James Gurney is undoubtedly one of the most underrated, perhaps even unknown, minds of today. His work is so evocative. I'm starting a degree at an art school in London soon, and I'll be certain to reference this guy if it means he gets more eyes upon his work.
1992gday I learned virtually nothing that I can apply to daily life. I did, however, see Gurney’s work in an exhibition at the Barbican, and it was AMAZING.
@@RossAubrey Where did you study? I went to St Martin's in London in the 80s and left with nothing. If it were not for the name on the degree certificate I'd say it was a waste of time and here I am looking at guys like this who just get on with it.
Thanks! Dinotopia: A Land Apart from Time Dinotopia: The World Beneath Dinotopia: First Flight Dinotopia: Journey to Chandara All are in print but First Flight, but that's coming back into print in a new edition
5 лет назад+269
You should release a version of the book with all the storyboards and concept art, something like what Guillermo del Toro does. Some of us, love and appreciate the process of a passion project as much as the final product.
I got your original book back in 1993 or 4 when a local gallery hosted some of your paintings and I won a contest for drawing a pteranodon in crayon. I had always liked dinosaurs, and much preferred your version to the vicious ones that were popular in Jurassic Park at the same time. Coming across this video today was a unexpected surprise, as I am just this week finishing Dinotopia with my six-year-old daughter. She’s loving it much as I did, and I’m looking forward to sharing the other books with her soon. Thank you for giving my family such a gift in your writing, art, and imagination.
You may have never found any ancient cities in your backyard as a child, but you have made millions of little boys and girls interested enough to search on their own, I can't imagine how many undiscovered cities we'd miss if it weren't for your inspiration. Thank you for your passion, I can only hope to find my own purpose.
Hold on, there are more books? This makes me very happy! My favorite book growing up was the first Dinotopia book; I could look at it for hours and would pretend I lived there. It still is a big part of my inspiration for my art. You did an absolutely masterful job on it! Thank you for all you do, sir! 😁
Such amazing drawings... Such an amazing artist! My grandmother gave me Dinotopia as a gift in 1996 when I was 6 years old. I couldn't read a word, but the pictures was entrancing. Then the book was forgotten. For years it was collecting dust in my bookshelf. When I came across it again, I could finally read the story behind the drawings. I couldn't believe that one single person could draw all those pictures, AND write a beautifully brilliant story too. Thank you, sir. You are a true genius. :)
The painting at 4:48 hanged in my doctors office when I was a child. I’m 28 now and I still remember that painting. No idea you created it when I got into painting back in September. The fact that I can still remember I a painting I only glanced at as a child when I was too busy playing with toys and distracting myself from seeing my doctor... I think that says a lot about your work. Well done and thank you for bringing back that memory.
I remember when the first book came out in my native tongue, I knew it was something special even before I read it. I pestered my folks until they gave it to me for Christmas, and when they did, I was over the moon... I was utterly obsessed with it, in a way that I never was about anything before or since. For reasons I still don't quite understand, nobody else that I knew even seemed to be aware that it existed, and both because I was an insecure kid who felt vulnerable at how much I loved it and because this was before the internet was really a thing; Dinotopia ended up being my private, little space. I would go there in my dreams and have grand adventures all on my own. After I had read it back-to-back so many times that I knew line by heart and every nook and cranny of every illustration, I was ready for more. I searched far, wide and ultimately unsuccessfully for anything to fill that hole; which left me not only heartbroken, but perplexed: why _wasn't_ there more? When something like this could evidentially be made, why wasn't everyone doing it? As it turns out, there would be more books... but three years is a long time for a ten year old, and I eventually gave up looking. When there finally was further material published, I didn't even hear about it (no internet, remember?). Imagine, then, my joy when I returned to this world as an adult and found how much had indeed come into existence! I have also grown to understand just how rare good world-building is. Would we have Naboo without Waterfall City or the Ikran Makto without the Skybax riders? Seeing how many of the famous creators of our time have been inspired by Dinotopia has only made me appreciate Gurney's original work even more. Wherever I go and whatever I do, Dinotopia will always have a special place in my heart.
WOW. I started following James Gurney on youtube because of his amazing location paintings (plein air?), and not realising he is the creator of Dinotopia, which made me want to create art in the first place. (I'm horrible with names.)
@@JamesGurney I too was surprised. I had a book or two when I was younger and remember bringing one onto the airplane. They definitely inspired me, artistically. You also inspired me to pick up oil painting after not painting for a good 20 years (been doing mostly digital work). Just finished my first oil painting earlier this week. Thanks for all that you do, I love your creativity and it's crazy to think I've come back full circle w/ Dinotopia.
Likewise, think ive watched about 10-12 videos since subscribing the other day and just saw this one, it blew my mind. James is a legendary artist and creator.
When I was a kid, I went through the typical love of dinosaurs phase. At one point somebody gave me a signed copy of Dinotopia. I really enjoyed looking at the pictures in the book. I moved so much as a kid, I don't know what happened to that book. Now I'm going through a drawing phase and by accident, found you by checking out other artist RUclips pages. Keep up the great work!
I cannot express how much this book meant to me as a child. I was a mega dinosaur fan as a young boy, and the world of Dinotopia was where I wanted to live. The illustrations in the book were so amazing and really made me feel like it was a real place I could go. They still impact me to this day. Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us all.
Omg I've been watching your videos for a year now and I had no idea you created dinotopia. I read this book as a child and I was just obsessed. I read the same nat geo books, adored history, archeology, your work inspired me so much, I went to art school and now I'm an aspiring illustrator. Your work was such a formative part of my childhood. Thank you, you're my favourite teacher :)
I know I seen it, it was great! But it was a low budget film, with poor graphic... I want to see better graphics better perform, I want bigger company like Disney to work on this fantastic work of art into the big screen so people can be captivated on this work of art.
James I have loved your tutorial and meditations on paintings for many weeks without realizing you created some of my favorite books when I was a young man. You inspired me to go to an arts magnet high school and to keep art in my life. Thank you for being a force for good in the world and for developing our cultures understanding of art.
