A Conversation with Glenn Vilppu

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Recently I had the pleasure of meeting Glenn Vilppu, a legendary instructor and artist. His teaching had a significant impact on my life and career. Mr. Vilppu and I had a conversation and I got to ask him some of the questions you guys submitted.
Glenn Vilppu's website:
www.vilppuacademy.com
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- What part of being an artist do you enjoy most?
- Can you recommend a weekly schedule for a studying regime?
- What do you like to do to warm up?
- Is there any problem using a ruler or calipers in drawing, is it better to just use your eyes to measure proportions?
- Favorite color?
- Favorite drawing medium?
- Why do some artists draw a sketch before painting and others paint a la prima?
- I've been drawing for years, but I still have trouble making bold, decisive strokes. What do you think about this?
- what do u enjoy more, the process or the end product of your hard work?
- How much time should I spent drawing from observation vs. imagination, and what should I be aware of so that I'm always learning and not just copying the model?
- As you are arranging the model for a figure drawing, what do you look for? Position of body and limbs? Lighting? Facial expression?
- How do beginning artists work through the growing pains of being in the same classroom as more advanced artists.
- Have you encountered many artists who have a severe lack of self-confidence?
- Did you ever doubt yourself when you were starting out or at any time in your career?
- When you draw complete gestures, they come out proportionally close to the finish.
- Is this purely from experience, or do you "see checkpoints" that you don't actually draw?
---
Music used with permission
music intro by www.freakfandango.es/
#Interview #ProfessionalArtist #VilppuAcademy

[@OCDTraci]

As someone who is also getting a late start, it's nice to hear that Glenn wasn't in his early 20's when he broke into the industry. Even the amazing Stan Lee didn't get his break until he was 40! Maybe I shouldn't be so down about beginning in my 30's. :) Thank you for sharing, Stan!

[@ProkoTV]

You're welcome. It's never too late to start drawing.

[@gdlop]

you are NOT alone , :-) . At my early 30s i was like "my job makes me hate my life, and that needs to change" , so after a looot of searching, i rediscovered that i feel happy when i am drawing (among other things). Now at 36 i am studying how to draw, and i am having a blast, hopefully at some point drawing will be my new profession. Dont get discouraged, keep drawing !!!!!

[@IuriSigma]

​@@gdlop And @OCDTRACI, amazing atitude of you two! Hope you two continue to make good progress and inspiring others as well. God bless.

[@mikepelosi9877]

Hey, know I'm three years late but: I hate just about all kinds of work that isn't design and illustration related. I started at 30. A year later, after non-stop work I've gotten a few freelance assignments. It's tough work, but doable. I'd argue that at 60 or 70 or 80 or 90...if you just have a few weeks to a few years left of life in you, it is NEVER too late to make art. The life expectancy of an individual during the Italian Renaissance was 60 if you were lucky and/or wealthy, but much less if you weren't. If you think of it that way, starting at 30 - if you live until 70 - gives you enough time to learn and make a living from your art. You'll be actively learning and living art 2-3x longer Raphael was alive. Alive longer than Caravaggio. You can do it. We all can.

[@willheydecker6179]

Mike Pelosi hey Mike. You have no idea how encouraging that is to hear. How was it you found your freelance clients? Was it a cold pitch, we're they people you knew IRL, or was it on a job board like fiverr etc? Thanks! I'm trying to find a way to find clients while competing with other freelancers immensely more experienced.

[@Erzkreutz]

this video will be timeless as he stands in the tradition of legendary teachers like loomis, bridgeman and hogarth. also he seems to be such a nice person.

[@kavereon]

Not only is Vilppu a master draughtsman, he's a master instructor. His teaching style is so patient, so concise. Thank the Lord for Glenn Vilppu!

[@Kidicoo]

How lucky you are to meet this man. One of my all time favorite life-drawing instructors who I admire greatly was a student of his. I carry around his books like they are my own personal bibles, he really changed how I look at art and how I developed my skills. Such an amazing inspirational person.

