BATTLE...or MEDITATION? | My State of Mind While Painting
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.พ. 2025
- 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.
WATERCOLOR AND GOUACHE:
Anthraquinone blue: amzn.to/2WrK1h8
Indian red: tinyurl.com/bd...
Yellow ochre: amzn.to/2SfXc2O
Titanium white: amzn.to/2XSOld4
VIDEO TUTORIALS:
"Gouache in the Wild" (Stream or Download on Gumroad): gumroad.com/l/...
"Color in Practice: Black, White, and Complements (Gumroad): gurneyjourney....
"Color in Practice" (DVD) jamesgurney.co...
“How to Make a Sketch Easel” (Download): gurneyjourney....
“How to Make a Sketch Easel” (DVD): jamesgurney.co...
“Watercolor in the Wild” gumroad.com/l/...
"Casein in the Wild" gumroad.com/l/...
"Flower Painting in the Wild" gumroad.com/l/...
BLOG POSTS WITH MORE GEAR INFO:
Gouache Materials List: gurneyjourney.b...
Watercolor Materials: gurneyjourney.b...
BOOKS BY JAMES GURNEY:
1. Color and Light: jamesgurney.co...
2. Imaginative Realism: jamesgurney.co...
3. Dinotopia: A Land Apart from Time: jamesgurney.co...
OTHER OFFICIAL SITES
Gurney's official website: jamesgurney.com...
Instagram: / jamesgurneyart
Pinterest: / gurneyjourney
GurneyJourney Blog: gurneyjourney.b...
Facebook group "Sketch Easel Builders": www.facebook.c...
CAMERA:
Canon M6: (time lapse, video, and stills): amzn.to/2J4RTgX
Rode Video GoII Mics: tinyurl.com/ms...
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.”
BOOKS
1. "Painting as a Pastime: by Winston S. Churchill: tinyurl.com/zx...
-- Online source for Churchill audio: archive.org/de...
2. "Tao-Te Ching" by Lao Tzu (Laozi): tinyurl.com/yy...
3. "Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain" tinyurl.com/7e...
4. "The Case Against Reality" by Donald Hoffman. tinyurl.com/2p...
NEUROSCIENCE AND PERCEPTION
Podcasts:
1. Donald Hoffman with ZDoggMD: • The Case Against Reali...
2. Jeff Hawkins with Sam Harris: www.samharris....
3. Robin Carhart-Harrris with Sean Carroll: tinyurl.com/44...
4. Lisa Feldman Barrett with Tom Bilyeu: • Neuroscientist Reveals...
Music by Chris Haugen. • Chris Haugen - Firefly
Some of the links above are affiliate links, for which I make a small commission at no cost to you.
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.
Someone once advised me to think that way about about stage jitters, and it's been helpful to remember that a little dose of fear is just a sign you care about what you're doing.
@@JamesGurney exactly, that self awareness in the moment can be hard but it is so useful
A great point. Master Artist Patricia Watwood just released a book called "The Path of Drawing". Based on what you said, you would enjoy it immensely and it would enhance your enjoyment of art and the process. Published by Monacelli Press. I love it, so inspiring.
Art and fear is great book addressing this, and also many other books not specific for art but anything in life. Only word i would replace is "battle" because battle means fighting it. And fighting or ignoring or running away from fear only means more and/or delayed fear. What i assume you really mean is facing it and let it be, or even better, embracing it. Inner peace that comes after that is immeasurable.
I'm really passionate about what's your opinion about my drawing videos.
"The object isn't to make art, it's to be in that wonderful state which makes art inevitable." (Robert Henri, "The Art Spirit")
That's a lovely thought!
That's a wonderful quote, one I'd never heard.
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.
I hope you rebuild your life well, and better than before.
Best of luck to you friend. 👍
I cant imagine what you are living through. I hope creating art brings some peace into your life.
Mr. Gurney..I'm passing through a difficult time.....but with your video you sent me happiness...thank you!
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
Ha, I know what you mean. That's what's nice about TH-cam. It helps us all find our way to wonky topics, doesn't matter how obscure.
@@JamesGurney this longer format works really well for you!
Same
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.
What a great point. I need art in my life. I suffer from chronic pain and mental health issues following spinal injuries in a car crash. I bought a book in December, I would encourage you to have a look at it because it's one of the most outstanding books I've ever bought.