I remember your paintings from National Geographic. Your paintings were my first inspiration to take art seriously. And when I found the Dinotopia books I was astounded. they were ANOTHER inspiration to work on fantasy art. I wish I was as talented as you are with paint, but nevertheless, I try daily to accomplish what hope to be a profession before I get old and waste away! Thank you for all the amazing work!
My brother’s new wife is pregnant with my first nephew. When he is old enough for me to read to him, I will share Dinatopia with him and also gift him with a print of Dinosaur Parade, so that he will feel the same sense of being rooted in the past and also looking forward to a fanciful future as I did when I first encountered Gurney’s material.
I loved this series as a kid. I discovered this channel via the painting videos, and-imagine my surprise-when I find out this gentleman is the creator of one of my favorite childhood book series. Thank you for all you have done, sir, you are very talented indeed!
I cannot believe I'm only now finding out about these books! I'm from Brazil and I didn't get the chance to read these books in my childhood like a lot of people here (in the comment section) did. I'm speechless. This is one of the most amazing works I've ever seen. You thought of everything, the cities, the people, the clothes, objects, animals, communication, even sports! That must've been A LOT of work. And not only have you thought of everything, you can also DRAW AND PAINT EVERYTHING! I'm mesmerized by the details and the perfection you portrayed in every illustration. Your work just inspired me very much, thank you for that! If I get to the point where I'm half the artist you are, I'll be considering myself victorious.
That's not the first time I am watching this video and I am sure, I will watch it again and again in the future. Dear James, for me it is about making something big and important you dreamed about come true and performing it at an unimaginable level of beauty and skill. Thank you for the story and for the behind-the-sceenes. Anyone who is upset feeling his or her dream is unreachable should watch this and see they CAN reach what they wish.
When I was still in elementary school, I used to borrow Dinotopia from the library all the time. Now that I am older, I can really appreciate the beautiful merging of artistry and science that reminds me all too much of the stories of Jules Verne. Thank you, James Gurney!
Whatttttt I watched Dinotopia as a child. I was an emphatic fan of it as though it was an American sport. Just weeks ago I found this Artist James Gurney on his gouache tutorial for a plane. Since then I’ve watched his videos incessantly. At first I thought “ohh he must’ve been an artist or something for the movie” Without knowing that it was this man who wrote the book, and really good books. Shoot. This man is freaking talented. Love his character and skill.
This is so amazing and inspiring. I remember seeing the Dinotopia movies as a kid (this was right during my dinosaur phase) and loving them, but I only learned recently about all the beautiful art and books behind Dinotopia. I wish this would get more attention, why do not more people know about this? I have often thought about writing stories and books and creating artworks myself because I have so many ideas for interesting stories and settings, but I can't really motivate myself to start and don't really find much time for it. I hope I can overcome my blockage and turn my dream into a reality one day. James Gurneys work is a great inspiration and motivation for me. I love the last sentence about appreciating the magic in the world around us now. For example, since birds are considered dinosaurs by science, when I see a bird and I think "thats a living dinosaur in our world" it makes me admire them even more and feel more like living in a adventurous dinosaur world. And sometimes when I see a landscape I think "how would dinosaurs react and live in this landscape?" It is important to keep this child-like sense of wonder and adventure even as an adult, and dinosaurs are a good symbol for this.
I remember it was that image, the first I saw from the World Beneath, that had captivated me as a child. It's wonderful to have gone through the years in the arts and finally see this video. Brings back memories and inspiring moments. I hope to see more videos later on! Thank you for your wonderful work and commentary
This video reminded me of the first love for art and the prehistoric world. You will forever be the one of the first artists to stir my imagination and fill it with inspiration, Dinotopia was the very 1st time I borrowed a book from the (elementary) School Library. I was so engrossed in this world that I believed it existed and it did... Well it does within my imagination. The book that made me the artist I am today. I wish one day that I would create a world that will inspire. Thank You so much
The dedication to give all of yourself to a passion, inevitably will leave a unforgettable mark on the world. Thank you James, for sharing your passion and time with the world.
Thank you for your books. I read your books when I was 10years old at first time . Now I‘m 31 years old. I’m a chinese and I living in Shenzhen. Thank you for your books give me a childhood. I still keep your 4 main books in my studio.
i am crying what the heck independently and accidentally, i found yet another piece of dinotopia!! in childhood, i got the mini-series on a DVD from a friend when we were exchanging documentaries in teen years, i oversaw the cartoon while tv surfing working at library i stumbled upon books, shocked by the level of work put into them, far above all i saw before and now, after months of watching your gouache videos, i see this!!!! that's you!!!! THANK YOU FOR DINOTOPIA, JAMES!!!! P.S. don't know, how famous dinotopia is in the western world, but where i'm at, it's fairly obscure so, sorry if my reaction is strange
for all these years i've watched you and all these years since dinotopia made a huge impact on my childhood, i never made the connection that you were one of the creator of my childhood. it all comes back in circle
My mom read this book to me when I was a kid and I still remember it like if it was yesterday. My brother and I would play characters of Dinotopia all the time. We loved it. Such a wonderful world. Thank you for making us dream.
As a child, I so much loved the first Donotopia book. It is hard to describe. It was one of the forming forces for my imagination as an author. For a long time I have not known there were any other books so imagine my surprise when I found out about them from my brother who got another book for his kids. I am reading The Journey to Chandara right now and enjoying every single page, oftentimes laughing out loud. It takes me right back to my childhood.
When I get older, I want to collab with this guy and create a Dinotopia sequel. My favorite books happen to be the Dinotopia series. Keep up the excellent work, Mr. Gurney!
At the age of 21 I can confidently say this paved a large part of my childhood and sense of wonder. Thank you sir I wish you many fortunes. Simply impeccable, a place my imagination yearns to revisit. The marriage of art and concept still makes my jaw drop
People don't realize how influential James Gurney has been to the fantasy art of today, including Illustration, visual effects, concept design in video games, movies, TV and books. The first time I saw Zelda's Skyward Sword I thought the designs bore an strong resemblance to Gourney's paintings. A lot of people have been inspired by him. I remember one of my first painting was based on one of his National Geographic illustrations.
