BATTLE...or MEDITATION? | My State of Mind While Painting

Artist James Gurney uses gouache to paint a stream cutting through a snow-filled forest landscape. As he paints, he considers the state of mind he experiences while painting. Topics: What modern neuroscience teaches us about visual perception. Winston Churchill’s ‘battle’ metaphor, and some of Lao Tzu's ideas from the Tao-Te Ching.

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QUOTES BY WINSTON CHURCHILL
“Painting is complete as a distraction. I know of nothing which, without exhausting the body more entirely absorbs the mind.”

“Painting is the same kind of problem as unfolding a long, sustained interlocked argument... It is a proposition commanded by a single unity of conception.”

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NEUROSCIENCE AND PERCEPTION
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[LoveBystroem]

I am almost always afraid before I do any of the things I love the most. Painting, drawing, rock climbing, hosting nights with friends, cooking. I am learning that that fear is good and it is indeed a battle, but one which can be won and will always reward bravery. And in challenging that fear, I can reach a meditation. A peace which can’t be rivaled.

[shsummers]

"The object isn't to make art, it's to be in that wonderful state which makes art inevitable." (Robert Henri, "The Art Spirit")

[shymkiv_art]

I'm Ukrainian, didn't watch your videos since the beginning of the war, didn't draw as well. Trying to get back to an old good life. Thanks for your work, helps a bit.

[thuggy]

Mr. Gurney..I'm passing through a difficult with your video you sent me happiness...thank you!

[janeosborne]

"Get the scene into the soles of my shoes" ~ brilliant!

[mapcrow]

"We don't just go outside to to paint to make paintings, but to have the experience of painting and sharing it with others." Wonderful!

[AVos-oqsv]

This is the type of niche content i live for. some guy crunching through fresh snow, painting landscapes in watercolor while reflecting on the tao te ching

[tradingpostfarms]

What an amazing explanation for the state of mind of an artist at work. I'm a person in long term recovery from addiction. I now teach drug and alcohol classes. And I'm so fortunate to incorporate art, and painting in my classes. I always encourage the women I work with to find some creative avenue like painting. Watercolor saved my life, and so I can only hope that sharing that with others may have a similar effect, maybe even play a part in saving a life. I teach the neuroscience of addiction, and I plan to now incorporate the neuroscience of painting as well.

[TonySwaby]

I returned to making art after 30 years determined not to fall into the traps that made me stop. I figured out that making art isn't a skill, it's a psychological state and that having the right mindset was the most important thing an artist must have.

[beccagee]

Every time I paint it's a little different, yet some things are the same. Sometimes the painting is so easy, and takes little effort, other times it's Iike giving birth. Sometimes the solution to a problem with a painting, will come to me in the middle of the night while I'm sleeping, other times I instinctively know exactly what to do. But always I enjoy the process, even when I'm ready to pull my hair out, because I know that I will eventually work it out. Usually it's peaceful, sometimes when others are around, it's exilerating, and I become hyperfocused, other times I rush in too soon, and make a mess. I love all of it.

[sooperdp]

As someone who is losing their vision to severe photophobia in my early 40's now I really enjoyed this explanation. I would not be able to draw in nature with all the bright snow, reflections, and other visual disturbances I have to deal with daily.

I was an artist. I used to love going out to my local park to draw on site. Drawing outside in front of the subject is always a challenge. The colors change and things move but it forces you to be more experimental and innovative as you pull from the fundamentals of observation.

[pruntyportraits]

You are a gift to artists worldwide Mr. Gurney.

[SeanTWright]

Thanks for sharing your outdoor painting method. Great to see fellow outdoor artist out and about in all weathers! A man after my own heart.

[dustydesert]

Or as Data said in Star Trek, “that’s a complicated set of variables.” When I start thinking about all the techniques that go into one painting it makes me want to quit before starting something I’m sure to fall short of achieving. The colors, the values, the perspective, the details - OMG!

[josephinastover]

I thoroughly enjoyed this combination of practical painting advice, the science of seeing and philosophical musings. I agree that it can be a battle to reach that meditative state, so much of life can get in the way...as well as the practical requirements of painting. But it's a worthwhile struggle indeed! I also really appreciated watching you walk through the winter landscape and hearing the snow crunch under your boots. How I miss snow!!

[mrs.dunlap]

A masterclass on watercolor and gouache plus philosophical musings on the nature of the artist? Sign me up! You have a new subscriber sir!

[aitoralvarez]

For the ones who love art, we have the privilege to watch this video, the painting in detail and thoughts of mr.Gurney.

[LeoR]

Came for the painting, stayed for all your words of wisdom and thoughts. Thanks!

[lidijaplestenjak]

I am not nearly as good in watercolor as master Gurney, but his videos always give me so much courage before painting… i’m not so afraid to make mistakes and take it all as a part of the process, even if most of the time my painting looks terrible… i trust that in the end it will all come together.. and it always does 💛 thank you for all the great lessons you offer us in your videos!

[AgnesPreszler]

I totally agree, painting and drawing require an intense mental effort. Thank you for your instructional videos and the knowledge you share with us. I have bought also your excellent books.