Sketch Your Art Teacher Contest

Jeanette Gurney John Van Hamersveld Art Center

Here's a fun contest for art students. Nine rules:

 1. Sketch your art teacher in the act of teaching. Please work from life and not from a photo. The sketch can be funny or serious.

2. It's free to enter, and anyone in the world can enter. You can be a young student or an older student in any sort of class or workshop. You can also be an artist sketching a teacher in a non-art class. And it's OK if you did the sketch in the past.

3. Only one entry per person.

4. To enter, just scan a small JPEG file of your image, about 500 pixels on the longest side. There are three ways to get the file to me. You can send it as an email attachment to gurneyjourney at gmail.com, with the subject line "ART TEACHER." Or you can put the image on an image hosting site such as imgur or flickr, and send me just the link to the file. Or you can post it on Facebook and tag me on the post. I'll like it to let you know I got it.

5. Title the image file like this: your name, your art teacher's name, your art school, and if you're under 18, your age, and the date: "JamesGurneyDavidMocarskiArtCenter_1982.jpg".

James Gurney Terry O'Shea Art Center

6. You've just got two weeks! The deadline for entries is January 22 at midnight. I'll post results on Jan. 24.

7. I will choose five finalists plus one grand prize winner and I'll post them on the GurneyJourney blog.

Left: Jeanette Gurney, Larry Edwards. Right: James Gurney, David Mocarski, both Art Center

8. Each finalist and their teacher will receive a free signed Imaginative Realism poster. The overall winner will also receive one of my DVDs.

9. Please spread the word on Facebook and Twitter and let your friends know about the contest. Have fun!
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The sketches in this post were all done at Art Center College of Design around 1980-1982 by my wife Jeanette and me when we were art students together—I think one of you called us the "Bonnie and Clyde of Sketching."
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Edit. Greg Shea told me about this great illustration, which my friend Dan Zimmer posted today by coincidence:

Illustration by Gerald Leake, thanks Dan Zimmer

Book Review: "Jim Henson: The Biography"

I just finished reading Jim Henson: The Biography. The book tells the story of Henson's lasting influence as creator and performer of the Muppets.

Biographer Brian Jay Jones interviewed the Henson family and his creative colleagues, and carefully went through the archives to create a very carefully researched and readable account of his short life (he died in 1990 of a lung infection at age 53.) Henson's kind, generous, restless, and inventive spirit, as well as some of his human foibles, come shining through the book.

Now with so many of Henson's shows available on YouTube, you can enhance the experience of reading the book by watching videos of everything from his hilarious early TV commercials for Wilkins Coffee, the gig with Rowlf on the Jimmy Dean Show, his documentary on the art and history of puppetry, the Muppet Show pitch, and clips of the big-screen Muppet movies and the '80s fantasy films "Dark Crystal" and "Labryrinth."

Book on Amazon: Jim Henson: The Biography
Wikipedia about Jim Henson (1936-1990)
Thanks to blog reader ROTM for recommending it.

Tissot's Three Wise Men

James Tissot (French, 1836-1902) painted this image of the journeying magi as part of a large collection of Biblical paintings that he did late in his career. His desire to paint scriptural scenes with archaeological accuracy brought him on several research trips to the Holy Land.

The Brooklyn Museum has a large collection of these paintings, and has exhibited and published them.

This painting is tiny, just 8 x 11 1/2 inches. (20.2 x 29.2 cm). It's painted in opaque watercolor, which lends itself to detailed handling and delicacy (those faces are less than a half inch tall). The yellow color of the robes suggests the luxurious contrast to the common peasant costumes, and conveys the status of the magi as astronomers.

Edit: There's also an oil version of the painting at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. (Thanks, Darren) 

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The watercolor painting is at the Brooklyn Museum
Book: James Tissot: The Life of Christ

Making Ice Towers

It's way below freezing in much of the USA, perfect weather for making ice towers. (Direct link video)
Here are some additional tips for making ice towers


You can also freeze your head in a block of ice. Great way to chill out.

