Friday, December 18, 2009

1000th Post


This blog is devoted to three propositions.
1. Art is a doorway that leads into every aspect of human existence.
2. Our visual life is a frontier that is still largely unexplored.
3. I've still got a lot to learn.

For the amusement of newer readers, here are links to some of the most popular posts since I started the blog in July of 2007.

Unexpected Visitors
Gorilla Portraits
Unicycle Painter
Sky Blue
Music While Painting
Teachers Reworking
The Mud Debate

Looking ahead, there's a lot more in store for you, including a look at
The Lay Figure
Hidden Light Sources
Rethinking the Color Wheel
Tips on Plein Air Gear
Color Underwater

....and more of the regular features "Art By Committee" and "Dead Tech."

Thanks for visiting the blog, whether you comment or not. You're always most welcome, and I'm grateful to you for egging me on with this curious obsession.

33 comments:

David Still said...

My favourite post, and the one that introduced me to this blog ("THAT James Gurney?? from my childhood??") is the one on whether moonlight is blue. It has it all; interesting subject, great examples of art, great insights and tips, and a little bit of sience. Here's to 1000 more!

Chris Jouan said...

Congratulations on the big 1000. This blog is a part of my daily routine and I am never disappointed. With all that I have learned so far, how could there possibly be more?

Thanks for helping me to be a better artist.

BB said...

Thankyou, It´s always a great pleasure to visit this Blog!

Steve said...

Clearly "the brains around here" insisted on the phrase "egging me on."

Thanks to your attitude of still having a lot to learn we all learn a lot. You've opened new worlds for me -- the Russian landscape painters come to mind, among several other examples -- while keeping it eclectic and fun. I've learned many things from the readers who chime in. And, every time I open my copy of Imaginative Realism I fondly recall its unicycle trip to the post office.

Your stance of curiosity and humility, coupled with your wide-ranging skills and intellect, make this blog a daily source of inspiration and information. Congratulations on reaching 1,000!

Unknown said...

Congratulations! Here's to many more.

This blog has been the source of much inspiration and a staple in my daily routine!

Keep up the wonderful posts and see you at 2000 ;)

Michael Chesley Johnson, Artist / Writer said...

Congrats, Jim!

Stacy said...

Congratulations on this milestone!! I know I'm not the only one hoping for at least 1000 more posts. I read your blog every day and always look forward to both your humor and your wisdom.

ale balanzario said...

Congratulations on the 1000th post.
:)

Super Villain said...

as much as i love your work and your skill, your work ethic is what i'm most impressed with. most bloggers post once a week for a half year, then nothing for a few months, then the ever so popular "sorry i havent blogged in awhile" post, and then the blog is dead. but man, day in day out james is posting, and posting. your dedication and work ethic are a lesson in it self. thanks for the insperiation!

now take a few weeks off nut job!

haha, and big thanks to your photographer for all the great inside photos of the man at work!

jeff jordan said...

Time sure does fly by. I've spent many enjoyable hours at your blog, Jim. And learned a lot, and been very inspired. If nothing else, I look forward to waking up and reading the daily post--once the coffee is in my cup.

May there be MANY more..........

dananddna said...

Congratulations Mr. Gurney. Your blog is always an enjoyment.

Rob Fullmer said...

Fantastic! Thanks for the 1000 posts! I began reading this blog near the beginning and now a day rarely goes by that I'm not reading it.

In fact, the posts come so regularly that when talking to other art friends, I'll say, "James Gurney posted about this just a couple of days ago... it's ....wait..." and by page 4 or 5 I'll have found it (after getting highly distracted in the mean-time by other great posts).

Thanks for pushing all of us to think deeper about art and how we produce it.

Eugen Caitaz said...

Hi dear James Gurney!!! My The best congratulations for your 1000th post!!! In this wonderful day I want to wish you all the best in your features work! ;) I very liked your post with "Unicycle Painter", earlier I don't knowed about this Awesome and interesting sports!
What is name of your parrots, he or she is very cool, I know what male-parrots can to speak, your little friends can to speak!??( or draw? hihihi...)
I remember my parrots, his name was Rickki!
Now in your country, is snowing or not????
Happy holidays! ;) If you want you can visit my blog! ;o)

Paul Allan Ballard said...

Congratulations. And Thank you.
This blog consistently on a regular basis makes me think more about the art of painting than any art class class I've ever had.

Larry said...

