watch your videos! They're very helpful!

@MatheusFreitasOrangeMaths 2 жыл бұрын

Great to see you here! Me encantan tus videos.

@greenmacaroni8872 2 жыл бұрын

Hi James, that lens flare effect is outstanding! I rather enjoy hearing what you have to say , since I’m trying to learn and improve my paintings. Thank you for all that you do. Hugs to you and Jeanette! Julie 🥰

@dabama2864 2 жыл бұрын

Andy

@drpetter 2 жыл бұрын

Being relaxed enough to experiment freely on top of a "succesful" painting is a great lesson in healthy artistic attitude, and something that will surely accelerate learning! As an optical nerd, I wouldn't have considered putting the lens flare pattern in any other orientation than crossing image center where it would be in an uncropped photograph, but as a loose compositional element I realize it can do its job anywhere - and only people with my handicap would think twice about it. Thank you for breaking rules!

@eileene9 2 жыл бұрын

Please keep talking, I learn as much from what you say as I do from watching you paint!

@JamesGurney 2 жыл бұрын

Will do.

@richvanatte3947 2 жыл бұрын

I like the flat brushes you use. They do the job quickly and the sides make for great detailing. You are certainly excellent at your craft.

@patrickcharles7190 2 жыл бұрын

Even before you put the light flare circles in, you could almost imagine that they're there. Like the brain is filling in the blanks. Great video.

@lisacatlett7239 2 жыл бұрын

I like explanations better than ASMR. I stopped breathing when you went over the painting with the wash. Lol.

@natew5544 2 жыл бұрын

i like ASMR, but i also love to listen to commentary to learn. you could always do a post dub of the asmr so we can listen to commentary also. Thanks for your videos!

@bennydelarosa9064 2 жыл бұрын

I'm still amazed at how you handle with painting. I hope we can see you do more paleoart in the future.

@junkabella6324 2 жыл бұрын

To be able to use a mind’s eye memory of a photograph! And translate that to a painting… that is some artist superpower!

@rabbitlissa 2 жыл бұрын

I like the narration and the asmr in the same video. Always

@Misana 2 жыл бұрын

I LOVEEE IT! Guys, He's a risk taker! So encouraging!

@elliotpendragon 2 жыл бұрын

i audibly gasped when you started glazing over the gouache, that was such a brave thing to do and it taught me so much about how to approach my own art. i tend to be a bit of a coward when it comes to creating because i‘m always scared to mess things up by experimenting, even sketches, so this video was an invaluable lesson for me. your art is absolutely beautiful, thank you for sharing it.

@GUnSNRoSeSrOcKzz Жыл бұрын

This guy helped me start my painting career. I started watching him just 2 years ago. Since then I've had 5 exhibits. 2 of those are solo shows. Just an awesome teacher.

@danv1061 2 жыл бұрын

To paint that building would be great in itself, but to paint it with the flare effect from only memories of other photos is outstanding. It’s no wonder his book on light and color is so good.

@opendstudio7141 2 жыл бұрын

That was cool on many levels. You can feel the texture interaction of the media and can estimate the amount of relative pressure being applied to the surfaces. The difference between soft and hard are starkly evident. My headphone exposure binaural audio was from the KZfaq channel; "Smarter Everyday". You literally feel those spaces with unseen dimension in relation to proximity. The first time you experienced binaural audio, it is quiet revealing just how the environment is perceived, recorded and processed by your brain.

@mickricereto8012 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, that moment when you brush on the violet, such confidence. And then the milky paint over the sky! Once you started in with the pastels I was cheering along with the video. A tour de force; I'm so jazzed up about trying something like this, instead of my normal meticulous illustrational scenes.

@ggccllfour1398 2 жыл бұрын

James you never fail to amaze me.

@unapersonamasacuna7108 2 жыл бұрын

I adore how you handle the light so well

@AriaMaryam 2 жыл бұрын

It's so much like William Turner style. About ASMR your voice is so calming. I enjoy listening to you talking. The ASMR is a plus.

@lizzardnurphy 2 жыл бұрын

Love it! The violet glaze you did changed it so much, for the better. Thanks for teaching us.

@avikdas1577 2 жыл бұрын

Your commentary in every videos is piece of gold! I have emerged to be a mainstream professional walking down your ideas and path. Keep going sir.