My childhood.......i always remember wishing it was possible to go to DinoTopia =,( For any Dinosaur nerd it seems just like an escape from reality, Dinosaur heaven or never land if you will.... Mr James Gurney sir you have no idea how much the DinoTopia books and the Tv Series effected my youth right along side Jurassic Park. Thank you, Thank you for being a legend.
One of my old bus drivers gave me the first book as a parting gift when summer started (years ago), and it quickly became one of my very favorite books. Tysm!
Thank you Mr. Gurney for Dinotopia. I found your videos by pure chance some days ago, I didn't recognized your name and today I had this amazing surprise to know you are the author of one of my favourite books. I am from Brazil and Dinotopia was a gift for my son, who's 30 now. We enjoyed your work togheter very much. You're incredibly talented and generous for sharing your knowledge. God bless you.
It's now been 30 years and i still obsses over this world, one of the best conceived dinosaur fantasy of all time Would love to see a reboot of this series closer to the book Also Gurney if you ever create a new book I'll be hyped
I am currently reading Imaginative Realism. This guy is a genius. Whatever I felt being an artist he has accurately described and explored in his well thought and ingenious books.
I still have the original book my parents got me as a kid. I was way too young to appreciate it as anything more than a picture book, but I loved dinosaurs so much I didn’t care. As I got a little older I eventually started sketching some of the artwork in it and a few years after that I read it and appreciated it even more. I had no idea there were multiple books in the series until just recently. I don’t know why it’s taken 30 years to get the idea of seeking out information about it online but I’m glad I did. I just ordered The World Beneath and intend to order the others as soon as I get a chance to read this one.
I didn't discover Dinotopia until I was in High School when the TV movie, and then show aired. I watched it with my mother and we both loved it. I never really forgot the show, but never really thought about it until the show showed up on DVD two years. The memories came flooding back. I bought it, and enjoyed it again. I love your work.
Dude, this was my childhood. I'll be honest, I never really liked or cared about dinosaurs, but the idea of humans forming civilization with dinosaurs still interested me. I was roughly 6 (in 2000) when my dad read me A Land Apart from Time and The World Beneath and to this day, they're still some of my favorite books from my childhood.
As a kid, these books took me into another world. I was obsessed with dinosaurs and its so cool to flashback to those times with these videos. You are a truly gifted man, mr gurney
wow I am awe struck . Mr Gurney I started watching your hosta video and stumbled across this one. I am absolutely enthralled with your process descriptions . Thank goodness there are people in the world like you. Wish more of us could be even just a little more curious and passionate about the world around us. Thank you thank you!
Discovering Dinotopia is one of my most vivid childhood memories, I can still see the book where it stood on a shelf in the library when I first saw it, and the first time I read it, discovering the island together with Artur Denison, and the idea that dinosaurs lived together with people, was just so amazing for me at the time. And it was only recently I discovered that there were more than just one book form the land of Dinotopia (only the first book was translated in Slovenian language), I bought them all right away and am reliving all the excitement reading through them, as I did the first time, I am once again an still in love with this world. Thanks for making such wonderful books.
My aunt got me this book when I was a young lad. Of course, I loved dinosaurs and this book just let my imagination run wild. Thanks so much for all your work. Watching this video was so refreshing. I remember daydreaming about being in waterfall city and having my own dinosaur. What memories! Wow, the work you put into this is absolutely astounding! A true masterpiece.
My mom gave me and my brother this book when we were little kids. It was so amazing and it really changed my life. I think it’s because of this book I ended up becoming a concept artist as an adult.
OMG I just found the creator of one of my all time favourite fantasy worlds. I was watching you paint a speed boat in guache (in the rain no less) and didn't realize it was you. Amazing. I just love Dinotopia. I have a Dinotopia jigsaw puzzle that I have done several times. Actually the picture you showed at 4:44 is that same picture. I love your work. I've watched the movie and the series that comes from your stories. You are so incredibly talented. I am so happy I started watching your channel. Subscribed immediately. Thank you for your work and your youtube channel. I normally do watercolours but I will try guache now after seeing your paintings. Thank you so much again for your wonderful work. You make me want to live in Dinotopia. Love from Australia.
Wow. A RUclips video made by the actual author of the franchise. Your stories, art and Creativity inspired me: like seeing the best of history, adventure and poetry combined. ... My own story into fantasy and sci-fi started with anime. I loved dinosaurs but I love history and nature in general. There will never be a separation of nature and humanity for me. I would not be here without dinosaurs and Dinotopia.
My family had a dinotopia puzzle when I was a child! It was the only piece of dinotopia I knew existed until now. I'm so thrilled to know there's so much more to enjoy, that one puzzle (a parade I believe) inspired hours of imagination and play. Funny that I'm finding this now after subscribing to hopefully improve my own painting
Thank you so much for making Dinotopia, I am in college now and used this video in a fun project for a class, the project in question is about adapting something into a musical, so I picked Dinotopia! Edit: currently rushing to finish my Dinotopia presentation, wish me luck! and thank you James for making the book that seven-year-old me discovered in the library, I remember staring at the pictures for hours and hours.
I grew up with Jurassic Park and became obsessed with the illustrations in The World Beneath. Would love to see a modern open-world game based on this.
I learned about the series only after reading color and light and most recently imaginative realism. At first I was shocked by the fact how beautiful and lifelike the illustrations were draw by simply imagining them. Now I see that you actually have to do a lot of research and referencing in order to create such a great masterpiece! Thank you Gurney!
