Painting Realistic Dinosaurs: 10 Top Tips

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  • čas přidán 8. 09. 2024
  • James Gurney shares ten strategies that he used to create dinosaur illustrations for Ranger Rick Magazine. Tips include planning with sketches, choosing a viewpoint, and making and photographing maquettes. DINOSAURS include: Thanatotheristes, Borealopelta, Hatchling Titanosaur, Patagotitan, and Spinosaurus.
    GUMROAD VIDEOS about dinosaur art:
    Tyrannosaurs: Behind the Art: gumroad.com/l/...
    How I Paint Dinosaurs: gumroad.com/l/...
    The Mammal That Ate Dinosaurs: gumroad.com/l/...
    Australia's Age of Dinosaurs: gumroad.com/l/...
    MATERIALS:
    Sculpey (Polymer clay: Sculpey): amzn.to/3rnS3FG
    Magic Sculpt (Two-part epoxy clay): amzn.to/39g10KO
    Model Magic (air dry sculpting material): amzn.to/39hP4Z6
    Liquid Acrylic (transparent red oxide): amzn.to/39eAhOD
    Hot glue gun: amzn.to/3clSvjo
    Illustration board: amzn.to/3dbTEsP
    CAMERAS and AUDIO:
    Canon M6 (time lapse, video, and stills): amzn.to/2J4RTgX
    Zoom H2N digital audio recorder: amzn.to/2XXAOfP
    Rode Video Mic GO (microphone): amzn.to/2UQGTc9
    BOOKS BY JAMES GURNEY:
    Color and Light: A Guide for Realist Painters: amzn.to/2JhWtfc
    Imaginative Realism: How to Paint What Doesn’t Exist: amzn.to/2LbVHhc
    Dinotopia: A Land Apart from Time: amzn.to/2xyamRM
    OTHER OFFICIAL SITES
    Instagram: / jamesgurneyart
    Pinterest: / gurneyjourney
    GurneyJourney Blog: gurneyjourney.b...
    JamesGurney Website: jamesgurney.com/
    THANKS TO:
    Ranger Rick: John Gallagher, Kathy Kranking, Susan McElhinney
    Paleo consultant: Stephen L. Brusatte
    Music by Kevin MacLeod, Incompetech.com
    Additional Sculpts by David Krentz / davidkrentzart and Mike Trcic www.trcicstudi...
    More info about Ranger Rick magazine at their website: bit.ly/2QsRIEG

Komentáře • 425

  • @tamasmihaly1
    @tamasmihaly1 Před 3 lety +541

    His blood is 50% gauche and 50% Casein. A disciplined, talented and deeply consistent artist. It's as though light follows his direction.

  • @erkannurdun7074
    @erkannurdun7074 Před 3 lety +429

    This channel is VERY underrated

    • @armandoguajardo4789
      @armandoguajardo4789 Před 3 lety +4

      Indeed

    • @eileenjohnston6835
      @eileenjohnston6835 Před 3 lety +22

      Absolutely, Gurney's book are well wort the price and time to read. I recommend them.

    • @Welther47
      @Welther47 Před 3 lety +10

      No it's not. It's very highly rated.

    • @brotherfullmer
      @brotherfullmer Před 3 lety +8

      I just made that same comment to my wife. He should have SO many more views. This is the best instruction on illustration anywhere.

    • @gabrielerosa665
      @gabrielerosa665 Před 3 lety +10

      It's not a channel for everybody, you need good skill to follow the learning process and may be, somebody feels not at this level to continue watching....there's a lot of "more easy" chnnels to "instant improve learnings"....

  • @RocketWorm
    @RocketWorm Před 3 lety +186

    Honestly, it's almost as if Dinosaurs are still alive and you're just documenting them. Love your work.

  • @GinoGabriel-t5c
    @GinoGabriel-t5c Před 3 lety +9

    Just illustrating, painting, hand crafting, and sculpting, that's all. Just another day for a legend.

  • @disegnintasca
    @disegnintasca Před 3 lety +53

    Considering the time it takes to prepare a single illustration, the fact that you find the time and energy to make these video is incredible. Thank you so much for going the extra mile every time and to share with us your knowledge.

