How to Paint Light and Shadow

I use gouache to paint a hayfield sprinkled with March snow. To capture the feeling of light, I start by defining the shadows.

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[nagridgecreative]

I can't get over the wealth of information you generously impart in only 11 minutes. I love your videos — and your paintings. Thanks for posting these.

[rhemasartspace]

"Life consists of both light and shadow. And the two together in a painting compliment and fulfill each other to make a complete artistic statement."

This reality makes art even more beautiful. ❤

[pebblesthecat]

*Mr Gurney*
Growing up I had art teachers try and explain about light and shade in a landscape. They could never explain it in a way I could understand what the process was and how to do it - it was always so complicated and unintelligible, nonsensicalu.
Years after leaving school I was recommended your book about colour and light, and while reading it, suddenly I had that light bulb moment when it all made sense..
You are the only true artist I know that can explain to the general person the most complex of ideas, in the simplist of ways. The addition of the four little squares of colour on this video shows the complete novice, a visual concept that makes it so simple to see how to achieve what you want, in a way as to be easily understandable.
You are a genius at simplifying and explaining the rules of painting, when everyone else makes "a complete pigs ear" out of it. Thank you yet again for sharing your wisdom and knowledge with us lesser mortals.
Also, when viewing videos by other proffessional, big name artists about the books they own, your book is ALWAYS on their shelves. It seems your wisdom and knowledge has made an impact on thousands of professional artists, illustrators, cartoonists, animators, advertisers, film makers and lastly, us amateurs. I think it's safe to say your eternal legacy has already been set in art, if not in stone.

[lenayeagle]

I excitedly went to like this video and accidentally hit the :down: thumb. I immediately remedied the situation, but YouTube told me that they were going to share the (negative) feedback with you. I'd be mortified to throw any negative feedback your way. I love all of your videos and appreciate how you go into such depth with useful, interesting and educational commentary! You're a gem, Mr. Gurney! Thank you for sharing your wonderful gift and demeanour with the world!

[dianeo]

I had never heard of the term "Houding". Interesting. I like that you found a seemingly mundane landscape to have artistic interest and it shows in your painting. A fun exercise in juxtaposing values, color contrasts & textures. I love the use of an inexpensive house painting brush, too!

[michaelstancato]

Love your painting, historic, philosophic, and technical narrative. Always jam-packed with insight!

[susankrzywicki]

Remarkable. Not only giving technical insight while I watch the creation event, but adding in a spiritual element that is inspiring - the dark side as mystery rather than evil! LOVE.

[CharlesHancockCreations]

You are a fantastic teacher. The way you explain the process and use other subjects to illuminate the concept from another mindset. Your editing, narrative, experience and overall effort are a beauty to behold. 🙏

[edzejandehaan]

Interesting, I am dutch and had no idea that common word "houding" once had this artistic meaning. Something to look into.
I am always very impressed by your handling of light and shadows in your work.

[GhostCharlie]

James gurney an example of life for artists. What I have learned the most from you is the understanding of things, the love for detail, sometimes it is better to stop and assess before even starting to paint. Sorry for my English

[magicasper]

i swear i learn something new in every video you post thanks

[anam]

Good evening, after viewing this video my son expressed his appreciation saying “ce mec est un trésor national” (this man is a national treasure)
Thanks for your generosity.

[willrothfuss]

I love the metaphysics train of thought while you are painting.

[pasitmanatphienlert]

Eventually the painting becomes breathtaking 😮

[amypak]

First of all, I absolutely love your videos and have learned SO much from you! You are a true inspiration. Thank you to both you and Jeanette for all you do.

Life does consist of light and shadow—all of creation is a marvel!
I just wanted to share, the reason Christians have a "divide" of light and darkness is not in the natural so much as it is in the spiritual. On the first day of Creation, God created light and separated the light from the darkness. We believe that the light came from Jesus (the planets/stars were not created until the 4th day). Scriptures say "He is the light of the world." That's our main reason for the battle of light and dark. 🙂

[meiran]

"light and dark fulfill each other". Thank you, Mr James.

[Shartlyfartly]

I have no artistic talent, but truly enjoy watching you all who do

[Melissa-gndv]

This is so well done! I do think though that when the Bible talks about living in the light, it doesn't mean the shadows of a landscape. It is just figurative.

[XD]

People like you should live forever Mr Gurney. Thank you so much.

[bhornannawindeedeigh]

I just found you in my feed, and whereas I don't think I could ever accomplish a genuine painting of any sort (I just play with watercolors and acrylics for mark making to use the papers I paint on in collage), I have to admit that I surely wish I could create a painting as lovely as the piece you created here for us today. It's a beautiful piece. I love it. Maybe someday I'll find a landscape to paint - and have the courage enough to make a true attempt at capturing what I see, even though I am completely untrained. I've never taken any formal art lessons, and I'm probably too old to try now, but your vid is truly encouraging. Thank you. 💐🙏🏽