I came here because of the polygon video and I'm so happy I did. I was a big fan of the movie as a kid, I thought it was such an interesting world. I draw and do some water colors but I've never been very good at painting. I also like to roleplay as a hobby and I've always wanted to write my own story but have never gotten around to it. I love listening to you talk about your world building and watching you paint and talk about the process. It's really inspiring. I cosplay so I get how it is to fiddle with a piece and hodgepodge it until it looks right so I find it really fun to watch you mess around with the models. I really want to learn to paint again because of watching you and I think I'm going to try and do more traditional art in general. I've been messing with digital and although I like how it looks in the end because I don't have expensive equipment it takes ages to do. I'm much quicker on paper and I think if I got good at more traditional styles I may make more art and have more fun with it. I wish I were a better reader because I want to read your books. I like getting lost in places like this. This is a ramble but you're a real inspiration and I had a lot of stuff to say.
You'll never know how much dinotopia meant to me as a kid. It was the first book I read on my own in 2nd grade. Even to this day Dinotopia fills me with this sense of wonder amazement and happiness. I keep hoping a band of brothers level miniseries reboot. Tho the Wentworth Miller one was alright but hasn't aged well. Anyways thank you James. Your book was definitely a huge branch on my tree of life. =)
Its such a treat that you share your process with the world around you. I'm so inspired and pumped to create my own worlds and universes because of your passion for Dinotopia. Thank you for being awesome!
Grew up with a dinotopia book ! Came across your videos this year and ive watched like 3 or 4 before i realized you were the artist / creator! Your work has Definitely a huge influence on me
I started painting seriously 10 years ago and I have learned a lot , But my work has been compared to illustrations, I just found your page and I am truly enjoying learning from you
Seeing your detailed and passionate process for creating the world of Dinotopia makes me appreciate it even more. The first two books were so important to me during my childhood and continue to be inspirational. I still dream of living in Dinotopia ♥️ I’d also like to echo some other comments I’ve seen- if you ever publish a book with behind the scenes photos and concept art, I would buy it in a heartbeat!
James Cameron wants YOU 😊 or at least he should. "If you can draw it you can create it" is as pure as it is true, for glorious fiction and science alike. Thanks for blessing my childhood.
Thank you so much James, when I was a little boy, my mom and I would watch Dinotopia together. Recently after getting a bit of play time into Myst I thought back to your design, your world. I didn't know you had books when I was younger, but I'm going to start reading soon. Thanks again.
This was a big inspiration for my book. However I didn't want to emulate the same atmospheric feeling, I wanted to show another type of world where man and dinosaurs live together. But I wouldn't have completed the book if it wasn't for the inspiration found in the Dinotopia series. Truly breathtaking. Thank you James.
+Jack Anthony Ewins I am writing a story with dinosaurs of my own. I wish it to be different from any thing seen in a dinosaur story before. Where can I get a copy of your book?
I just came across yourpainting video and then found this video and my jaw dropped.. I loved Dinotopia as a kid. I think this is why I fell in fantasy now that I look back . Basically thank you..
I have loved your books and your drawings. I never would have taken watercolors places and drawn things. I use books and my camera but you have just opened the door for me. I loved hearing about your creation for this world that I have loved. It gave me love for dinosaurs myself. And I thank you. A fan.
Your beautiful imaginative works in dinotopia had a profound impact of pure wonder on my mind as a child. Had forgotten about that series but seeing the images again brings back such vivid connections. Thanks James
I first found dinotopia the tv show on a shelf at the library ...I watched it and I fell in love....it's still one of my favorite show...I eventually found the book and I fell in love with the amazing art work...being an artist myself I aspired to be like you:)...I even found a dinotopia video game...haha:) thank you..for giving us dinotopia
This is so wild! Legit have a copy of Dynotopia lying on my desk and been watching your videos for a few months now. Never knew you were the genius behind my childhood wonders :D
What a coincedence! A couple days ago, I came across this book in a recycle shop here in the Netherlands. The only reason I didn´t buy it was because it was translated in Swedish. And now, your video randomly popped up in my recommendations! Fantastic work!
Wow! The first book is my childhood favorite of all time :) It is so great to know the artist behind this wonderful world. I'm very happy to have seen this video. That aspect of my childhood is now complete!
Thanks, James. Dinotopia is gem. My first met was start with Hallmark TV series, then read the books. Hope to see a huge RPG game set in this universe.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
James Gurney is undoubtedly one of the most underrated, perhaps even unknown, minds of today. His work is so evocative. I'm starting a degree at an art school in London soon, and I'll be certain to reference this guy if it means he gets more eyes upon his work.
Ross Khorenjenko agreed!
How did your degree go?
1992gday I learned virtually nothing that I can apply to daily life. I did, however, see Gurney’s work in an exhibition at the Barbican, and it was AMAZING.
@@RossAubrey Sorry to hear that. The exhibition sounds great!
@@RossAubrey Where did you study? I went to St Martin's in London in the 80s and left with nothing. If it were not for the name on the degree certificate I'd say it was a waste of time and here I am looking at guys like this who just get on with it.
Thanks!
Dinotopia: A Land Apart from Time
Dinotopia: The World Beneath
Dinotopia: First Flight
Dinotopia: Journey to Chandara
All are in print but First Flight, but that's coming back into print in a new edition
You should release a version of the book with all the storyboards and concept art, something like what Guillermo del Toro does. Some of us, love and appreciate the process of a passion project as much as the final product.
when you take your nerd powers and become a god. Damn.
Jasper Bicknell lol
The amount of work this man put into creating dinotopia is insane. Truly genius.
I got your original book back in 1993 or 4 when a local gallery hosted some of your paintings and I won a contest for drawing a pteranodon in crayon.
I had always liked dinosaurs, and much preferred your version to the vicious ones that were popular in Jurassic Park at the same time.
Coming across this video today was a unexpected surprise, as I am just this week finishing Dinotopia with my six-year-old daughter. She’s loving it much as I did, and I’m looking forward to sharing the other books with her soon.
Thank you for giving my family such a gift in your writing, art, and imagination.
This guy is a genius
his whole generations are genius
Yes, yes, yes 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
Wait...why?
No he is a alien
thats old.
How James Gurney, one of the most gifted, dedicated, imaginative, and kind artist on this planet has only 200k subscribers is beyond me...
