Portraits in the Wild

Painting portraits from life takes on a new intensity when your subjects are in their natural environment and when they’re talking and moving. In this unique video workshop, James Gurney brings you along as he sets out to paint people in four dynamic situations: fairgoers in a lunch line, a historical re-enactor in an outdoor museum, a farmer in a barn, and a gathering of Sacred Harp singers.

Gurney uses colored pencils, watercolor, gouache, casein, and oil. Each image develops from the first sketch to the final painting, with closeups of palette and brushstrokes juxtaposed with shots of the moving model. You’ll hear and see the subjects talking and singing, alternating with Gurney’s practical and reassuring voiceover explaining the thinking behind the technique.

Advance Praise for Portraits in the Wild

“With words and paint Jim Gurney demonstrates the joy of sketching and painting people from life. A must view for all artists!”—Everett Raymond Kinstler, N.A., AWS

“James Gurney’s “Portraits in the Wild” is one of the most informative (as well as entertaining) art videos I’ve ever seen. Not only does James cover all the materials and techniques necessary for painting people in natural environments from life, but he conveys the experience of getting out of the studio and absorbing the stories, characters, and marvelous variety of the world around us. This is art at its best.” —Scott Burdick 

66 minutes run time 

MP4 1080p HD Widescreen Video