@PearBearCam 2 жыл бұрын

In my opinion, I think you hit the nail on the head with your format and video editing. Don't change a thing. This is coming from a man who as a kid scrutinized your Dinotopia illustrations on many a carpeted weekend. Keep it up man, the videos are wonderful.

@antoniomarcos5321 2 жыл бұрын

I love to hear your comments as you paint; please, don't change!

@marymccaslin1690 2 жыл бұрын

I’m inspired to keep going on with my ideas instead of trashing my paintings at the ‘ugly stage’. Thank you!

@uncommonthread3688 2 жыл бұрын

PLEASE More of everything more of what your heart tells you I love how pure and original your content is

@funwithFred 2 жыл бұрын

Love the conversation, and I can hear the sound of the pastel, and I love that, too. I like both at the same time.......and love the explorations....it's freeing.

@mikemir121 2 жыл бұрын

YES... Love the sounds. Anything to experience the painting process.

@Rich_Ware 2 жыл бұрын

I'm constantly humbled by your genius. So glad you share these videos, your techniques, and knowledge. Thanks.

@bluejay_films9081 2 жыл бұрын

So pretty, your talent surprises me every time

@fabbrobbaf 2 жыл бұрын

For me your commentary is already ASMR! Anyway the stereo sound is really immersive and enjoyable

@terryclarke6845 2 жыл бұрын

Love the painting, and love Greenport! A town well known for its architecture, especially Greek Revival.

@olisig455 2 жыл бұрын

Simply a master of lights and darks and effects .... Beautiful work ❤️

@alicia-lobo 2 жыл бұрын

I love ASMR but I already get that effect with your current videos. I always enjoy the sounds of the brush and your calm commentary. I would miss you voice, your explanations are always so helpful and insightful! But if you want to do it just for the fun of trying something new, go for it, I'll definitely watch that as well :) Amazing job with the painting! I loved the effects you achieved with the pastels, I definitely need to try that!

@berolinastrassmann Жыл бұрын

Indeed, I find your commentary invaluable. The Asmr noise is the 🍒 cherry on top, but I wouldn't miss it if it is not there. Loved this video. Will watch it several times, there is so much to learn. Thanks. James!!

@JeffChorney 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant, reminds me of what Cennino Cennini said “Always take note of the brightest light of the place (where you are painting); study it and follow it systematically, because if your work fails at this, it will have no relief and will end up being a simple thing showing little skill.” You nailed it!

@idkphoenix 2 жыл бұрын

I honestly love the way you explain what you do when you are doing it. Makes everything so clear. Really cool to see the evolution of this painting. Kuddos to you!

@marywilliamson2559 2 жыл бұрын

Great painting and great reminder to keep on pushing the boundaries in our artwork. Keep on creating.

@AaronHendu 2 жыл бұрын

I still can't believe I am learning from one of my favourite paleo artists from my childhood...your KZfaq videos are so well done...I learn so much from these, and you seem like such a genuinely good person.

@Alai8766 2 жыл бұрын

I am SO glad I found this channel. Thank you for taking the time to film yourself creating art for all of us!! Your voiceovers are so calming and helpful, I’m binge watching

@trancentralklf 2 жыл бұрын

You make your art look easy! Sign of a true genius. Asmr all the way ;)

@carolhestand2561 2 жыл бұрын

LOVED THIS! Yes loved the sound it's like what smell does for your favorite food or sight to your favorite place. Thank you😊❤

@davidmerritt1601 2 жыл бұрын

I love it at 13:05 where you added chalk to the dark trees on the right. It looked perfect as a highlight of the sun, and then you rubbed it out. I get it thought, you're going for an overall mood. Great painting as usual James

@juliepederson8468 2 жыл бұрын

Needed this info! 👍🏽 Thank you, James!

@catherinecervas3726 2 жыл бұрын

I love both your explanation and sound effects. What an exquisite painting, so nicely done. Thank you James!

@irenerumbero3240 2 жыл бұрын

I would definitely love an Asmr video of you painting. Amazing work as always!

@devandestudios128 2 жыл бұрын

YES YES and YES to ASMR painting sounds. I love the lens flare effect you achieved in this piece.

@ff2346cookson 2 жыл бұрын

Keep talking James.....excellant....painting once again👏👏

@gosiaplummer4794 2 жыл бұрын

I gasped when purple paint got on! And then masterpiece happened!