  • @Art_Vandelay_Industries
    @Art_Vandelay_Industries Před 2 lety +10

    Even the preliminary sketches and models look like works of art. And the process of creating something like these paintings looks so satisfying.
    Also: the original Dinotopia is still my most prized posession when it comes to books, ever since I've been a kid. My father used to read me from it every night. When I read it myself when I was older, I found out that he added a lot of little details while reading it, that are not mentioned in the book. This is what is so wonderful about it, it really stimulates the imagination and lets you get lost in the world.

  • @nuummuun
    @nuummuun Před 3 lety +45

    Master at work.
    James Gurney is a treasure.

    • @randalllaue4042
      @randalllaue4042 Před 3 lety +2

      Cannot believe he is not more popular!!! WONDERFUL!

  • @dianeo
    @dianeo Před 3 lety +66

    Fascinating and painstaking process. That trick with the cardboard strip pulling the colors down to create 'reflections' is pretty brilliant.

    • @ptaylor4923
      @ptaylor4923 Před 3 lety +3

      Yeah... I enjoyed learning that technique, too.

  • @StudioHannah
    @StudioHannah Před 3 lety +90

    Aww, I remember getting Ranger Rick newsletters when I was in elementary school. RR has been around for a LONG time! I would have loved a dinosaur issue with your artwork

    • @JamesGurney
      @JamesGurney  Před 3 lety +36

      The folks that work at Ranger Rick are very impressive and great to work with. They make a big effort to get the science right, but also make it come alive for kids.

  • @11serendipity11
    @11serendipity11 Před 3 lety +54

    Hello Mr. Gurney, I ordered your book Color and Light and I must say it's the best art related book which I have. It took a month for it to arrive but it was absolutely worth the wait! I am so grateful for this book, it's been an immense help for me, it's full of great tips, I learn something new with every page. Your illustrations are incredible. If I was only half as good as you someday. :) Thank you so much for the opportunity to learn from you and for the inspiration which your videos and books offer.

    • @JamesGurney
      @JamesGurney  Před 3 lety +23

      Wonderful! Thanks for the kind words.

    • @egas8701
      @egas8701 Před 3 lety +8

      I second this! I bought Gurney’s book as well a month ago, and everything you said is true!

    • @ptaylor4923
      @ptaylor4923 Před 3 lety +6

      I have Color and Light, too. It's a great book.

  • @AllanGildea
    @AllanGildea Před 3 lety +61

    Wow, James - your casual maquette was outstanding! Your skills are off the charts.

  • @redbeard365
    @redbeard365 Před 2 lety +3

    I searched for 'How to Paint a landscape in acrylic' and this is what popped up. A Master Class on recreating the entire Jurassic period with glue guns, moving boxes, wire and paint. Stunning. Wonderful. Thank you!

  • @Johnmccoyart
    @Johnmccoyart Před 3 lety +5

    The whole time I know how contrived this process is, despite its outward graceful and natural appearance. What affixes an artist to this process and slowly in his mind makes it second nature is the love for doing it. That love is inspiring!

  • @shannon68245
    @shannon68245 Před 3 lety +19

    Watching you construct maquettes is so helpful! I love drawing dinosaurs but get burnt out trying to draw their unique bodies from my mind's eye.

  • @jerryjacobsunny5574
    @jerryjacobsunny5574 Před 3 lety +25

    The realism in his paintings is so incredible

  • @Gotblade
    @Gotblade Před 3 lety +17

    The first thing I tried to draw as a kid just because it amazed me that the illustrations in the encyclopedia looked so photographic. I didn't know at the time they used models like you are doing of clay over scale skeletons to provide critical information on light and shadow. I was surprised that I could draw them fairly well. That was the first time I didn't feel like a kid with learning disabilities. For some reason I always liked the triceratops best. Your paintings are gorgeous! ❤❤❤

  • @SDW90808
    @SDW90808 Před 3 lety +11

    I love how Mr. Gurney takes things to the next level by creating the maquettes to get a three dimensional view of his subject. It's like when a magician reveals a trick or when you learn how to solve a puzzle. Obvious when you see how it's done. Much thanks for sharing your knowledge and talent, as well as for the entertainment.