Also, don't miss:
Sub-Freezing Soap Bubbles.
Sub-Zero Bubble Discussion
GurneyJourney channel on YouTube

Character sketch of Anders Zorn

Anders Zorn self portrait

In his autobiography, "From Seven to Seventy," William Simmons met Swedish artist Anders Zorn (1860-1920) in southwestern England and gave the following description of him:

"Anders Zom and his wife, who was the daughter of a wealthy merchant of Stockholm, came over from Spain to St. Ives. He was known principally as a watercolorist before this, but had painted portraits of some of the royal families of Europe, and was patronized by the king of Sweden. Zom had a disposition of sweetness and light, and, although he had inherited a great charm and delicacy from the paternal side of his family, he cared nothing for society and manners, and thought like a simple peasant ; therefore, like a child."

"He was large, fattish, built on a small skeleton—a man who would break easily—and had the head of all the colorists—that is, a square forehead, delicate but square jaw, slight aquiline nose, and enormous pale blue watery eyes. His drooping yellow mustache was long but not thick, and his hands were of the softest, most personal and interesting character."

"He was a man with a great hypnotic quality who did not talk much, but dominated without speaking. When he got into a tea fight, he would stand around a short time, listening, then saying, "Yes, I agree," saunter over to the window to the light and, taking a ring off his finger, begin to carve. He had many of these in all states of completion, and one I recall as especially clever was of two little girls with feet twisted and hands holding the jewel." 

"Zom loved beautiful women and the human body from an artistic standpoint. His wife understood him as no other being could, and his unrestrained, childlike disposition and natural manners were never misinterpreted by her. In fact, she took care of him as of a most valued property, and added much to the success of his career as an artist. She and his mother seemed to be the two great influences in his life. Every year he sent a lovely sealskin wrap to his mother back in Sweden, and the dear old woman had chests in her garret full of these coats which she evidently delighted to take out and show to her less fortunate friends. I never knew Zom to get angry; he was as smooth as cream, but always gave his absolute opinion when asked for it, and always expected others to do the same."

CG film of butterfly traveling through still life

Wireframe Studios animate a butterfly traveling through painted still life scenes in this short CG film. The chamber music accompaniment lends an old-world feel. (Direct link to YouTube)

More reviews of "How I Paint Dinosaurs"

Illustration magazine has published a review of my video "How I Paint Dinosaurs" in its first issue of 2014.

DIY Lego-powered motion control camera dolly, running on dollar-store broomsticks, used for tracking shots

"If you've ever wondered how a master illustrator creates a painting from start to finish, James Gurney's new DVD is a wonderful demonstration of the process. Filmed over the course of a few months as Gurney worked on two assignments for Scientific American magazine, this lovingly edited and beautifully photographed film follows Gurney every step of the way as he conducts research, makes thumbnail sketches, constructs maquettes, prepares line drawings, and paints his final pictures in oil."

"Rather than work with an outside film crew to produce his DVD, the artist took it upon himself to helm the entire production, and I think it shows in the intimacy and clarity of the final presentation. You really feel like you're there with the artist as he's showing you his methods, and it's fascinating to watch over his shoulder as the paintings take shape. I don't think a film crew could have captured everything in nearly as much detail as Gurney himself has been able to achieve. Extras on the DVD include a slideshow of Gurney's dinosaur art, an insert print of one of the paintings, and a bonus feature on brushwork."


Other reviews
"Presented in a clear and thoughtful manner, James Gurney reveals that there is no mystery to bringing the prehistoric back to life! The process of research, drawing, and maquette building by a master who has great knowledge and passion for his subject matter will be especially invaluable to any artist aspiring to raise their work to a higher level."
—Jerry LoFaro, Illustrator and teacher, New Hampshire Institute of the Arts

“James Gurney is a modern-day Meissonier and the techniques he shows in 'How I Paint Dinosaurs' closely follow those of the earlier master. The creation and use of maquettes is clearly presented, as is James' discussion of materials, lighting and color. Whether you are interested in painting dinosaurs or not, there is much to learn from this wonderful DVD.”
—Darren R. Rousar, Artist, author and teacher.