Master Artist Patricia Watwood released a book called "The Path of Drawing". Based on what you said, you would enjoy it immensely and it would enhance your enjoyment of art and the process. Published by Monacelli Press. I love it, so inspiring.
I hope it would aid your teaching. Another great series of books by English artist Jake Spicer are excellent. There's currently 5 in the series and a new one featuring Animals bring released in Spring 2023. They're called, "You Will Be Able To Draw".... Best of luck.
In my development as an artist, I always learned the most, when I learned about what other artists THINK about while working, rather than what they actually DO. Perception is more important to train than the muscles in your arm and hand.
Genuinely curious - why is it that you suggest creative outlets to women and not men?
@@majrminer Probably bc they work with women? Are you inclusive with every gender in your spaces?
"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!
"Get the scene into the soles of my shoes" ~ brilliant!
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.
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.
You are a gift to artists worldwide Mr. Gurney.
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.
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!
Came for the painting, stayed for all your words of wisdom and thoughts. Thanks!
And our man out here doing all of that as though it weren't just below freezing the whole time! Legend.
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.
I bought Color in Practice yesterday. As a partially color-blind beginner, I found the video WELL WORTH the price.
For the ones who love art, we have the privilege to watch this video, the painting in detail and thoughts of mr.Gurney.
You live in the “ now” Mr. gurney. No thoughts of past or future, just enjoying each moment as if they were art.
A masterclass on watercolor and gouache plus philosophical musings on the nature of the artist? Sign me up! You have a new subscriber sir!
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!!
Based on what you said, you would enjoy The Path of Drawing by Master Artist, Patricia Watwood (released in November 2022) immensely and it would enhance your enjoyment of art and the process. Published by Monacelli Press. I love it, so inspiring.
@@damienkearns3654 Thank you for the recommendation!
James Gurney, you are a marvel! Your insights are so helpful. Thank you so much. ..Doug & Di, Australia.
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.
I'm not a painter, but have fallen in love with your wonderful lessons and meditations. It all started when I went looking for DIY recipes for milk paint to fix up some old furniture, because I'd decided I'd like to try mixing my own colors. Funny and wonderful how these things go. Thanks for the beautiful videos and deep dives on seeing.
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!
James! I really enjoy this video! The sounds, the images, the timming, the music, the dog and the process to get that beautifull picture! Thanks a lot for sharing. Flor
When you describe the feeling you have when you’re painting, I can identify with that. Sometimes I stand back when I’m finished painting and I wonder how I even did it. Because I can’t always repeat that exact same process. It’s almost as though I am inspired. Because without that feeling of inspiration, I really don’t make a good painting. And I have to struggle through it. I go over a lot of my paintings and of course some are not very good but others are very good and I look at them and I think how did I do that. But I know it was that moment of inspiration that made the difference, reaching a different level of consciousness and acute awareness.
You live in the area I lived in, born to, that train ran literally under my home over the Hudson River...Beacon etc. I had to leave but the beauty there is brilliant, always changing. I can't decide if you just talk way too much or maybe you know what is important to you & just have to talk about it. Your paintings some of them are beautiful. A detail Man
"Quiets the chorus of worries " !!! This video was a trip !!! Will watch again and SHARE. Thank you. "Miigwech"
I don't see it as 'fear', rather, but as 'anticipation', specifically, anticipation of meeting my expectations...which are always high, as they SHOULD be. Plus, if you are at all 'good' at what you are doing or involved in, you already KNOW that there is ALWAYS going to be an initial phase of irritation where the work is not yet looking like it will in the end. Now that I am older, I already KNOW this phase is coming, and so, I accept it. I do not 'fear' starting a new project, even though I may in fact 'feel' a bit hesitant to actually take the first step which is to START. The START is the hurdle. After that, it's smooth sailing so long as you keep at it til' the finish line.
