Painting Realistic Dinosaurs: 10 Top Tips

Рет қаралды 175,439

3 жыл бұрын

James Gurney shares ten strategies that he used to create dinosaur illustrations for Ranger Rick Magazine. Tips include planning with sketches, choosing a viewpoint, and making and photographing maquettes. DINOSAURS include: Thanatotheristes, Borealopelta, Hatchling Titanosaur, Patagotitan, and Spinosaurus.
GUMROAD VIDEOS about dinosaur art:
Tyrannosaurs: Behind the Art: gumroad.com/l/zltj
How I Paint Dinosaurs: gumroad.com/l/tyrannosaur
The Mammal That Ate Dinosaurs: gumroad.com/l/mammal
Australia's Age of Dinosaurs: gumroad.com/l/ausdinos
MATERIALS:
Sculpey (Polymer clay: Sculpey): amzn.to/3rnS3FG
Magic Sculpt (Two-part epoxy clay): amzn.to/39g10KO
Model Magic (air dry sculpting material): amzn.to/39hP4Z6
Liquid Acrylic (transparent red oxide): amzn.to/39eAhOD
Hot glue gun: amzn.to/3clSvjo
Illustration board: amzn.to/3dbTEsP
CAMERAS and AUDIO:
Canon M6 (time lapse, video, and stills): amzn.to/2J4RTgX
Zoom H2N digital audio recorder: amzn.to/2XXAOfP
Rode Video Mic GO (microphone): amzn.to/2UQGTc9
BOOKS BY JAMES GURNEY:
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
GurneyJourney Blog: gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/
JamesGurney Website: jamesgurney.com/
THANKS TO:
Ranger Rick: John Gallagher, Kathy Kranking, Susan McElhinney
Paleo consultant: Stephen L. Brusatte
Music by Kevin MacLeod, Incompetech.com
Additional Sculpts by David Krentz / davidkrentzart and Mike Trcic www.trcicstudio.com/
More info about Ranger Rick magazine at their website: bit.ly/2QsRIEG

Пікірлер: 424

@tamasmihaly1 3 жыл бұрын

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

@_inflection3209 3 жыл бұрын

This made me giggle 🤣

@zGerwinsaika 3 жыл бұрын

@@_inflection3209 kh

@andrewcheng2852 Жыл бұрын

His bones are made of oil paint😂

@LoveBystroem 10 ай бұрын

That’s beautiful…

@erkannurdun7074 3 жыл бұрын

This channel is VERY underrated

@armandoguajardo4789 3 жыл бұрын

Indeed

@eileenjohnston6835 3 жыл бұрын

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

@Welther47 3 жыл бұрын

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

@brotherfullmer 3 жыл бұрын

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 3 жыл бұрын

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 3 жыл бұрын

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

@professorpine7374 2 жыл бұрын

You’re forgetting something...

@Vergilsolosyourfavouriteverse Жыл бұрын

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

@raptorskill134 Жыл бұрын

@@professorpine7374ya mean birds?

@UnknownFilipino 3 жыл бұрын

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

@disegnintasca 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@dianeo 3 жыл бұрын

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

@ptaylor4923 3 жыл бұрын

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

@StudioHannah 3 жыл бұрын

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 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@AllanGildea 3 жыл бұрын

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

@Art_Vandelay_Industries 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@nuummuun 3 жыл бұрын

Master at work. James Gurney is a treasure.

@randalllaue4042 3 жыл бұрын

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

@11serendipity11 3 жыл бұрын

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 3 жыл бұрын

Wonderful! Thanks for the kind words.

@egas8701 3 жыл бұрын

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

@ptaylor4923 3 жыл бұрын

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

@redbeard365 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@shannon68245 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@SDW90808 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@jerryjacobsunny5574 3 жыл бұрын

The realism in his paintings is so incredible

@Gotblade 3 жыл бұрын

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! ❤❤❤

@Johnmccoyart 3 жыл бұрын

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!

@josephomally4244 3 жыл бұрын

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

@tb8865 3 жыл бұрын

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 3 жыл бұрын

Same!

@WildPortraitArtist 3 жыл бұрын

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

@Splatterpunk_OldNewYork 3 жыл бұрын

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

@FengXingFengXing 3 жыл бұрын

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

@Splatterpunk_OldNewYork 3 жыл бұрын

@@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.