You may have never found any ancient cities in your backyard as a child, but you have made millions of little boys and girls interested enough to search on their own, I can't imagine how many undiscovered cities we'd miss if it weren't for your inspiration.
Thank you for your passion, I can only hope to find my own purpose.
Hold on, there are more books? This makes me very happy! My favorite book growing up was the first Dinotopia book; I could look at it for hours and would pretend I lived there. It still is a big part of my inspiration for my art. You did an absolutely masterful job on it! Thank you for all you do, sir! 😁
Such amazing drawings... Such an amazing artist!
My grandmother gave me Dinotopia as a gift in 1996 when I was 6 years old. I couldn't read a word, but the pictures was entrancing. Then the book was forgotten. For years it was collecting dust in my bookshelf. When I came across it again, I could finally read the story behind the drawings. I couldn't believe that one single person could draw all those pictures, AND write a beautifully brilliant story too.
Thank you, sir. You are a true genius. :)
The painting at 4:48 hanged in my doctors office when I was a child. I’m 28 now and I still remember that painting. No idea you created it when I got into painting back in September.
The fact that I can still remember I a painting I only glanced at as a child when I was too busy playing with toys and distracting myself from seeing my doctor... I think that says a lot about your work.
Well done and thank you for bringing back that memory.
I remember when the first book came out in my native tongue, I knew it was something special even before I read it. I pestered my folks until they gave it to me for Christmas, and when they did, I was over the moon... I was utterly obsessed with it, in a way that I never was about anything before or since. For reasons I still don't quite understand, nobody else that I knew even seemed to be aware that it existed, and both because I was an insecure kid who felt vulnerable at how much I loved it and because this was before the internet was really a thing; Dinotopia ended up being my private, little space. I would go there in my dreams and have grand adventures all on my own.
After I had read it back-to-back so many times that I knew line by heart and every nook and cranny of every illustration, I was ready for more. I searched far, wide and ultimately unsuccessfully for anything to fill that hole; which left me not only heartbroken, but perplexed: why _wasn't_ there more? When something like this could evidentially be made, why wasn't everyone doing it? As it turns out, there would be more books... but three years is a long time for a ten year old, and I eventually gave up looking. When there finally was further material published, I didn't even hear about it (no internet, remember?).
Imagine, then, my joy when I returned to this world as an adult and found how much had indeed come into existence! I have also grown to understand just how rare good world-building is. Would we have Naboo without Waterfall City or the Ikran Makto without the Skybax riders? Seeing how many of the famous creators of our time have been inspired by Dinotopia has only made me appreciate Gurney's original work even more. Wherever I go and whatever I do, Dinotopia will always have a special place in my heart.
Snagabott, thanks for sharing those memories and reactions. Warms the heart of an author!
WOW. I started following James Gurney on youtube because of his amazing location paintings (plein air?), and not realising he is the creator of Dinotopia, which made me want to create art in the first place. (I'm horrible with names.)
Wow, that's amazing, John. I guess I lead a double life.
Certainly a full life. Also loved those National Geographic illustrations of lost civilisations. Fantastic food for the imagination. So many thanks!
@@JamesGurney
12:55
"...arts and science and imagination!..."
The best concept ever!
This is why I love your work ,James!
All the best from Romania!
@@JamesGurney I too was surprised. I had a book or two when I was younger and remember bringing one onto the airplane. They definitely inspired me, artistically. You also inspired me to pick up oil painting after not painting for a good 20 years (been doing mostly digital work). Just finished my first oil painting earlier this week. Thanks for all that you do, I love your creativity and it's crazy to think I've come back full circle w/ Dinotopia.
Likewise, think ive watched about 10-12 videos since subscribing the other day and just saw this one, it blew my mind. James is a legendary artist and creator.
I still get chills when I open the book and see that gorgeus picture of Waterfall City.
When I was a kid, I went through the typical love of dinosaurs phase. At one point somebody gave me a signed copy of Dinotopia. I really enjoyed looking at the pictures in the book. I moved so much as a kid, I don't know what happened to that book. Now I'm going through a drawing phase and by accident, found you by checking out other artist RUclips pages. Keep up the great work!
I cannot express how much this book meant to me as a child. I was a mega dinosaur fan as a young boy, and the world of Dinotopia was where I wanted to live. The illustrations in the book were so amazing and really made me feel like it was a real place I could go. They still impact me to this day. Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us all.
What a time to be alive witnessing all Gurneys work. I’m so happy
Omg I've been watching your videos for a year now and I had no idea you created dinotopia. I read this book as a child and I was just obsessed. I read the same nat geo books, adored history, archeology, your work inspired me so much, I went to art school and now I'm an aspiring illustrator. Your work was such a formative part of my childhood. Thank you, you're my favourite teacher :)
This needs to become a movie, when will Hollywood ever going to make this beloved childhood book of mine into the big screen?!?!?!?
oh there was a movie on this and it was made in 2002 its an epic movie worth watching
I know I seen it, it was great! But it was a low budget film, with poor graphic... I want to see better graphics better perform, I want bigger company like Disney to work on this fantastic work of art into the big screen so people can be captivated on this work of art.
Hevertt Cantu
Yes and it should have the steampunk elements it had in the books.
the graphics were pretty good for its time tho
I know I m pretty late but dinotopia was a 3 part tv series and at that time looked great. I think netflix should pick it up
James I have loved your tutorial and meditations on paintings for many weeks without realizing you created some of my favorite books when I was a young man. You inspired me to go to an arts magnet high school and to keep art in my life. Thank you for being a force for good in the world and for developing our cultures understanding of art.
I love that you actually live with a dinosaur! Such a cute little dino on your shoulder.
The amount of dedication this artist have is incredible, I'm so inspired
Nah
I remember your paintings from National Geographic. Your paintings were my first inspiration to take art seriously. And when I found the Dinotopia books I was astounded. they were ANOTHER inspiration to work on fantasy art. I wish I was as talented as you are with paint, but nevertheless, I try daily to accomplish what hope to be a profession before I get old and waste away! Thank you for all the amazing work!