I like to think of art as a meditation. But it can be a battle, especially if you are trying to improve. I remember during the lockdown I printed out a bunch of Matt Stawicki art and held it up to my paintings as I was really trying to get Stawickis command of the figure down. I drove myself to the point of having panic attacks but I took a deep breath, pushed through it and after stepping away decided to relax and consult a veteran painter at the school I taught at. ( taught comics, and he taught Oil Painting) He explained to me some simple things I could do to prepare the surface of my painting that allowed me to better control the pigment. introduced me to the Zorn,and Reilly Palette and helped me find a method that worked for me. With renewed excitement I went and did a painting I would consider successful applying all of the things he taught me. And the funny thing is he was a coworker but just in a different department. Then what is even more funny is I come to learn that Matt Stawicki himself in interviews expressed the same anxieties and fears I had. It seems no matter how good you are, all artists are their own worst critics. I think Stawicki is an excellent painter in the tradition of Elmore, Caldwell etc but my guess is if you asked Matt, he'd humbly say he is not in the same league as those guys. Well I say yes, yes you are Matt.
Yes, this is great mindfulness practice indeed! Loved this peaceful, informative tutorial!
Thank you for sharing this with us, Mr. Gurney! Great insights! Greetings from Germany!
I love your comments about painting and life. Also, did I mention that I love that you add your wonderful dog Smooth!
Beautiful painting session. The sound in my headset was amazing.
Thank you, this was lovely. Years ago I found Churchill speech cassette tapes at a library, and I have been an admirer ever since. But I did not know he painted! Thanks again for all you do for art and expansion of a more conscious life.
Churchill’s paintings are easily accessible via Google. - - As are Queen Victoria’s! - both are well worth checking out, as clearly painting was a respite if not a full-on escape for them both~ ~ ~
Mr Gurney, I don’t know what’s changed but the quality of your videos has increased a lot.
I’m really digging the binaural audio too.
I love this longer video format. Even if you make a full 2-hour video of your unedited painting process while listening to nature sounds, I will watch it! (Yes, I am the type who watches 2-hr study with me videos in the background.)
“Battle…or meditation?” Whichever one let’s me win.
Nice video!
When I'm writing in a coffee shop and I get distracted by overhearing conversation about politics or something else that gives me anxiety. I have found that quickly moving into cafe sketching someone who's not paying attention really calms me down. I forget the conversation and my anxiety and am fully focused on just trying to draw what I see in front of me. It also just quiets my inner chatter before I write. I can really attest to drawing and painting being a meditation.
Loved the commentary on this episode. And the painting of course as always! Been into neuroscience lately, especially the evidence on lack of free will. Similarly to how neuroscientists frame seeing as a consciousness of making sense of the data that our biology creates, the feeling of free will is a similar illusion of agency, how we make sense of all the sensory impulses, unconscious events that affected our brains and bodies, that eventually make up the actions we perform.
Thank you James!
I very much agree with the things you said and thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!
I have practiced meditation (in many forms) for over 10 years, longer than I have been painting. However, I believe the two do not exactly mix and match. They do overlap in attending to the present moment, but to very different results.
With painting, yes, you are attending to the present moment, but you are not sitting in awe at the wonders of life you do not usually stop to notice like most meditation practices would have you do. Instead, you are replacing the emotional inner speak, the voices and doubts with critical thinking about shapes, placement, colors, and so on. For sure, this cannot be relaxing, critical thinking is the slow system and demands a lot of brain power, not in the same way we understand relaxation from being mindful about nature's wonders, or what the Japanese call "yugen", a word that is hard to translate exactly, because it appeals to feeling, and feelings are hard to put into words (it's like Burke's Sublime).
There are other activities that are infinitely better than painting for relaxation and offer the same escapism without the hassle: reading is one, for obvious reasons, but the simplest example is music, arguably the supreme art form. To whoever hasn't tried this, just find a simple backing track and improvise in the pentatonic scale over it, and witness what no other art form could ever give you. It's liberating, wonderful, pure freedom and joy. It doesn't matter what you play, because everything will sound well. And you may endlessly do this, and it may never become old. Yes, music has its difficulties, but they're significantly easier to deal with, and the results are relaxing. And, say, once you learn a song, you can make use of it for a lifetime. Can't really say the same about painting, where it is more like a visual journal and old photographs.
I admit to being biased because if I'd have to choose again, I'd definitely choose music, specifically because of the cooperative nature of it vs the loneliness of painting. Although I do appreciate the wonders of painting, art can be soothing and specific parts of it can be enjoyed (not the construction part, ever), and it is very rewarding sometimes, like you said, it is not relaxing at all. It is more like going to the gym. You don't "play" painting.