[@lianglixin17]

In the summer of 2007, I saw Glenn Vilppu's body painting instructional video for the first time. It was my third year of work. Although I have studied painting for ten years before, I have never had a deep understanding of human body painting through the explanation of Glenn Vilppu video. I didn't have the ability to understand English at the beginning, but I have learned a lot from the pictures. Thank you Glenn Vilppu and hope you are healthy. Greetings from Chinese students.

[@oktaymeyt]

Stan is really nervous in this one :D

[@sharonoddlyenough]

This is the first interview he did for this channel. He did great

[@prabhukiranz]

...true... its not easy to be in the presence of greatness...... ahahah... but he did nice...

[@MartinhoIsidroCorreia]

Glenn is the best anatomy teacher in the world. Thanks for this interview.

[@ShinjitsunoKage]

In a wholly insightful interview, the most fascinating part to me is during 14:00 - 15:00. He addressed how he was a very dedicated artist in real life while balancing life's demands without an artistic job.

[@HarelJann]

Thank you! I learnt a lot. Mr. Vilppu is a living legend.

[@BenjaminWeiler]

And every time the camera is on Glenn, all I keep seeing is "Greuze the draftsman" on his shelf. I have been trying for years to find a copy. ^_^

[@brendanbody6586]

This was fascinating, thanks so much Stan & Glenn.

[@Bogdancbn]

This guy was the first teacher that actually helped me, following his gesture lesssons I made the first drawing ever that I was actually proud of and I was impressed by myself. That feeling is what pumpes me everyday in drawing and painting and it`s a lot of his "fault" for that! Thank you Villpu!

[@Redrosefortomorrow]

awesome, i met him at ctn he was a great inspiration, and i love his teachings. awesome episode

[@vcrbetamax]

I had this in my playlist and let it auto play. I looked at the video and saw Stan looking so young. I didn't realize this was 2013. Long time lol.

[@irangel1958]

Thank you for this, I've been a fan and student via Mr.Vilppu's videos for years. Still struggle but more for lack of time. This was an excellent interview, would be awesome if there was a follow up ;-) and thanks to Proko for the tips on this channel mil gracias,

[@pranshje2703]

14:11 daily routine to become a master 17:11 how do you study

[@rumory]

thank you

[@DennisCNolasco]

Much thanks my friend!

[@isa9ashley]

Thank you for the interview!

[@siddheshwarkumbhar8709]

Thanks, PROKO for a great interview of GREAT ARTIST

[@SuperXrunner]

Great interview. One of the greatest artists to ever live

[@juansieben]

What a beautiful video, i loved every single second of it...

[@viveksingh-if5uz]

thank you for your knowlege and information regarding human figure drawing your ideas have really inspired me to be an artist

[@midnightdreams8136]

Haha, I *knew* he must be of Finnish descent, the name sounded so Finnish. And Wikipedia has confirmed it! Cheers from Finland! ❤️

[@aiworldwide23]

you sir made my day, this interview and also yours questions for it are so cool thanks a lot for this.

[@madsahm5526]

Fantastic!... thank you so much for sharing

[@GlowingOnion]

I'm a Finn and I've never heard of Mr. Vilppu but I got to say, respect! Lovely old man.

[@yeshuaservant7]

Fascinating interview! Very instructive! Thanks to both of you.

[@AndyNolan]

This was great. Hes such a cool bloke. Even you were a bit star struck to start with there Stan haha. Really enjoy his lessons at NMA.

[@hawgey]

Thank you so much for this interview. I took his classes years ago I miss those days!

[@marieniehaus1687]

Gesture to Form, plus 100 other gems in here. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@mirceaflorianhamza9330]

Thank you for sharing all!

[@slathas]

Thank you very much, I enjoyed and learned!

[@tanzer98]

He is so passionate about art, amazing!

[@Frank79811]

extremely valuable conversation .

[@rigobertoorellana9936]

Gracias amigo Proko por su video me parecio una muy buena entrvista a este señor.espero seguir viendo mas de sus videos....Saludos...

[@griffperson2092]

This was great. I can see his influence in your teaching style.