  • @tb8865
    @tb8865 Před 3 lety +145

    Me before watching this video: I should really learn blender to help with my 2D work.
    Me after watching this video: I should really learn how to sculpt maquettes and physical models AND use blender to help with my 2D work.

    • @randominternetuser2
      @randominternetuser2 Před 3 lety +2

      Same!

    • @WildPortraitArtist
      @WildPortraitArtist Před 3 lety +5

      saaame, though ngl I'm a little intimidated by blender, sculpting by hand feels simpler xD

    • @Splatterpunk_OldNewYork
      @Splatterpunk_OldNewYork Před 3 lety +7

      Don't forget to 3D print those Blender models and add them to your physical sculpts.

    • @FengXingFengXing
      @FengXingFengXing Před 3 lety +1

      You can use Blender for general shape for lighting, no need sculpt if not create 3D model character.

    • @Splatterpunk_OldNewYork
      @Splatterpunk_OldNewYork Před 3 lety

      @@FengXingFengXing Good point. I use it as a supplement to my own modello's. I also use clay, fake flowers, shiny metal things etc. It is nice to 3d print say, a crow, and later dress it into the model.

  • @TheColdCreature
    @TheColdCreature Před 3 lety +8

    Pure talent! I never would've thought about making a 3D model first when I'm struggling! That's all I want to do now!!!

    • @athos9293
      @athos9293 Před 9 měsíci

      He wasn't born with all this knowledge. There's no such thing as "talent".

  • @yoavhalperin5852
    @yoavhalperin5852 Před 3 lety +12

    I was amazed at these little dinosaur sculptures! Great video

  • @josephomally4244
    @josephomally4244 Před 3 lety +9

    It's an honor to watch a master at work and get a glimpse of his process!

  • @eitenswelt7002
    @eitenswelt7002 Před 3 lety +28

    As a Collector, I would give my right arm for one of those maquettes.

  • @CeciliaSilva-bk4zx
    @CeciliaSilva-bk4zx Před 3 lety +17

    About a month ago I bought his "Color and Light" book and I can't recommend it enough. I'm about to read it the second time already. Looking forward to buying another one of his books in the future. Lots of useful information for artists.

    • @lolaritter7518
      @lolaritter7518 Před 3 lety +1

      Agree, it’s such an amazing book

    • @willmfrank
      @willmfrank Před 3 lety

      "Imaginative Realism" is a Must-Have. Among other subjects, he explores the use of miniatures and maquettes in greater detail than can be covered in a video.

  • @tessa6307
    @tessa6307 Před 3 lety +2

    Your creativity blows me away. I love all your videos, but I’m just so tickled to see some of your “imaginative realism” in action.

  • @coyoteclockworkstudios3140

    You've been my idol since I was in grade school. I remember my dad took me to a print shop, and there was Dinosaur Parade and Treetop Village. He bought me one of your Dinosaur Parade prints, and it hung on my bedroom wall until I moved out. It's still with me.
    I've wanted to be you ever since. You showed me how amazing fantasy art could really be.

  • @gracieosornio9291
    @gracieosornio9291 Před 3 lety +10

    Every bit of the process is an amazing art piece!!! I felt like I traveled millions of years back because you really can see them thru these models! And yes, pet birds and chickens are great models to use for inspirational pieces, just don't run out of seeds or treats! Thank you sir!

  • @thesleepyginger1856
    @thesleepyginger1856 Před 3 lety +6

    What a convenient time to post this video! I'm currently in a prehistoric life class and was just thinking of focusing my art on prehistoric life when I walked out of class and you posted.

  • @bksnow125
    @bksnow125 Před 3 lety +2

    I only learned of you and your fabulous art work the other day, while searching for more info on casein; I have owned my tube's over 15 years now ( Shiva brand). I am so impressed with your talent and how much your videos inspire me, I just had to subscribe so I don't miss anything. Thank you so much !

  • @johncollado1151
    @johncollado1151 Před 3 lety +2

    Hi James.... you amaze me and show something that a lot of artists probably don't do.... go the extra mile to achieve the perfect painting. Some of us, including myself do not put in the 100 percent that it takes to get that one painting done. I guess that's part of what I neglected to learn in my early years. But watching you makes me want to do that now. Thanks again for a very inspirational video.