@DanaJordanOK 2 жыл бұрын

I love the idea of those sounds as asmr. I she with many of the other commenters too, though. Your explanations are appreciated as well.

@JsinOwl 2 жыл бұрын

Love the painting sounds. Definitely incorporate them into your videos. Some creators will release two versions of their videos, one with commentary, one with just the sounds, you could consider that approach to make both crowds happy.

@jekalambert9412 2 жыл бұрын

I enjoy your explanations because that's how I learn the most from you, so please don't eliminate them.

@RLDSTUDIO 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing result. I always appreciate your insight, but also would enjoy watching some painting with only asmr sounds.

@claricek2653 Жыл бұрын

Painting is one skill, but Painting so tiny is a whole other skill😄Your amazing 👏 👏👏

@metralla 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks James, that was beautiful. The finish painting reminds me of Bernie Fuchs style and I'm not sure exactly why

@JamesGurney 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I should have mentioned the great Bernie Fuchs, who celebrated this effect, but painted it a very different way, using an oil rubout technique.

@paulbarnes6049 Жыл бұрын

Hi James. I think the sound effects really add a strong connective dimension that enriches the whole learning experience. Many thanks.

@savantbleu0250 2 жыл бұрын

I am at awe, thank you!

@_kevinsoliz 2 жыл бұрын

Es verdaderamente impresionante y la verdad es que me encantan sus comentarios mientras está pintando. Muchas gracias por enseñarnos su trabajo!

@nikolinagrekov7073 2 жыл бұрын

I'm colourblind but love art, so when I was given colourvision glasses I immediately wanted to learn how to paint. Your videos really help me to learn and explore colour in ways I never thought I'd ever see in my life

@alonsorojas3829 2 жыл бұрын

Another amazing paiting! I like the talking and explanations.

@sharondempsey9329 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing your drawings and techniques, much appreciated! The sounds are a strangely satisfying addition!

@gonecoastalfl 2 жыл бұрын

I love the background noises. But I really, really enjoy your comments, your thoughts as you paint, and the reasons why you're adding a particular color or element to your work. At first I cringed when you went over the finished painting with the violet. I couldn't imagine doing that over such a gorgeous painting. But what a surprise it turned out to be! Such a gorgeous effect in the end. You are an amazing artist Mr. Gurney!

@filnn 2 жыл бұрын

As a digital artist it terrifies me watching Jim paint over his beautiful work. But his confidence and skill makes me want to try out working destructively in my digital work.

@juliancaninza3b623 2 жыл бұрын

Exelente video james muy informativo

@saadn.3348 2 жыл бұрын

Loved it! Awesome work James!! And a brave move in diminishing these details. Taking the risk has a great outcome sometime.

@whatapieceofwork 2 жыл бұрын

James you have excelled yet again. What you have to say is for me essential to hear.

@jeremybunn8473 Жыл бұрын

You are my kind of artist James..willing to take risks to add something extra to a successful painting. Great lesson in experimentation of technique and mixed medium. I paint in watercolour and use oil pastels just to capture a touch of sunlit colour here and there and also feather smudged in to capture an glow where 2 planes meet, one reflecting the colour of the other ie. Roof soffit.

@daveanderson8776 2 жыл бұрын

James ! This was so enlightening ( pardon the pun ) really ,really enjoyed this episode as I do all of yours . Ideas and playing are essential to our creativity and are important to our moving forward in our own individual styles and painting patterns. I work in acrylics and have discovered so many things just by merely spending a lot time in the studio and remembering ideas throughout the week and trying to immolate them on the boards or canvas . Thanks so much for sharing. Peace and cheers, Dave Anderson

@elliewithg 2 жыл бұрын

Yay! New video. Thank you for this Mr. Gurney! Another beautiful painting!

@romigan1256 2 жыл бұрын

I love how evocative the light is in this painting. Thanks

@gdk5324 4 ай бұрын

Love this. And ‘Song of the Lark’ is one of my favorites, so this effect has always captivated me. Thanks.

@Chaoslorden 2 жыл бұрын

I love watching you paint. I paint almost every day but rarely get to paint for myself. Things like this is what I would want to explore more.

@MackieLars 2 жыл бұрын

ohh my goddd dude's doing ASMR. when he asked for headphones on and started going over with pencils i almost shouted in joy. this makes your videos and art 100% better imo. thank you so much!