"James Gurney once again shares his masterful knowledge and creative imagination, giving us a glimpse into his own dinosaur kingdom."
—Jason Dowd, Professor, Laguna College of Art

"For any art student or beginning illustrator wanting to learn how to create realistic scenes from one's imagination this inexpensive DVD is a gold mine of information and learning!"
—Christopher Leith Evans, Head of Matte Painting Department, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi

"James Gurney's 'How I Paint Dinosaurs' is not only a fascinating look into a master-illustrator's creative and technical process, it outlines fundamental techniques useful to any artist interested in infusing their work with life-like authenticity."
—John-Paul Balmet, Concept Designer

"James Gurney has the ability to create rich and vivid imagery of creatures and environments long lost to us. He is nothing short of inspirational and humbling."
—Le Tang, Story artist at Dreamworks Animation Studios & co-author of the Battlemilk book series

"This has to be one of the most informative and imaginative approaches to bringing painting instruction to students and professionals alike I have ever seen! The narrative is clear, concise and inspiring. The academic methods as seen from the “over-the-shoulder” cinematography provide us all with instruction which would otherwise require a trip back to the nineteenth century and a class with Les Animaliers. This video will certainly be viewed by all my Constructive Anatomy and Scientific Illustration students!"

—Paul Hudson, formerly SCAD, Accademia della Natura

"What a privilege to have the man himself show us how he works, with demos and time-lapse and close-ups and as many bits of wisdom on one DVD as you'd get in a week-long workshop."

—Marshall Vandruff

“If ever there was going to be an instruction DVD for art students on how to draw/paint from your imagination, this is it! Mr. Gurney’s “How I Paint Dinosaurs” (never mind that it’s dinosaurs) is a must for any young artist who needs a process for putting their ideas on paper or canvas.”
—Fernando Freitas, Director, Academy of Realist Art, Toronto

"James Gurney’s blog, books, and videos are probably the best art education available anywhere. The lessons, tips, and insights he provides to artists are as useful for digital media as they are for traditional media."

—Patrick O’Brien, painter and teacher, MICA

“Two big thumbs up.”
—C. F. Payne, illustrator and professor, Columbus College of Art and Design

“Who needs a time machine to see life in the Mesozoic? Just let Jim paint it for you. Here is how True Magic is done. Now it is your turn to learn to make magic.”
—Michael K. Brett-Surman, PhD., co-editor of The Complete Dinosaur (Life of the Past)

"Gurney’s approach is comprehensive and understandable. Painters of all stripes will glean valuable insights not found elsewhere. This DVD will occupy a prime spot in my library."
—Brad Teare, Thick Paint Blog

“‘How I Paint Dinosaurs’ is a dynamic look inside of the techniques and mind of a modern-day master of light and form. In this video, James demystifies the steps he takes towards completion of two illustrations utilizing, thumbnails, maquettes, drawing and a great deal of research to achieve gorgeous and a scientifically accurate oil painted pieces. He manages to compress and distill the steps into a dense 56 minute video for enjoyment and perusal by all in a proficiently precise manner. Anyone interested in making or observing better images should make it a purchase.”
—Sidebar Nation

"Saw the DVD and loved it. He takes you through his whole process from concept to final. I liked seeing how he built his maquette and used it as part of the creative process. Great to see how free he is in every stage to experiment with ideas and make changes. Makes me want to go paint dinosaurs.”
—Stan Prokopenko

"Gurney not only knows dinosaurs but is a master painter of light and shadow, and he shares his techniques in an easily understandable and informal way. I learned much from watching this.”
—Mark Hallett, paleoartist

"’How I Paint Dinosaurs’ by James Gurney is a superb adventure into the world of hands-on professional illustration; using dinosaurs as the vehicle, it packs an entire art school into one engaging, thoroughly entertaining package."
—Terryl Whitlatch, creature designer and concept artist

"Even though it's called 'How I Paint Dinosaurs', it should really be called 'How I Paint Stuff', as all the techniques are applicable to any form of fantasy art."
—Dan Dos Santos, illustrator and contributor to the Muddy Colors blog

"In this day and age of speed paintings and photo bashed images, ‘How I Paint Dinosaurs’ is a refreshing reminder of the value of a well researched, studied, and executed piece of art. I highly recommend any artist, be they dinosaur lovers or no, to watch this DVD and replenish their artistic soul."
—Jackson Sze, Senior Concept Illustrator at Marvel Studios

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Wow! Thanks to all my respected colleagues for your generous words, and to my customers for supporting my work in video.  --J. G.