  • @cvgurau
    @cvgurau Před 3 lety +16

    1:25 given how good his final paintings turn out, I'm never not surprised by how loose James' sketches are

  • @joethompson9001
    @joethompson9001 Před 3 lety +2

    Thank you for posting another dinosaur art video James 🙏 you are such an inspiration and have such great energy. Thanks again.

  • @exlibrisas
    @exlibrisas Před 3 lety +7

    This is real life Sponegbob's method of drawing the perfect circle.

  • @kelsieroach8896
    @kelsieroach8896 Před 3 lety +2

    Im literally speechless,you put so much work into your paintings…creating the models and everything. 👌

  • @DaveMeuleman
    @DaveMeuleman Před 3 lety +1

    I am following your videos for a while now. Looking at your paintings of houses and landscapes... Only now do I realize that you are the author Dinotopia!!! The book that kept me spellbound as a kid. I love your work!!!

  • @ravengreen6926
    @ravengreen6926 Před 3 lety +2

    Your creativity and ingenuity always amazes me. Most often when I paint I feel as though I’m stuck in a box and not quite sure how to get out of it. I hold myself to imaginary rules sometimes and your videos help me to see that there are many ways to get to where you are going! You said once in your videos that “everything yields to effort” and it has become a comforting reminder when I’m irrationally overwhelmed.

  • @nikolaikai940
    @nikolaikai940 Před 3 lety +15

    The prep that can go into a single image is amazing. I was expecting him to go
    "For this dinosaur, first we'll acquire some funding for a DNA lab ..."
    /cue Jurassic Park theme. 😂

  • @TOMMYVILLARREAL
    @TOMMYVILLARREAL Před 3 lety +3

    Thank you so much for showing your process master! Always it’s an adventure with your great videos!

  • @telldpablo
    @telldpablo Před 3 lety +3

    Wow! James you never cease to amaze me. Thank you again. Loving the marquette’s. You could do a whole how to to add to your collection of full length videos! (Please! 😉)

  • @jjmcguckin2658
    @jjmcguckin2658 Před 3 lety +1

    Love it James, keep her lit!

  • @mauriciomardones7330
    @mauriciomardones7330 Před 3 lety +1

    This must be the most specific but oddly satisfying art tutorial ever.

  • @sinifexxephinis4310
    @sinifexxephinis4310 Před 3 lety +1

    I read Dinotopia as a kid and loved it. I'm still elated to know that the master that created the art for those books is still here and I am able to see more of his art and learn from him.

  • @oswros
    @oswros Před 3 lety +1

    Bravo! This video not only shows the incredible procces you follow to make your incredible illustrations, but also the fun you have making them. During the model making process you look like a kid playing with toys! Such increible and inspiring video. Thank you, James.

  • @CassWomack
    @CassWomack Před 3 lety +8

    This was such a fun watch, cheers!

  • @cmanheman09
    @cmanheman09 Před 3 lety +8

    Exactly what I was needing to watch! Your timing is incredible James. Thanks for the tips kind sir!

  • @Daetalus67
    @Daetalus67 Před 3 lety +1

    I swear James, you are always doing something subtle in your videos that just make me laugh. All though I guess the huge pencil you are pointing with is not really that subtle. I love it. Oh and as always, you are one of my favorite artists, not just on CZcams but PERIOD!

  • @stormeffex
    @stormeffex Před 3 lety +3

    James, you've out done yourself with this video! Love the maquettes and your approach. You make it look effortless but we can all see the amount of work put into each piece.

  • @garthok6224
    @garthok6224 Před 3 lety +1

    Oh man... James is an eminence in everything that is needed to make awesome art. Thanks for sharing your knowledge

  • @NormanHilbert
    @NormanHilbert Před 3 lety +1

    I can't believe how generous you are in sharing this wealth freely. So inspiring, thank you for that!

  • @amyhunnisett9173
    @amyhunnisett9173 Před 3 lety +2

    My hat off to you sir. Truly magnificent tutorial video. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this!

  • @majahermes5998
    @majahermes5998 Před 3 lety +1

    This was absolutely gorgeous to watch. I rarely consume any art content, but I've been glued to my screen for the last 20min. You've done such a wonderful job with this video and with your art, thank you so much for sharing!