Even certain video games (non-competitive ones) are more relaxing than painting, although not really a meditation practice.
For myself, meditation, books, and music are THE most relaxing things I have found.
Again, just adding a few thoughts on the matter, not challenging your perspective and what works for you. Everyone should do whatever works for them, but, as a very curious being, I would strongly encourage exploration of other avenues. That being said, I am loving your videos, and, again, thank you!
I just recently came across your channel, I'm enjoying it. I'm a younger artist living quite nearby Rhinebeck in the HV. Brave to get out there in the plein freezing air, though it has been quite a mild winter! thanks for sharing.
I’m so excited watching this video :)
1) I hope you didn’t catch a cold, I get cold just looking at that much snow.
2) as an ASMR enthusiast I’m so so happy about the sound quality.
3) I love art, and your art as well as your TH-cam videos always cheer me up :)🙌
I didn't catch cold this time but the fingers and toes did get a little icy. For the audio, I'm trying out the Rode Wireless Go mics, which pick up everything.
You can only catch a cold (virus) by someone else infecting you, not by being cold. It's an old wives tale lingering on here in Ireland and abroad as well.
@@damienkearns3654 no way, the more you know :)
Thank you, a top notch video. As I find myself a bundle of anxiety in this unrecognizable world. You gave me the ability this morning to hold on to the values of simplicity and importance to connect with nature as medicine for the mind.
18:15 timidity and indecision, familiar foe for such a woman as myself perhaps. Undoubtedly one reason I cherish the man I am with and being by his side.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts so that I as well as others might learn and improve what gifts we may have.
I just discovered a video when I was looking at your books on Amazon where you were the one assigned to paint the Australian dinosaur series Australia Post stamps. I remember those stamps! Little did I know at time who was behind them. Truly amazing.
Really great content. Thanks for elevating the quality of an ever deteriorating TH-cam
Hello Mr Gurney, I love watching you paint and your story telling. I've learned a lot from you. Though I've been watching you for at least a couple of years, I had no idea you had other books besides the teachings. I think the Dinotopia series are phenomenal all the work you put into it, my goodness, you must have really enjoyed yourself.
I was also looking around your site today and purchased that book by E.G.Lutz and did request it to be signed to me by you. That in of itself is very exciting. Sorry I don't post more, but know I am an avid fan, and I absolutely love your work. 🌞🌻🩵🫶
Take care, be safe.
Peace & Blessings
(Mary) Katherine
I bawled my eyes out watching this after the Churchill quote and continued doing so the entire rest of the video
it's always good to see Smooth keeping look out for you James! Glad to see you back at work!
Thanks so much for the video; it encapsulates everything I always think about when I watch paint. So many times I think I would stop because I'm in awe with your work before it's finished.
It has been a battle for me every time when I draw in the past 12 months. I haven't felt the excitement and happiness I used to feel when I draw for almost a year now. It's mostly because reality kicks in and I feel like I must improve to be able to earn money from drawing. It has been so frustrating and I have lost most of my confidence throughout this year. I am still trying hard to improve, but I always feel worried and hopeless and feel like I'm such a failure. I feel like I can't stop though, if I want to find a job, I must continue, no matter how frustrated I am when I draw.
By the way, I love your videos! I like the fact that you always include the nature in your videos, they are pretty relaxing and at the same time educational to watch!
The only thing worse than the debilitating frustration you describe is unassailable self-satisfaction, because it blocks the openness to learn and improve. You've just got to dial your brain halfway between the two. I believe any skill can be learned if it's broken down into manageable parts, but you do have to muster the persistence to push through the rough parts. As far as developing an income-earning career path, we all have to figure that out, even us old pros have to reinvent our business lives during times of disruption.
@@JamesGurney Thank you for this, Mr Gurney.
I needed that as well.
@@JamesGurney Thank you! I will keep reflecting the way I learn and pushing myself to stick with my learning schedule. I have stopped drawing for the last 1-2 weeks, but I don't want to keep up, it's time to keep learning.
Thank you so much!!!