My brother’s new wife is pregnant with my first nephew. When he is old enough for me to read to him, I will share Dinatopia with him and also gift him with a print of Dinosaur Parade, so that he will feel the same sense of being rooted in the past and also looking forward to a fanciful future as I did when I first encountered Gurney’s material.
I loved this series as a kid. I discovered this channel via the painting videos, and-imagine my surprise-when I find out this gentleman is the creator of one of my favorite childhood book series. Thank you for all you have done, sir, you are very talented indeed!
I cannot believe I'm only now finding out about these books! I'm from Brazil and I didn't get the chance to read these books in my childhood like a lot of people here (in the comment section) did. I'm speechless. This is one of the most amazing works I've ever seen. You thought of everything, the cities, the people, the clothes, objects, animals, communication, even sports! That must've been A LOT of work. And not only have you thought of everything, you can also DRAW AND PAINT EVERYTHING! I'm mesmerized by the details and the perfection you portrayed in every illustration. Your work just inspired me very much, thank you for that! If I get to the point where I'm half the artist you are, I'll be considering myself victorious.
That's not the first time I am watching this video and I am sure, I will watch it again and again in the future. Dear James, for me it is about making something big and important you dreamed about come true and performing it at an unimaginable level of beauty and skill. Thank you for the story and for the behind-the-sceenes. Anyone who is upset feeling his or her dream is unreachable should watch this and see they CAN reach what they wish.
When I was still in elementary school, I used to borrow Dinotopia from the library all the time. Now that I am older, I can really appreciate the beautiful merging of artistry and science that reminds me all too much of the stories of Jules Verne. Thank you, James Gurney!
Whatttttt
I watched Dinotopia as a child. I was an emphatic fan of it as though it was an American sport.
Just weeks ago I found this Artist James Gurney on his gouache tutorial for a plane. Since then I’ve watched his videos incessantly.
At first I thought “ohh he must’ve been an artist or something for the movie”
Without knowing that it was this man who wrote the book, and really good books.
Shoot. This man is freaking talented. Love his character and skill.
This is so amazing and inspiring. I remember seeing the Dinotopia movies as a kid (this was right during my dinosaur phase) and loving them, but I only learned recently about all the beautiful art and books behind Dinotopia. I wish this would get more attention, why do not more people know about this?
I have often thought about writing stories and books and creating artworks myself because I have so many ideas for interesting stories and settings, but I can't really motivate myself to start and don't really find much time for it. I hope I can overcome my blockage and turn my dream into a reality one day. James Gurneys work is a great inspiration and motivation for me.
I love the last sentence about appreciating the magic in the world around us now. For example, since birds are considered dinosaurs by science, when I see a bird and I think "thats a living dinosaur in our world" it makes me admire them even more and feel more like living in a adventurous dinosaur world. And sometimes when I see a landscape I think "how would dinosaurs react and live in this landscape?"
It is important to keep this child-like sense of wonder and adventure even as an adult, and dinosaurs are a good symbol for this.
I remember it was that image, the first I saw from the World Beneath, that had captivated me as a child. It's wonderful to have gone through the years in the arts and finally see this video. Brings back memories and inspiring moments. I hope to see more videos later on! Thank you for your wonderful work and commentary
This man has a lot of skill, in terms of sculpting, drawing, painting, and everything else. I'm shocked I didn't find him earlier
This video reminded me of the first love for art and the prehistoric world. You will forever be the one of the first artists to stir my imagination and fill it with inspiration, Dinotopia was the very 1st time I borrowed a book from the (elementary) School Library. I was so engrossed in this world that I believed it existed and it did... Well it does within my imagination. The book that made me the artist I am today. I wish one day that I would create a world that will inspire. Thank You so much
The dedication to give all of yourself to a passion, inevitably will leave a unforgettable mark on the world. Thank you James, for sharing your passion and time with the world.
Thank you for your books. I read your books when I was 10years old at first time . Now I‘m 31 years old. I’m a chinese and I living in Shenzhen. Thank you for your books give me a childhood. I still keep your 4 main books in my studio.
Such an amazing and talented artist. Thank you for this insight into your work
i am crying what the heck
independently and accidentally, i found yet another piece of dinotopia!!
in childhood, i got the mini-series on a DVD from a friend when we were exchanging documentaries
in teen years, i oversaw the cartoon while tv surfing
working at library i stumbled upon books, shocked by the level of work put into them, far above all i saw before
and now, after months of watching your gouache videos, i see this!!!! that's you!!!!
THANK YOU FOR DINOTOPIA, JAMES!!!!
P.S.
don't know, how famous dinotopia is in the western world, but where i'm at, it's fairly obscure
so, sorry if my reaction is strange
for all these years i've watched you and all these years since dinotopia made a huge impact on my childhood, i never made the connection that you were one of the creator of my childhood. it all comes back in circle
My mom read this book to me when I was a kid and I still remember it like if it was yesterday. My brother and I would play characters of Dinotopia all the time. We loved it. Such a wonderful world. Thank you for making us dream.
World building like this is an artform in itself. As a series these paintings evoke such a wondrous atmosphere that get my mind racing.
As a child, I so much loved the first Donotopia book. It is hard to describe. It was one of the forming forces for my imagination as an author. For a long time I have not known there were any other books so imagine my surprise when I found out about them from my brother who got another book for his kids. I am reading The Journey to Chandara right now and enjoying every single page, oftentimes laughing out loud. It takes me right back to my childhood.
I had completely forgotten about Dinotopia for 20+ years, until a few weeks out of the blue I had a childhood flashback and remembered again.
When I get older, I want to collab with this guy and create a Dinotopia sequel. My favorite books happen to be the Dinotopia series. Keep up the excellent work, Mr. Gurney!