  • @tradingpostfarms
    @tradingpostfarms Před 3 lety

    Oh now this idea of playing with the toys outside, in the dirt, brings me so much joy and inspiration. Thank you!!!

  • @weill6872
    @weill6872 Před 3 lety +68

    How to paint dinosaurs: create dinosaurs and their environment, take pictures, then draw them multiple times and paint them.
    Ok.
    What the egg!!! This guy knows how to do things!

  • @neoVIVE
    @neoVIVE Před 3 lety +32

    Amazing video, as always :)

  • @ryanconnelly7782
    @ryanconnelly7782 Před rokem

    it seems rare that such a master of an art is also an amazing teacher, thank you infinitely for your work and your generosity

  • @valasafantastic1055
    @valasafantastic1055 Před 3 lety +3

    Great stuff as usual! I have to try some of this. If I’m going through the effort for a maquette personally I think I’ll try to go all the way into a full model. That matte medium and modelling paste tip was particularly inspiring. Keep up the fantastic stuff!

  • @sgood1033
    @sgood1033 Před 3 lety +1

    It looks so easy to draw for you, not for us. That is a magic that make a modeling become to a painting. You are the best, it's true.

  • @AnneliesvanOverbeek
    @AnneliesvanOverbeek Před 3 lety +2

    Everything in this video is amazing, but that giant pencil just made my entire day

  • @ankeshmbbs
    @ankeshmbbs Před 2 lety +1

    imagine the hardwork that goes into painting one dinosaur… which includes not just the dinosaur but the complete atmosphere.. these paintings have a unique feel to them !! great work James ❤️

  • @bc7138
    @bc7138 Před 3 lety +4

    This was very informative and oddly relaxing to watch. Great content as always.

  • @DinoEsculturas
    @DinoEsculturas Před 3 lety +2

    Each video is a masterclass

  • @mountainside26
    @mountainside26 Před 2 lety

    To quote Wayne and Garth: “we’re not worthy!” You are not only amazingly skilled and talented, but so incredibly generous of your precious knowledge, for those of us who were not able to obtain an art school education. Thank you.

  • @debonairLADY
    @debonairLADY Před 3 lety

    James, I admire your work all the time... But this project went above and beyond. I don't have formal Art education and people like you bring so much light to my intellect. Thank you!

  • @katesmith5010
    @katesmith5010 Před 3 lety +5

    Wow, once again, you invite us into your studio...thank you...

  • @silasmcgarrah4796
    @silasmcgarrah4796 Před 10 hodinami

    Such amazing work. It was people like you that made my childhood worthwhile

  • @mystforest
    @mystforest Před 3 lety +1

    That PENCIL!!! Hahahahaha! We are all extremely blessed you share so much, James. Thank you :) This is fun....

  • @agluebottle
    @agluebottle Před 3 lety

    Thanks for the behind the scenes look, Mr. Gurney. Like so many people, I grew up with your artwork both in magazines and the Dinotopia books.

  • @carmelorodriguezlemes2864

    James Gurney es para mi un gran genio del arte y sobre todo me gustan sus dibujos de dinosaurios.

  • @emmakay2986
    @emmakay2986 Před 3 lety

    Mr. Gurney you are truly an inspiration. Love your channel. Thank you

  • @lucasgabrielsilva7118
    @lucasgabrielsilva7118 Před 3 lety +1

    Its amazing

  • @petergamble6318
    @petergamble6318 Před 2 lety

    Outstanding. Mixing media gives the artist exponential possibilities. Walk softly and carry a big pencil James!

  • @susanhepburn6040
    @susanhepburn6040 Před 3 lety +2

    Amazing work! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

  • @Artisticcreationsbylisa

    I’m so so very excited that I found you on CZcams! I’ve been a huge fan of your artwork ever since I was little. I used to spend hours staring at the illustrations you created in my favorite illustrated childrens books wondering how you created them. Thank you so much for sharing your process behind your work! You inspired me to be an artist!

  • @broderp
    @broderp Před 8 měsíci +1

    One critique of most artist who make baby dinosaurs and eggs is the scale. Ever see a bird, chicken, snake or reptile hatch. They are tightly packed in the shell. Most artist make the shells so large the baby would have enough room for a big screen TV and recliner. Lol. I loved this video. Awesome work.