@Stanzafly 2 жыл бұрын

I would literally watch the same video twice to have the commentary during the day and the asmr when I'm falling asleep. :]

@stephaniefishel8248 5 ай бұрын

I love watching you paint. The glazing color over the building was inspiring. Thank you for your creativity. I’m going to try it immediately!

@reneerose9730 2 жыл бұрын

Watching and ‘listening’ to this video could not have come at a better time. Dealing with some very rough situations right now and listening to you, the AMSR sounds and the incredible lessons in this one painting alone was very grounding and allowed me to focus on something beautiful and positive. You always make me want to grab all my paints and sketch books and just do some work like this. I’m always too busy with commissions or life. I also wants more gouache and maybe so e casein paint. I have some acrylic gouache that may be similar? Casein is one of the only mediums I haven’t used. I use nearly every other painting and drawing medium. You such an incredible artist, teacher and inspiring

@AD-cm5iv 2 жыл бұрын

Ok sir! Now u are jus showing off with that glare! Magnificent sir! Bravo!

@dougg1075 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome as usual

@yungchinghung3844 2 жыл бұрын

I for sure find the explanatory voiceover informative and engaging. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

@Lauragld 4 ай бұрын

Wonderful demonstration!!! Loved seeing the addition of pastels and color pencil along with the gouache. Thanks so much!

@abigailh4109 2 жыл бұрын

I like when you Talk to Explain what you are doing. Love the history, color explanation and techniques. All these and more make it interesting. Love this piece.

@DannySabraArt 2 жыл бұрын

Wow! This was SO cool to watch. Its especially cool because i've heard so many people say "don't paint from photos, your painting will just look like a photo." which may have some merit especially if you're trying to look realistic and learn from nature.. But it's such a creative and ingenious idea to intentionally make a painting look like a photo. And why not? As you said, these are visual artifacts we simply accept. After all on instagram, we can even add the lens flairs in post to give it more of a "feel" why not do it in a painting? So so cool to watch the entire process. Thanks for sharing this

@larsickenroth7169 2 жыл бұрын

First off: love your channel. Best source for both thought-process and execution on painting. You are a passionate man. Currently xperimenting with creating abstract compositions from cut-outs, trying to match the relevant values within one of the shapes. Quite a challenge!

@siddharthkudav5676 2 жыл бұрын

beautiful as always!

@ultra91790 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing. You turned a watercolor painting into a photograph!

@annabanana2529 2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful & masterful, James!

@Cg3delijah 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for continuing to produce these videos, love to see your work and hear your thoughts as you paint!

@Andy-ih7be 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome Mr Gurney, that was awesome!!!!

@HerArtnThoughts 2 жыл бұрын

I'm glad I bought your book of color and light recently Sir, it's full of awesome informations and so helpful! I hope I'll improve as much as you

@KennethMichur 2 жыл бұрын

No this is great the way you make videos. keep speaking in them. Great job. as always.

@JamesGurney 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, will do!

@lvl76darkelf 2 жыл бұрын

I love this channel so much!!

@WotanSkyFather 2 жыл бұрын

That is a beauty. That wash turned out amazing!

@TheArtz19 2 жыл бұрын

Although I have seen some of your videos before, this seemed to be an incredibly well theorized, painted and followed through idea for the entire video. The real world tiles providing the background for video tiles to sit on was an incredibly nice touch. Impressionism in the form of nearly just a phone filter of styles/washes made it look almost easy. Artificially injecting so much color, information, and feeling were there otherwise was none was a thumbs up alone. Well played sir

@ShannenMatnarudin 2 жыл бұрын

Yes please! This type of asmr is the best imo :D

@twycross3 2 жыл бұрын

I really enjoy hearing your thoughts as you apply different colors. Hearing your thoughts for this painting was especially interesting to me personally. I recently started using a pastel (Rembrandt) to draw a basic shape then with a wet brush blend those pastel marks like watercolor. It behaves just like watercolor too! I'm working on a drawing of a bunch of grapes. Loved your idea of recreating the lens flare effect!!

@mariapeagler2667 2 жыл бұрын

James - this was fascinating to watch and listen to. The lens flare effect and French theory of scarcity added so much interest to your video, and I enjoyed following along. I've purchased your book and multiple videos, and I'm off to buy your gradient video.