Painting Tip: Background First, Foreground Last

James Gurney has only 45 minutes to paint the view from an airport parking lot. The blue sky gradation was painted in advance in casein, and he starts by painting the clouds over it. Then he paints the control tower, the trees, and the fences, proceeding from background to foreground. When you’re using opaque paints such as oil, casein, or gouache (the paint in this case), this classic technique allows natural overlapping and a sense of depth.

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[iambumpy]

The New Jersey Newark Airport has literally NEVER been more interesting.

[fluidfox]

Loved that solution to show the fencing.

[RLDSTUDIO]

That chainlink fence tip is fantastic.

[garydrawsandpaints]

I always keep this mind and try to practice it but then I fall, back to “paint in all the big shapes to unify the composition and edge” routine. Having said that I really appreciate your videos and knowledge. Even when producing my own painting demos. Thanks again James

[hildegardkhelfa]

The new ending looks awesome. The whole video a pleasure to watch, not to mention all those valuable info. As always. Thank you so much!

[alexisarton-powell]

Thank you always for the tips James Gurney ❣️

[thethghostbuster]

mr. gurney, have you ever painted a rainy scene? i think something with the water splashing on your ground would be just gorgeous (granted, all of your paintings are gorgeous)

[dianeo]

I really appreciate those close-ups. Clever outro. Thanks for the tips!

[canadaverydry]

You are a master! I love the fact that you can paint any dull urban landscape and turn it into a beautiful painting!

[DannySabraArt]

I love how this one turned out. Painting the sky first has saved several of my more architectural paintings from having too soft of edges.

[tradingpostfarms]

I'm always so impressed with your work. Amazing!

[deb]

I love how you washed out the red from left to right to suggest distance, well done!

[slaznum]

Making the mundane beautiful, always inspiring James Gurney

[tomhoward]

Most of my oil painting friends save the sky for last. However, I've always painted it first. Thank you James, for the confirmation.

[sussu]

Just bought your book Color and Light, I'm loving it. Your a big inspiration. You're one of my biggest motivations to start plein air painting, and to use other mediums like watercolors and gouache. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and your process. Kisses to your wife and Smooth 😍🤗😘

[RadTrashed]

James Gurney can stand in front of a dumpster, paint it, and make it look way more interesting and beautiful than any dumpster ought to

[georgeanderson]

Newark, NJ. Welcome to my state, Mr. Gurney.

[inkstickart]

i love how much work youve put into your abilities to make it look "effortless" love this! thanks as always for everything you do :D

[recoveringsoul]

Having grown up watching Bob Ross, who always painted in layers from background to foreground, but then deciding I'd like to try watercolor.... it seems sort of impossible like trying to paint in reverse. Gouache seems like it could solve some of those issues, or acrylic. But I like the look of watercolor. Oh why must I always pick the most difficult things?

[joanspecking]

I never fail to be amazed by how you can make a common sight into a wonderful painting!! Inspiring.