Watching the process of you painting is a real meditation
This video came out a while back, but I wanted to wait to watch it - I’m so glad I did. It made the perfect moment on a quiet Saturday morning, it was such a delight to watch - the painting, the thoughtful reflection, the great music, and you bet I dug out the headphones! Thank you so much, this was a joy to watch! ❤
Always amazing! Beautiful painting and wise words…
This is one of the most favorite video in your playlist.
Topic of 'state of mind' is really helpful as an artist more than each actual painting techniques.
The ambient and relaxing atmosphere are also very nice, I'm looking forward to see this kind of painting journey in future videos.🍷
thank you for the left / right audio test - made me realize I had switched the cables for my speakers
thank you James, it's always a pleasure to watch your videos and observe your delightful paintings in detail. especially with a cup of tea sitting in the heat!
So lovely to watch and listen to. I learn so much.And the inclusion of Smooth adds a certain something.
Thanks James - another classic. Your videos are the best thing on TH-cam- pure joy
James, you have a phenomenal channel which I have only just stumbled across. Thank you for providing so much knowledge and instruction
I so appreciate your skill and communication about the painting process. thank you
Loved your reference and clips of Churchill and others and how to get the feel of this painting! Amazing!
23:56 we might think of it as funny or cute. But the squirrel might be feeling, what can best be describe as a horror story. Perspective is everything.
Painting is like taking a walk. It can be taken with purpose and a destination in mind, or it can be taken whimsically with reckless abandon in search of somewhere new and special. Either way, the walk is in itself more rewarding than the destination.
This video is a great gift from you, as great as you are. Thank you very much always. God bless you James.
Subtle editing flex at 28:16. Well played, sir.
You are so inspiring - a great artist and poet.
I love watching you draw and paint, it somehow brings me back to earth
Your videos are always so inspirational on so many levels. I enjoy the deep thought philosophy and history, looking forward to explore some of your links provided.
Thank you for tapping upon subjects that artists only would be able to articulate. I also can feel mentally fatigued after painting, drawing something. I suppose the more I do this this might become less so, maybe not, but I wouldn't trade it for anything! Thanks again for another meaningful 'talk' and the beautiful end result:)
Sir you are my favorite art teacher. Thank you for helping me so much.
John Medina's book Brain Rules has some interesting things to say about vision an about how our brain and eyes literally makes things up filling in the details in our gaps in vision. Thanks for a thoughtful ruminative video.
so much to chew on, I'm going to be pondering your points for a while. terrific painting, thanks for sharing
Thanks for so illuminating video ;)
I love your longer form videos and the pace of this one. I find painting to be the greatest of meditations; getting “lost in paint” is delightful. That is a lovely little painting. Smooth is such a good boy…how old is he now?
Smooth is over 7 years old-slowing down a little, but still an enthusiastic puppy.
@@JamesGurney Do husky type dogs ever grow up?! 🤣 Always sweet to see him in your videos!
Really loved your video. It's always a pleasure to watch you paint and listen to your anecdotes about people, or places, or things... I definitely want to paint a new painting right now. Thanks, James. Have a great day
A masterclass in explanations of the painting process, mindfulness , neuroscience and video editing...All in a 30 min video...Just excellent 👌 Thank you Sir for this wonderful gift❤
I love your videos! Awesome! 🙏 Greetz from the Netherlands
Always a pleasure to watch you paint.
what an absolute legend
So true. Everything you said goes on in my mind. Loved this video
I enjoyed watching this very much and was fascinated as the picture developed.....however, I cannot imagine ever needing antifreeze in my brush rinse water!
what an amazing human being - respect
I love your sponsors products! I have purchased several of them and enjoy watching them over and over, I pick up something new each time! Hope you make more! Smooth is doing a good job!! For me the battle comes in the form of discipline in getting myself out there and painting and then the meditativeness comes.. its a combo for sure! thank you for the video today!
Probably the most important topic and video on painting. Question to mr. Gurney: does language-based thinking versus visual thinking play a role in your processes?
For me these are two identifiable modes when working: automatic (energetic) and analytic (rational). A lot of my proces starts with this enthusiasm supported by a semi-automatic engine that has been cultivated over the years. But when there’s resistance - either from the mind not being focused or concrete visual problems that need solving - then I turn to asking active questions.