With the greatest admiration for your talent, respect for your knowledge, and appreciation for your generously sharing it, I thank and congratulate you on your 1000th post.

Parker said...

Still one of the most enjoyable places on the internet, thank James.

lilly piri said...

I really enjoyed those posts you linked to, thanks! and congrats on getting to 1000.

badbot said...

Congratulations! such a long way since the blog's beginning, and ( i hope ) still a long journey ahead!

nothing to do with that post, but i saw on the news this morning that there is an astonishing show theses days in paris!! and i'm sure you might like it ( you probably already know it, maybe...) ;) check it out !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3SXEk9qe-o

it might be a great event for sure :)

take care,

nicolas

Natalia M. said...

Here's to a thousand more!

Someone I admire once told me that the better you get at art, the harder it becomes... I've been learning that slowly... will we ever finish?

but it's still a happy thought. It's a skill you can never get bored with! Frustrated yes... but that's part of the fun, I guess.

And I KNEW the parakeet was the one writing the posts! They are too perfect.

Daroo said...

Here's to a "curious obsession" mixed with bouts of insomnia!

I can't sum it up any better than Steve, so I'll second his sentiments and just say congrats and thanks.

Anonymous said...

If I were to list my teachers of drawing and painting, I would have to include you. I have learned a lot from this blog (and from it's ink-on-paper extension "Imaginative Realism). So, congratulations with the 1.000 posts, thanks a lot for them - and keep up the good work!

Rachel M. Brenner-Manis said...

Congrats, on 1,000 posts Mr. Gurney! Looking forward to more posts in the new year!

Emmanuel Laverde said...

Thanks! :)

Victor said...

Congratulations, you've made it 1% of the way to the end of the blog!

Checking in to see the new Gurney Journey post is one of the highlights of day.

tracey clarke said...

Many congratulations on your 1000th post.

I am sure others will agree that we are blessed by your artwork; your continuing generosity for maintaining this blog and sharing your work processes, passion and enthusiasm.

Thank you.

Gregory Becker said...

Congratulations. Thank you for the incredible information you freely given to so many.

Jeanne Frances Klaver said...

Looking forward to the next thousand.

pierangelo boog said...

Each day I visit your blog with great
interest! (like a child the sandman on tv...) Thank you, James!

sfox said...

Congratulations! As a relative newcomer to blogging (at 257 posts and counting), I salute you and am a little in awe of your post-a-day routine. You've set the bar pretty high both for quality and quantity.

Hardly a week goes by that I don't learn something useful or am reminded of something that I had forgotten.

Speaking of which, do you remember a book you did the cover for called "Zanzibar Cat" by Joanna Russ? I saw the original (stared at longingly with empty wallet, more precisely), at a WesterCon many years ago and was thrilled when I finally found the book, which I still have (no offense to the author, but I've kept it for the cover).

As an animal lover, I would love to have had one of the gorgeous critters you depicted.

Have you ever done a post about the creation of that painting? And, if not, would you? And do you know what happened to the original?

Whimsical Trovers said...

Congratulations!

I'm reminded of a sketch the painter Goya made sometime near the end of his long life, of an ancient man with two crutches and a long beard tottering out of a cave with the phrase "And Still I Learn" written below (in Spanish, of course). Thank you for your blog. I'm a newcomer to it, and I'm blown away by it.

James Gurney said...

Thanks, everyone, but don't encourage me too much or I might start posting twice a day!

Sfox, that painting was called Alpine Princess, and I did it for myself when I was getting started, and they later used it for a paperback cover. I appreciate you reminding me. I'll do a post about it in the future.

Roberto said...

Congratulations!
As a relative newbe to the blogosphere I would like to offer my sincerest thanks and appreciation for your amazing generosity, hard work, and outstanding observations and insights. You are a treasure to us all and are greatly appreciated.
I am not always able to read your posts every day (or to post as often as I would like), but I always devour all I have missed, including all of the excellent commentaries from my fellow Bloggolers.
Your blog has become one of my favorite indulgences and a major contribution to my life as an artist and as a life-long-learner.
Keep up the good work, James, you are one Kool Dude!
Thanx for the Journey -RQ

Tyler J said...

This is a little late, but congratulations on your 1000th post. I visit daily and have learned so much from you and the comments from others. Most importantly, I find inspiration in the subjects and consider your blog an important part of my on-going education.

Cheers!

~Tyler