[@markdavey7738]

Really enjoyed watching this conversation there is so much information and practise practise practise thanks for uploading :)

[@etiennebonanno]

OMG! Glenn Vilppu! Glenn is my hero! I learnt so much from his tapes!

[@40L900L]

Thank you for doing this interview Proko :)

[@CaptainFutureman]

Glenn, Proko, thank you for this video. I learnt a very valuable thing, the tip to look for a book that exemplifies an aspect of art that you like (eg colour) and do that for every aspect of art, and that combined is "you" or your prefered style. What a fun assignment, to look for stuff I like in order to figure out what I love most. Great thanks!

[@TheRajatfx]

Great Conversation. It also helped me regarding my question about drawing from imagination & now I know that if we draw something from imagination then we must first know it & study it & then we can draw it because we know that how it looks like. Thanks Very Much for this video.

[@Purplexity-ww8nb]

I would love to have his library ... what a collection !!!

[@MrAkbarman]

thank you for doing this mr. proko

[@SinestesiaCo]

Great interview! Vilppu is a legend

[@Shioni16]

I've learned so much thank you so very much for this I really appreciate this alot.

[@dksculpture]

Glenn is a good guy and excellent teacher!

[@CladioJulianoArt]

The from mind master! One of my favorite teachers.

[@kanachiaki]

Thank you so much, I couldn't believe it when I saw this video. Vilppu is a legend as many already said XD

[@anima6035]

Love Glen 😍 my drawings have improved immensely since attending his online classes at NMA. Thank you both x

[@AUSWQPCV]

yo slide me the NMA perspective course

[@Zager-recap]

I LOVE Mr.Vilppu as a human and a Great Artist.

[@Mortamir_ActionFigures]

HOLY crap. Legendary Vilppu! Awesome Stan!!

[@vincentramos6120]

That man is a legend.

[@nitinveturkar2801]

Thank you ProKo for this interview...I had a photocopy of Mr Vilppu's notes from Disney...I'm pretty sure it has helped generations of animators from India...Thanks again!

[@bradstoonz4703]

Can you give me too?

[@Bogdancbn]

That thing with the stack of books with each one containing something that you like from an artist is one of the most awesome thing I`ve ever heard!

[@progste]

This is a very interesting and informative interview

[@kamilijusz]

WOW just speachless ...

[@wafausman]

I heard of master Vilpu from my art instructor based in kerala India..

[@Sketchius]

Glenn seems like such a great guy. I'd love to just hang out with him and talk art.

[@Tattoonouveau]

Can we get a booklist from that library? 🌟 Vilppu is an amazing teacher! One of the most impactful one I've learned from. Thank you for sharing.

[@WaynesWorldStudioVancouver]

Love Paul Vilppu, a Master of his craft, currently taking his gesture class! Long live Paul Vilppu!

[@MFDOOOOM]

Who tf is Paul lol

[@be1know1]

You Got Glen Vilppu?! Thanks Stan!!! I'm excited to see who you might speak to next. P.s. Marshall, Thad, and Tyler were great in your previous interviews and q&a's as well!

[@introspectiveCreator]

Awesome!

[@Masterpaintingnowlearn2draw]

Love glen's style.

[@d1i9n2a2]

More of this!! :)

[@Yakixx2012]

Stan was so young!

[@BRUQBEATS]

Thank you. :)

[@lisafred1362]

To study: Study old masters an hour in am. Draw or paint.. live model if possible. Don't look at hand when you draw to let eye move over model at the speed of hand (Hand Eye coordination). If you draw/paint from photos you have to know MORE than from a live model .. It's more difficult so you had better know your anatomy and know how to INTERPRET what you see.. not copy. Use what you know from anatomy and from experience of live sketches to take a photo from 2D to 3D. (Not an easy assignment.) Thanks Proko. Nice interview. Marshall V must have gone crazy in Vilpuu's class trying to figure all this out. Vandruff HAS to figure out everything! So much of Vilpuu is just pure genius...That is why with so many of his teachings out there, no one can do what he does quite like him. We want the magic bullet to find the way, but his marks are like another language.