I recognize very much this idea of ‘visual information overload’, and that’s where active questions can help: it’s like the difference between eating the whole pie at once (anaconda-style), or cutting it into smaller slices through asking questions. And there are definitely neurological parallels, especially when looking at research on ‘saccades’ (eye movements) an the way they are steered by our thinking processes. Most of those actually correspond with they way we make marks with a brush or pencil, up to the point where both the eyes and brush marks start wandering at a certain point of effort. Exploring the inner world (painting from the subconscious, imagination and memory) is a whole other bag of tricks...
That being said: I love the automatic mode where it’s all flowing, and even though ‘rational mode’ often gets better quality results, it also feels kind of less mystical/warm and more cold.
I’ve been painting for about 15 years now, and drawing since I was 3/4 (35 now). And the past five years I’ve spent a lot of time doing mural projects. Especially when painting at 130ft, time, resource and energy-management become serious aspects. But I can heartily recommend it: replacing the classic brush with a roller and stick on a huge wall.
Coming back to the proces aspect, there is one thing I do struggle with a lot: when does the proces end? This is why life-painting and working on walls is such a good challenge: the time constraints are often very much set. But when creating autonomous work in the studio, it is often less ‘rational’ and more ‘intuitive’, which feels indulgent and great, but always leads to an open ended process that is much less satisfying. Perhaps because without asking questions the mind can’t really decide when ‘enough is enough’?
Lars, you've raised some powerful ideas, and I'm just trying to imagine what it would be like to be high up on scaffolding with a paint roller figuring out a painting. But you're absolutely right: there's a verbal part of my brain that mostly shuts off when I'm painting, and when I sketch next to my wife Jeanette, an hour can go by without a word. While I'm in the moment on location, my thought process often feels scrambled, like the undifferentiated bits of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly during metamorphosis. The voiceover that you hear on my videos is an attempt to rationalize and verbalize the process. But inevitably I hit a philosophical wall: How accurately can I or anyone really know what really goes on inside my mind? Acccording to David Dennett in his famous Ted talk, the idea that we can accurately understand our own conscious processes is largely an illusion. th-cam.com/video/fjbWr3ODbAo/w-d-xo.html
What a journey you made! Hope you find harmony!
Really loved this longer-length video about your painting process and I'm learning so much. Thanks for such an immersive experience! You're a legend, especially that sponsorship deal you have.
Thank you James. You've given us so much to think about in this video. The concept of seeing and the motivation to capture a scene in paint is fascinating and beyond any method or technique.
Well deserved every subscription. Bravo.
Loved the video, the subject, and the painting! Smooth is a good boy, too! Thanks James!
Beautiful and clear flow of thought process about painting
Been watching you for years…you got me painting outdoors, and doing landscapes. Got your books. This may be my favorite video so far. So inspiring…thank you
I remember when the pandemic started you did a video by RR tracks and said Maybe we'll come out of this wiser and kinder. You do seem a bit kinder than before the pandemic.
Great video, how dogs just love being out in the snow.
Love everything about you as an artist, human and teacher. I notice the change in the boots. Such an ordanary subject transform in wonderfull art. Thank you and hope to see more start to finish tutorials. So much to learn from you.
Thank you for video and new view on things.
My thougts are that painting is the battle only if you care about the result. If you don't care, then it's a pleasure just to paint.
There was a long time, when a cared and precisely did strokes as it has to be and later find myself in some nitpicker state ( is it correct in english? : ). No fun. Then I learned to leave mistakes (few see them in the final picture, anyway) and just go on, and find great ease in painting. In some state every painting starts to live its own life. It does not exclude rational analysing and thinking, but its more like automatic writing. More like lovemaking than battle. Way of the water, as you said, let it flow. Some kind of meditation it is for sure.
My pictures are not masterworks, but who cares, it's joy to paint. Imo many peple are too obsesed with result, anxious with this and that (or owerall) , worried to have the best art supplies or whatever and misses the biggest fun in it.
Hitlers painter story is well known, but i've never known Churchill was painting too.
Inspirational James! Lot's to think about. Agree that it is a meditative process where you lose your sense of time. There were so many 'nuggets' in this video. Will watch multiple times. Excitement and peace simultaneously!
Really enjoy watching you paint! and great with the stereo sound.
Hi James. I enjoyed your video thanks. And a lovely painting there.