At the age of 21 I can confidently say this paved a large part of my childhood and sense of wonder. Thank you sir I wish you many fortunes. Simply impeccable, a place my imagination yearns to revisit. The marriage of art and concept still makes my jaw drop
People don't realize how influential James Gurney has been to the fantasy art of today, including Illustration, visual effects, concept design in video games, movies, TV and books. The first time I saw Zelda's Skyward Sword I thought the designs bore an strong resemblance to Gourney's paintings. A lot of people have been inspired by him. I remember one of my first painting was based on one of his National Geographic illustrations.
My childhood.......i always remember wishing it was possible to go to DinoTopia =,( For any Dinosaur nerd it seems just like an escape from reality, Dinosaur heaven or never land if you will.... Mr James Gurney sir you have no idea how much the DinoTopia books and the Tv Series effected my youth right along side Jurassic Park. Thank you, Thank you for being a legend.
No video format can do true justice to these amazing images they have to be seen in print in my opinion to really grasp their brilliance
One of my greatest sci-fic book story of my childhood and the rest of my life !
One of my old bus drivers gave me the first book as a parting gift when summer started (years ago), and it quickly became one of my very favorite books. Tysm!
Thank you Mr. Gurney for Dinotopia. I found your videos by pure chance some days ago, I didn't recognized your name and today I had this amazing surprise to know you are the author of one of my favourite books. I am from Brazil and Dinotopia was a gift for my son, who's 30 now. We enjoyed your work togheter very much. You're incredibly talented and generous for sharing your knowledge. God bless you.
It's now been 30 years and i still obsses over this world, one of the best conceived dinosaur fantasy of all time
Would love to see a reboot of this series closer to the book
Also Gurney if you ever create a new book I'll be hyped
I am currently reading Imaginative Realism. This guy is a genius. Whatever I felt being an artist he has accurately described and explored in his well thought and ingenious books.
I still have the original book my parents got me as a kid. I was way too young to appreciate it as anything more than a picture book, but I loved dinosaurs so much I didn’t care. As I got a little older I eventually started sketching some of the artwork in it and a few years after that I read it and appreciated it even more. I had no idea there were multiple books in the series until just recently. I don’t know why it’s taken 30 years to get the idea of seeking out information about it online but I’m glad I did. I just ordered The World Beneath and intend to order the others as soon as I get a chance to read this one.
How is this not a live action film franchise?! I know that there's an animation using this exact lore but why isn't it more popular? This is genius!
I didn't discover Dinotopia until I was in High School when the TV movie, and then show aired. I watched it with my mother and we both loved it. I never really forgot the show, but never really thought about it until the show showed up on DVD two years. The memories came flooding back. I bought it, and enjoyed it again. I love your work.
Dude, this was my childhood. I'll be honest, I never really liked or cared about dinosaurs, but the idea of humans forming civilization with dinosaurs still interested me. I was roughly 6 (in 2000) when my dad read me A Land Apart from Time and The World Beneath and to this day, they're still some of my favorite books from my childhood.
As a kid, these books took me into another world. I was obsessed with dinosaurs and its so cool to flashback to those times with these videos. You are a truly gifted man, mr gurney
This actually brought tears. Awesome work and life and we are all so glad for it. Thank you for bringing such a world into being.
wow I am awe struck . Mr Gurney I started watching your hosta video and stumbled across this one. I am absolutely enthralled with your process descriptions . Thank goodness there are people in the world like you. Wish more of us could be even just a little more curious and passionate about the world around us. Thank you thank you!
Discovering Dinotopia is one of my most vivid childhood memories, I can still see the book where it stood on a shelf in the library when I first saw it, and the first time I read it, discovering the island together with Artur Denison, and the idea that dinosaurs lived together with people, was just so amazing for me at the time.
And it was only recently I discovered that there were more than just one book form the land of Dinotopia (only the first book was translated in Slovenian language), I bought them all right away and am reliving all the excitement reading through them, as I did the first time, I am once again an still in love with this world.
Thanks for making such wonderful books.
My aunt got me this book when I was a young lad. Of course, I loved dinosaurs and this book just let my imagination run wild. Thanks so much for all your work.
Watching this video was so refreshing. I remember daydreaming about being in waterfall city and having my own dinosaur. What memories!
Wow, the work you put into this is absolutely astounding! A true masterpiece.
My mom gave me and my brother this book when we were little kids. It was so amazing and it really changed my life. I think it’s because of this book I ended up becoming a concept artist as an adult.
The illustrations are mindblowing!
OMG I just found the creator of one of my all time favourite fantasy worlds. I was watching you paint a speed boat in guache (in the rain no less) and didn't realize it was you. Amazing. I just love Dinotopia. I have a Dinotopia jigsaw puzzle that I have done several times. Actually the picture you showed at 4:44 is that same picture. I love your work. I've watched the movie and the series that comes from your stories. You are so incredibly talented. I am so happy I started watching your channel. Subscribed immediately. Thank you for your work and your youtube channel. I normally do watercolours but I will try guache now after seeing your paintings. Thank you so much again for your wonderful work. You make me want to live in Dinotopia. Love from Australia.
Wow. A RUclips video made by the actual author of the franchise. Your stories, art and Creativity inspired me: like seeing the best of history, adventure and poetry combined. ...
My own story into fantasy and sci-fi started with anime. I loved dinosaurs but I love history and nature in general. There will never be a separation of nature and humanity for me. I would not be here without dinosaurs and Dinotopia.
Sir, this is, without a doubt, one of the most interesting videos ive ever watch on youtube, greetings from Chile 🇨🇱
My family had a dinotopia puzzle when I was a child! It was the only piece of dinotopia I knew existed until now. I'm so thrilled to know there's so much more to enjoy, that one puzzle (a parade I believe) inspired hours of imagination and play. Funny that I'm finding this now after subscribing to hopefully improve my own painting
Thank you so much for making Dinotopia, I am in college now and used this video in a fun project for a class, the project in question is about adapting something into a musical, so I picked Dinotopia! Edit: currently rushing to finish my Dinotopia presentation, wish me luck! and thank you James for making the book that seven-year-old me discovered in the library, I remember staring at the pictures for hours and hours.