[@kan-zee]

What fantastic tips and tricks..on art motivation. Thanks for this Great interview. and thank you so much Mr Vilppu !! ;-) Cheers Artists copies of other Artists works = Forgery practicing..lol

[@YoshiMario69]

IDK how long ago I saw this but it was nice seeing you talk so timidly with the experienced man haha

[@PETBOY]

Vilppu is a great master!!!

[@sameaston9587]

What an irony to me that both you and Vilppu are in a video together. Just last week I had an enthusiastic conversation with an artist friend how I like putting yours and Vilppu's method of drawing together. It's ballet in my sketchbook! And now here's the two of you, conversing in a video together :)

[@RussianBudoChannel]

Thank's for Vilppu

[@clanwargods]

Omg Proko and Vilppu!!!! :D In the same video!

[@MVSRD]

I cant believe you actually met him!!

[@alexandrasidorova8017]

Wow it's amazing! We are fortunate to have Glen, he is a real god of drawing humans and other animals ))) Please, can someone advice a master of environment drawing? Any man with good tips on urban sketch, nature drawing, building drawing and outdoor environment will be much appreciated!

[@theomnomberry837]

I can't stop drooling at that Greuze book. ;w;

[@ineffablewhune]

This was great. Plez do more of these "Prokoconversations" yet another brilliant bit of branding

[@deadzombies4496]

Prokonversations

[@GetToDaChoppa-k5r]

Wow!

[@janiylonen1382]

Terveisiä suomesta Vilppu:D

[@darkmagicghost6153]

Glenn is the master

[@ChadSmith1452]

I like how you say one of the most pleasurable parts of being an artist is learning. I'm endlessly fascinated by studying other artists, trying to figuring out how they do things, and accumulating new tricks. A couple weeks ago I was at my brother's place and he found me watching one of your videos. "You can already draw like that guy" he said. "Why are you watching this?" "Well, why do think *he* can draw so well"? I said. I'll still be trying to learn new tricks when I'm eighty.

[@wtravelchannel3510]

yeah~!!!

[@TheAndersDanilet]

The guy is incredible. Proko led me to him. My first teachers were at Ciprian Porumbescu High School in Suceava. It's a shame I had to move after 9th grade.

[@dyetaa]

Tu esti roman.Ok deci deci au trecut 5 ani insaaa vreau informatii.Cum te-ai descurcat ca artist in Romania?

[@SlayPlenty]

Haha have that too. when im really into a pose and the legs are just right i make them longer because they have such a good flow to them. or at least thats why i think i draw it like that.

[@BaconXBits]

Seconding that one guy's suggestion to interview Sheldon Borenstein. I've had two classes with him at SJSU and he is one of the most delightful, insightful people I've known. He's a very busy dude but lives in your area so maybe you could flag him down!

[@lorenzozuccola6972]

I love art history

[@SebastianTinajero]

How inspiring , when he pulled out that old beat up book i expected him to blow dust off the book haha

[@VoladorTraceur]

Vilppu = Legend

[@brk1988]

Glenn Vilppu is the man.

[@ItsyBitsyChelly]

WOW!!!!!!!!!

[@yungstaplegun]

This is one of the best nerdy art moments in history

[@mtnsaray]

the young Stan

[@H3llHoundd]

holy ballzz its vilppuuuuuuuuuuuu

[@elsevillaart]

wowww the leaving legend nce.

[@YaroslavArsentev]

Oh wow..

[@TheCrimsonScare]

Your intro music sounds like someone whistling John C. Reilly's song from the dinner table in "Step Brothers".

[@VoladorTraceur]

Also, I am extremely fucking jealous of that library, god.

[@megindog6484]

Proko should make Glenn Vilppu lessons available on his website as Glenn Vilppu Store site is no longer in action.

[@user-ml1ml7fk7v]

I love you

[@zakizakaria895]

Please do Prokonversations with Vilppu's protege, Sheldon Borenstein?

[@DmitryTaranov]

Ничего себе.