@eitenswelt7002 3 жыл бұрын

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

@SkibidySkid 10 ай бұрын

It would take 30 minutes to make bruh

@cvgurau 3 жыл бұрын

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

@yoavhalperin5852 3 жыл бұрын

I was amazed at these little dinosaur sculptures! Great video

@TheColdCreature 3 жыл бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

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

@CeciliaSilva-bk4zx 3 жыл бұрын

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 3 жыл бұрын

Agree, it’s such an amazing book

@willmfrank 3 жыл бұрын

"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.

@tessa6307 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@gracieosornio9291 3 жыл бұрын

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!

@thesleepyginger1856 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@kelsieroach8896 2 жыл бұрын

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

@coyoteclockworkstudios3140 Жыл бұрын

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.

@exlibrisas 3 жыл бұрын

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

@ravengreen6926 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@Daetalus67 3 жыл бұрын

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 KZfaq but PERIOD!

@joethompson9001 3 жыл бұрын

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

@johncollado1151 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@telldpablo 3 жыл бұрын

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! 😉)

@DaveMeuleman 3 жыл бұрын

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!!!

@bksnow125 3 жыл бұрын

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 3 жыл бұрын

This was such a fun watch, cheers!

@stormeffex 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@cmanheman09 3 жыл бұрын

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

@sinifexxephinis4310 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@mauriciomardones7330 3 жыл бұрын

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

@oswros 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@majahermes5998 3 жыл бұрын

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!

@NormanHilbert 3 жыл бұрын

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

@TOMMYVILLARREAL 3 жыл бұрын

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

@AnneliesvanOverbeek 3 жыл бұрын

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

@bc7138 3 жыл бұрын

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

@garthok6224 3 жыл бұрын

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

@jjmcguckin2658 3 жыл бұрын

Love it James, keep her lit!

@valasafantastic1055 3 жыл бұрын

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!

@tradingpostfarms 3 жыл бұрын

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

@amyhunnisett9173 3 жыл бұрын

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

@mystforest 3 жыл бұрын

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

@katzsteel 3 жыл бұрын

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

@bruceosborne1892 3 жыл бұрын

Great video James! Always enjoy watching you work your magic!

@DinoEsculturas 3 жыл бұрын

Each video is a masterclass

@ruslan_kasimov 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely amazing work!

@alancastaneda8322 3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful art. Always love seeing a maquette utilized.

@ankeshmbbs 2 жыл бұрын

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 ❤️

@el_jay 3 жыл бұрын

you are so inspiring!! love these process vids

@victoriam167 3 жыл бұрын

amazing James Gurney, thankyou so much for sharing with us, always a joy to watch :-)

@jaxfishn0 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@avelorelle5581 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing! Thank you for sharing your process

@Homalo87 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing. Absolutely amazing work.

@coni2d 3 жыл бұрын

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

@riffsandpics 3 жыл бұрын

This is awesome, the models, the painting, so cool.

@bongaz3547 3 жыл бұрын

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

@cathyxu1301 3 жыл бұрын

Inspiring as always!!!! Love your videos!

@ananananabop 3 жыл бұрын

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!

@ryanconnelly7782 11 ай бұрын

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

@TheCompleteGuitarist 3 жыл бұрын

Just wanted to say thank you as I used some of your earlier videos last year to inspire a a primary school dinosaur project that I did with my students last year. Love your work.

@virginiarinkel7544 3 жыл бұрын

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 3 жыл бұрын

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

@BB.halo_heir 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing, God given talent! Love your work ♡

@TuanNguyen-yz3kw 3 жыл бұрын

always love this workflow. Awesome :D

@susanhepburn6040 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing work! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

@purandikaanugrahherdian8251 3 жыл бұрын

I always feel inspired everytime I watched your videos

@agluebottle 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@Artisticcreationsbylisa Жыл бұрын

I’m so so very excited that I found you on KZfaq! 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!

@christophepleinairperspect5096 3 жыл бұрын

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

@edizone1842 3 жыл бұрын

I needed a video about dinosaurs so much, thank you so much James!!

@Silas237 3 жыл бұрын

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

@mikepolo2887 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing works and useful info!

@jorgesalinas9505 3 жыл бұрын

wow! I enjoyed the whole process!!

@debonairLADY 3 жыл бұрын

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!