Painting a Sunflower Field with Jessica Henry Gray

Hello everyone, This week I am bringing you something completely new; I haven't demonstrated here on YouTube yet! Painting sunflowers, especially in their field, is something that inspires many artists and non-artists alike. Today I want t show you how to break down another complicated scene, to work in layers and develop a painting utilizing these steps.

In this video, I discuss more on the use of cool and warm tones to arrive at near and far atmosphere. I spend a little time discussing the challenges with working from photos and how to use your composition to develop a work of art by not becoming too literal and devoted to your reference photo.

Painting this sunflower field was very emotional as these flowers are part of a field called Maria's Field of Hope. Which is a foundation dedicated to researching a cure for pediatric cancer. To learn more, please follow the link below.

I will be offering prints from this painting soon and donating the proceeds to the foundation. I expect to make that announcement in the next few days. Join my email newsletter for notification of when these will be available:

I hope you can join me in the Ohio Kingwood Garden, Plein Air workshop, October 8-9, 2020. I have spaces still available in my Zoom Landscape Workshop and Zoom Portrait workshop. Can't wait to share new information!

Below are the links to the 4 new workshops I’ve added to this year, 2020. Follow the links.If the “Buy Now” button is visible, there is still room for you!

Here is the link to the print of this painting:

Plein Air Painting at Cannon Beach, OR October 2-3 FULL: Waiting list begun. If there is enough interest, I will squeeze another one in soon. 2 days, $200

Plein Air painting at Kingwood Garden, Mansfield, OH, October 8-9 (10 allowed, 4 spots left) 2 days, $200

Zoom, Landscape Painting: Oct 14-Nov 4 (4 days) 12 places, 5 spots left, Four, 4 hour lessons $325

Zoom: Portrait Painting: November 9-20 (4 days) 12 places, 6 spots left, Four, 4 hour sessions $325

As soon as they are full, I will begin a list for the next round of workshops, online and in person.

Other links and materials used in this video:

The Art Sale of the Year, now till September 15, 2020: (Just 9 left! They won't be around for much longer).

Join my email newsletter to be updated on my NEW Zoom workshops coming up soon!

Personal Critiques from me:

PALETTES
Small Palette:

COMMISSIONS

ART EDUCATION
Workshops 2020/2021:

Sign up for newsletter to be updated on upcoming Zoom workshops.
See web site for more information Plus! One more spot available for France 2021

Childrens Art Program, 18 lessons plus workbooks:

ART Materials common in all videos (with the exception of drawing and watercolor videos)

Gamblin Paints:
Colors:
• Titanium White
Cadmium Yellow Lemon
• Cadmium Yellow Medium
Indian Yellow
• Yellow Ochre
• Burnt Sienna
• Ultramarine Blue
• Pthalo Green
Alizarin Crimson

Mediums:
• Gamsol (Odorless Mineral Spirits- available through Gamblin Products)
• Refined Linseed Oil (Also available through Gamblin)

Painting Box:

Brushes:
• Signet Series by Robert Simmons: sizes 2,4,6,& 8

[nathaliechoury]

C'est très jolie ! Beaucoup de travail pour peindre les tournesols !👍

[jring]

This is so bittersweet. Our daughters picture is displayed in that field, we lost her 2 years ago to cancer. My daughter also loved sunflowers very much and it was amazing that Maria’s Field of Hope reached out to us and honored our daughter in such a beautiful way. I found your painting because I am just learning how to paint as grief therapy and want to make my sweet girl an amazing sunflower! Thank you so much for this 🌻

[barbarasidel]

I am trying to paint this one. I love painting sunflowers. Your help is invaluable. Thank you

[michelleannette]

Oh, thank you so much for sharing this

[monicaabel]

What a special and meaningful painting. You did a beautiful job . Thank you for sharing this, I learned so much.

[melaniedickson]

What a beautiful painting and story behind it, Jessica

[cynthiasanfilippo]

Very beautiful! I really love this painting!!! I paint too, but still learning, these videos really help! Ty

[borealiswan]

What a moving story behind this artwork ! You did an amazing job, all the love of the families involved is shining through each and every flower. And the music you chose is so uplifting ! Thanks for the awesome demo. 🌻

[karenschultze]

Thank you so much for sharing this tutorial! So therapeutic during the pandemic.

[starvingartistscollective]

This painting is sensational Jessica! An excellent painting for an excellent cause. Thank you!!

[marcyperrier]

I eñjoyed this so much and love your narrating each phase. I want to paint again. Thank you Jessicà

[kimlanoue]

So beautiful and perfect for right now. They are in full bloom. Such a beautiful story to go with this painting. I need to use my flat and bright more often. You inspire me to in this. Thank you.

[jamestierney]

Great tutorial super narration, Very helpful understanding
Warm and cool.Also what a beautiful story!
Thanks
I love the fog concept.
I would love a tutorial on just painting foggy in pictures, I like atmospheric paintings
Definitely one of your Best to add to your collection of Great 😊
So calming to just watch you paint 🙏🏼

[KirsiJulkuArt]

Hi Jessica! Just discovered your channel and got hooked to watch the way you paint! This painting has beautiful athmosphere and colors!

[lilithllyn]

Truly beautiful artwork. I love the details and envy your patience 😊💜

[barbarahaynes]

This is soooo relaxing. I enjoy how much you share, not just you artistic talent, but your thoughts that may help with struggles in life...

[debragag]

Nicely done! Are you using a painting medium?

[judithgoulden]

Often wondered how to attack a field of flowers...very helpful, thanks for the lesson.

[robertpotts]

Nice piece! I don’t mean this in any negative way, but I see growth in your work. Makes me want to pick it up again myself. :). Blessings to you and yours.

[marylouborusiewich]

Beautiful painting and story. When you toned the painting did you use medium or thinner with your paints and if so what are your favorites. Thank you for explaining that process.