More info about the DVD ($32)
More info about the download via credit card ($15+) How I Paint Dinosaurs
or Paypal ($15)
buy
Illustration is the leading magazine about the history of American illustration, and the new issue has features on Henry Patrick Raleigh and Victor Kalin.

Bierstadt's Malkasten

No, Santa didn't leave this lump of coal in my stocking. It once belonged to the American landscape painter Albert Bierstadt (1830-1902), and it came from the site of his ruined mansion Malkasten.

Malkasten, which means "paint box," was Bierstadt's grandiose home and studio in Tarrytown (originally Irvington), New York.  

The homesite had a magnificent view of the Hudson River, painted here by Bierstadt looking northwest. The view doesn't look like this anymore. It's on a vacant plot of land between two 20th century buildings, and the foundations are overgrown with trees and choked with vines.

A friend brought me there to check it out. You can still see the front steps, a gatepost, and a couple of wall foundations, but that's all.

In Bierstadt's day, the studio was lined with his large panoramic paintings, and the many plein air studies he painted on his travels to the American west. You can see the studies lining the mezzanine and the wall at left.

The home had fine furniture purchased during Bierstadt's years of great success, though by the time he built Malkasten and inhabited it, his career was beginning to decline.

The three-story tall studio was spacious and filled with light, with high ceilings and sliding glass windows 20 feet high. The studio, library, and music room had big doors and curtains that could open to create a single space 70 feet long, so that he could step way back and view his huge paintings.

But as the years progressed, Bierstadt's work became less popular, his wife was in ill health, and he spent less time in the house. The New York Times noted that the taxes and upkeep expenses were astronomical.

In 1882, a fire consumed Malkasten and all its contents. Bierstadt was not there at the time, the studio was locked up, and the place had been rented. Two major paintings and countless studies and engravings were lost forever in the fire, along with the mansion itself.

Fortunately, the studios of some of Bierstadt's contemporaries, such as Frederic Church, Jasper Cropsey, and Thomas Cole, are still intact, and open to visitors.

Read more about the original mansion or how the site looks today, courtesy of Rob Yasinsac, author of Hudson Valley Ruins: Forgotten Landmarks of an American Landscape.
Thanks, Chris.

Books: Albert Bierstadt: Witness to a Changing West 

The Painted Sketch: American Impressions From Nature, 1830-1880 by Eleanor Harvey

Video of painting with hands and feet simultaneously

Peter Gric released this video showing him painting with both hands and feet at the same time as each eye appears to track the progress independently. If the video isn't a trick, it's a remarkable feat of limb independence, something drummers are pretty good at, too. (Direct link to video)

Here's one of his paintings. More about him and his art at Lines and Colors or at his own website.
Thanks, Arnaud

New edition of "First Flight" coming in April

Happy New Year, everyone. One of the things I'm excited about in 2014 is the release of a greatly expanded new edition of Dinotopia: First Flight from Dover Publications. The book will be coming out this April.

I just finished checking the proofs. Here's what my studio floor looks like. This new edition is going to be very lavishly produced, beginning with an unabridged republication of my 1999 story about Gideon Altaire, one of Dinotopia's early heroes who learns to pilot a giant pterosaur to challenge the mechanized empire of Poseidos.

The second half of the book includes a bonus of over 45 new images, including never-before-published storyboards, concept art, vehicle designs, and backstory illustrations, many of which I created just for this edition.

The written part of the new supplement fleshes out some of Dinotopia's turbulent origin stories during the ancient period known as the "Age of Heroes." We'll include a cinematic treatment that I wrote about a character named Blake Terrapin, who leads the resistance on the ground while Gideon takes to the air.

The relatively peaceful world that you may know from the other three books was forged on the flames of conflict, where human and saurian alliances were severely tested, and unlikely heroes emerged to face off some of the greatest challenges ever to threaten Dinotopia.

I'll share some of the new artwork in future posts as we get closer to the release date.

Meanwhile, you can get the other three Dinotopia books from Amazon or order them from my online store:

Dinotopia: A Land Apart from Time
Dinotopia: The World Beneath
Dinotopia: Journey to Chandara