  • @Mancer1980
    @Mancer1980 Před 3 lety +2

    James - can't thank you enough for starting a CZcams channel and sharing all of your amazing work and techniques with us. I never thought I'd be able to see something like this when I got Dinotopia as a birthday present back in 1993. Question - how long does it take you to complete a major painting, like Waterfall City?

  • @gabbievee
    @gabbievee Před 2 lety

    i have to have added at least 100 views to this video by myself. it’s just so fascinating to see your process: all of the effort that goes into just one painting, and all of the techniques that you’ve mastered over the years. it’s a wonderful video. i really like it.

  • @dmitarvukicevic4280
    @dmitarvukicevic4280 Před 3 lety

    Another great video by Mr. Gurney, I think the paintings turned out wonderfully, best regards.

  • @Galinn_Arts
    @Galinn_Arts Před 3 lety +1

    The painting with the sauropod pool party is my favorite

  • @alancastaneda8322
    @alancastaneda8322 Před 3 lety

    Beautiful art. Always love seeing a maquette utilized.

  • @strathallanguy
    @strathallanguy Před 6 měsíci

    Besides the painting, really enjoying your dedication to filming the process getting start to finish.

  • @Primal_Saiyan
    @Primal_Saiyan Před 3 lety

    One of my old illustrator professors tought us this same method for making a dinosaur illustration. It was the fun and something I still use when i need a better reference for something.

  • @ptaylor4923
    @ptaylor4923 Před 3 lety

    You are great. Many people don't understand how much work goes into being great.

  • @riffsandpics
    @riffsandpics Před 3 lety +1

    This is awesome, the models, the painting, so cool.

  • @Silas237
    @Silas237 Před 3 lety

    Yay pls do more dinosaur videos they are your best work in my opinion. Love watching the process with the Marquettes

  • @cdsketch
    @cdsketch Před 3 lety +4

    these longer videos are great

  • @coni2d
    @coni2d Před 3 lety

    This video is adorable and just so wonderful. Very informative AND you left feeling giddy afterwards.

  • @alanlawrence2954
    @alanlawrence2954 Před rokem

    A Renascence man. Consummate artistic skill and a kaleidoscopic imagination.

  • @peter4210
    @peter4210 Před 3 lety +22

    The coincidence, lately I have been watching a lot of video of the modern look on dinosaurs and their descendants. it is nice to see people making art with the new data and not like in Jurassic park. I wish the new Jurassic park movie had done the same.

  • @rfresa
    @rfresa Před 2 lety

    Wow, I'm learning so much! I never would have thought of using oil paint OVER acrylics.

  • @TheCompleteGuitarist
    @TheCompleteGuitarist Před 3 lety

    Just wanted to say thank you as I used some of your earlier videos last year to inspire a a primary school dinosaur project that I did with my students last year.
    Love your work.

  • @malayalamwriter
    @malayalamwriter Před 3 lety +1

    This video deserves more than 5 million views

  • @Jamafly
    @Jamafly Před 2 lety

    As a kid I loved dinos. Still do but now with the ability to draw them. Thank you for this video!

  • @MrYDwen
    @MrYDwen Před 3 lety

    Hi Gurney I love your method of painting. I bought your book 5 years ago and it inspired me a lot. Thank you for sharing

  • @bongaz3547
    @bongaz3547 Před 3 lety

    The effort on these is amazing. Those models!!!

  • @ruslan_kasimov
    @ruslan_kasimov Před 3 lety +1

    Absolutely amazing work!

  • @CrazyCoolArt615
    @CrazyCoolArt615 Před rokem

    Scientist might be discovering new pages but you are bringing them back to life ❤

  • @purandikaanugrahherdian8251

    I always feel inspired everytime I watched your videos

  • @victoriam167
    @victoriam167 Před 3 lety

    amazing James Gurney, thankyou so much for sharing with us, always a joy to watch :-)

  • @MrFausten
    @MrFausten Před 3 lety

    A very complete and ingenious artist. Greetings from Argentina.

  • @panchoverde5078
    @panchoverde5078 Před 3 lety +1

    I am constantly learning from you.

  • @pollomago
    @pollomago Před 3 lety

    The amount of work tht these painting has, its amzing thanks for sharing