I remembered the book from my childhood.
I grew up with Jurassic Park and became obsessed with the illustrations in The World Beneath. Would love to see a modern open-world game based on this.
I learned about the series only after reading color and light and most recently imaginative realism. At first I was shocked by the fact how beautiful and lifelike the illustrations were draw by simply imagining them. Now I see that you actually have to do a lot of research and referencing in order to create such a great masterpiece! Thank you Gurney!
I came here because of the polygon video and I'm so happy I did. I was a big fan of the movie as a kid, I thought it was such an interesting world. I draw and do some water colors but I've never been very good at painting. I also like to roleplay as a hobby and I've always wanted to write my own story but have never gotten around to it. I love listening to you talk about your world building and watching you paint and talk about the process. It's really inspiring. I cosplay so I get how it is to fiddle with a piece and hodgepodge it until it looks right so I find it really fun to watch you mess around with the models. I really want to learn to paint again because of watching you and I think I'm going to try and do more traditional art in general. I've been messing with digital and although I like how it looks in the end because I don't have expensive equipment it takes ages to do. I'm much quicker on paper and I think if I got good at more traditional styles I may make more art and have more fun with it. I wish I were a better reader because I want to read your books. I like getting lost in places like this. This is a ramble but you're a real inspiration and I had a lot of stuff to say.
You'll never know how much dinotopia meant to me as a kid. It was the first book I read on my own in 2nd grade. Even to this day Dinotopia fills me with this sense of wonder amazement and happiness. I keep hoping a band of brothers level miniseries reboot. Tho the Wentworth Miller one was alright but hasn't aged well. Anyways thank you James. Your book was definitely a huge branch on my tree of life. =)
Its such a treat that you share your process with the world around you. I'm so inspired and pumped to create my own worlds and universes because of your passion for Dinotopia. Thank you for being awesome!
Thank you man you made my childhood.
The painting of the triumphal march is one of my favourite artworks.
Grew up with a dinotopia book ! Came across your videos this year and ive watched like 3 or 4 before i realized you were the artist / creator!
Your work has Definitely a huge influence on me
I started painting seriously 10 years ago and I have learned a lot , But my work has been compared to illustrations, I just found your page and I am truly enjoying learning from you
Now this guy knows how to get a reference.
Glueing old plastic toys together
This is incredible! It's amazing nobody has tried to bring this to life again. It's potential is massive, and you can do amazing stories here.
Seeing your detailed and passionate process for creating the world of Dinotopia makes me appreciate it even more. The first two books were so important to me during my childhood and continue to be inspirational. I still dream of living in Dinotopia ♥️
I’d also like to echo some other comments I’ve seen- if you ever publish a book with behind the scenes photos and concept art, I would buy it in a heartbeat!
James Cameron wants YOU 😊 or at least he should. "If you can draw it you can create it" is as pure as it is true, for glorious fiction and science alike. Thanks for blessing my childhood.
WOW. I read your books when I was a kid. It was one of the huge encouragements to me to pursue art in my undergrad.
Thank you so much James, when I was a little boy, my mom and I would watch Dinotopia together. Recently after getting a bit of play time into Myst I thought back to your design, your world. I didn't know you had books when I was younger, but I'm going to start reading soon. Thanks again.
This was a big inspiration for my book. However I didn't want to emulate the same atmospheric feeling, I wanted to show another type of world where man and dinosaurs live together. But I wouldn't have completed the book if it wasn't for the inspiration found in the Dinotopia series. Truly breathtaking.
Thank you James.
+Jack Anthony Ewins I am writing a story with dinosaurs of my own.
I wish it to be different from any thing seen in a dinosaur story before.
Where can I get a copy of your book?
Cheers for messaging dude. You can find links to it at jackanthonyewins.co.uk/books
I loved this book as a child and I had no idea you were the illustrator! Now i have a reason to love your videos even more!
I just came across yourpainting video and then found this video and my jaw dropped.. I loved Dinotopia as a kid. I think this is why I fell in fantasy now that I look back . Basically thank you..
This world needs more people like you
I have loved your books and your drawings. I never would have taken watercolors places and drawn things. I use books and my camera but you have just opened the door for me. I loved hearing about your creation for this world that I have loved. It gave me love for dinosaurs myself. And I thank you. A fan.
Your beautiful imaginative works in dinotopia had a profound impact of pure wonder on my mind as a child. Had forgotten about that series but seeing the images again brings back such vivid connections. Thanks James
I first found dinotopia the tv show on a shelf at the library ...I watched it and I fell in love....it's still one of my favorite show...I eventually found the book and I fell in love with the amazing art work...being an artist myself I aspired to be like you:)...I even found a dinotopia video game...haha:) thank you..for giving us dinotopia
This is so wild!
Legit have a copy of Dynotopia lying on my desk and been watching your videos for a few months now.
Never knew you were the genius behind my childhood wonders :D
What a coincedence! A couple days ago, I came across this book in a recycle shop here in the Netherlands. The only reason I didn´t buy it was because it was translated in Swedish. And now, your video randomly popped up in my recommendations! Fantastic work!
Got to see a bunch of these painting in the Anderson building of UARTs , the water blows me away every time, nothing else compares to these paintings
Thanks! Yes, I love Jansen's sculptures. I love the short film called "Future Forms of Life," which imagines his sculptures coming to life.
Thank you for mentioning them. I never heard of them before and wow, they are incredible! I am very very impressed.
Wow! The first book is my childhood favorite of all time :) It is so great to know the artist behind this wonderful world. I'm very happy to have seen this video. That aspect of my childhood is now complete!
I'm from Brazil and I remmember when I was young and buy the book with this pictures! Awesome!
The first time I watched Dinotopia on DVD I loved it so much 😍 Made me wish I could live in Dinotopia.
I NEED to read this series so badly...
Christian Bontempo same
Thanks, James.
Dinotopia is gem.
My first met was start with Hallmark TV series, then read the books.
Hope to see a huge RPG game set in this universe.