Paint First, Then Draw — Quirky Gouache Technique

James Gurney reverses the normal procedure in this plein-air painting of a dairy barn. Instead of painting over a careful preliminary drawing, he starts loose with a brush, and later changes his mind about the color of the barn. He draws on top of dry gouache with fountain pen, pencil, gel pen, and chalk.

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[BEARFOOD]

Every time I open YouTube and see a new James Gurney Video I feel a rush of excitement that I have with no other creator. This man is probably one of the greatest contemporary artists and yet he is just so casually doing his thing on here like everyone else. This channel is the best thing I ever stumbled across on this platform, and I really mean that!

[TheBookDoctor]

It always amazes me how everything looks so rough when you're putting down the strokes, but then when it's all done, the whole composition looks perfect!

[splendidcyan]

Watching James Gurney paint always makes me want to break out my paints, no matter where I'm at

[spaguettoltd.]

I love when you capture snippets of conversations with passerby!

[PalookaWhale]

I love listening to the passerby who stopped to chat with you. Also during those moments, I appreciated watching you paint in real time, without time lapse, and fewer cuts. Great video, great painting!

[geniarome]

I always felt a bit guilty when I used a pen or sharpie in a painting. Like I was cheating, but seeing you mix it up just broke down that, self imposed, mental barrier. 😊 Thank you!

[dianeo]

I love that gouache accepts other mediums so well, especially your use of pastels to achieve that glow. Great idea.

[aparnadeshpande]

The ability to paint like that is just magical.

[DannySabraArt]

Never thought to use the palette knife with gouache! Cool trick!

[MrHurley]

I spend too much time drawing in detail before painting, watching James I jist need a rpugh outline then block, the detail comes later... It's all in the detail!! Thanks james.

[pablosorini]

james you are a poet with a palette...you inspire always, you find and show beauty always... thank you, keep painting and keep love all you do

[HalfWarrior]

The sharp lines and corners you accomplish with the flat brushes is very similar to hand painted letters for billboards! Awesome James; thank you sir for another inspiring video!

[grandpa_eric]

My mind transcends into the experience with you, James, as I anticipate your next move or decision to interpret what you see. As much as I’m deep in thought, the guy engaging you in conversation is a big distraction. I think you were very kind and tactful about “coming over later.” Anyway, great work! Makes my day.

[aeastman]

you had a real 'chatty kathy' there! you are always so kind to people! was so glad to see this video today, its been awhile!!! I learned a few things, as usual! thank you

[crisalidathomassie]

Thank you for your kindness and encouragement with each video. The best at its best!

[a_m-wy]

Your brush strokes are amazing the way you capture the light and shadows. I am always amazed at your work thank you for sharing this !😊

[sujanithtottempudi]

Best thing about your videos is...the drama you create with background and colour values make them do all the magic

[lisakinney]

I live just a bit away from Billings Farms. It’s a beautiful spot. They do a lot of interesting things for local schools and such. Your painting captured the homestead feeling perfectly!

[inkonmyhands]

this is honestly my comfort channel :DD keep it up

[anishgautam]

I usually never comment on videos but I had to say that I love your videos ..they have always been an inspiration to me and has helped me in my own journey as a hobby artist...I hope u never stop posting videos