Alex Ross Talks Painting & Comics pt. 1

Alex Ross discusses photo references, sketching, his creative process and thoughts on being a comic book creator.
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[@mr.nobody9697]

His work has a 1950s look with a modern feel. He is truly unique. Sublime.

[@murthadao]

VERY VERY SUBLIME. WONDERFUL!

[@mistermood4164]

that's a great way to put his work is has a modern art-deco aesthetic

[@BobSmith-sl9sm]

For some reason I always thought Alex Ross was old when he appeared on the scene in the 90's. His art seemed so mature and classical compared to his contemporaries of the time. He's actually still fairly young.

[@jnever9768]

Love that his “imperfect” sketches are better than 90% of comic art these days

[@Jiboby]

I wouldn’t even call that a sketch. I would call it a masterpiece.

[@kanerobertson7930]

This is something people don't talk about enough. so many comics right now have really lifeless artwork in them. it's like they just looked at a disney storyboard and threw it in procreate. couple of days later, you have a new issue of venom.

[@badbot3029]

different artists have different styles

[@user-to3pe1zi9v]

badbot style is one thing but quality is the problem with comic art these days. They always seem rushed.

[@badbot3029]

@@user-to3pe1zi9v maybe because publishers are forcing their hands

[@babygerald4645]

You are one of my heroes, Mr. Ross. I've bought comics I don't usually read because your work was on the covers. Thanks so much for sharing your work and process.

[@TheObsessedGardener]

Totally agree.

[@jtcob8486]

I think this is the first comment Alex ever hearted.

[@amicableenmity9820]

I love that you use references and aren't afraid to say so. I know too many people who think it's "cheating". I'm pretty sure the Renaissance painters cheated too lol.

[@nothanks4063]

you mean you but an actual piece of fruit in a basket, then looked at it while painting?!

[@phxcppdvlazi]

Who do you know who thinks it's "cheating"? Drawing from figures and references is pretty standard in any kind of fine art that isn't finger painting on pinecones. No one who aspires to improve their drawing or painting skills is "afraid" to say they use references. That's the normal thing to do. How are you going to get better if you don't know what your subject looks like?!? I can online imagine people who don't draw or paint say those kinds of things.

[@LowellLucasJr.]

@@phxcppdvlazi there's alot of artists with egos that say using reffrence is cheating. Frazetta a few times has bragged he didn't use references on his art. For proof, look at his painting with fire documentary.

[@BEER-OTFG]

Amicable Enmity the problem is what people define as reference if i make pictures of a model for example and use it as comic reference that is definitely not cheating by any means since its a reference and no trace/swipe however if you swipe/trace other peoples work for what they‘ve spent countless of time on it then there is a big difference

[@jnever9768]

I have def seen comic fans treat references as bad and cheating

[@RNSEntertainmentChannel]

An Alex Ross video longer than 1 minute is like Christmas come early lol

[@ashtonchane6126]

RNS Entertainment amen

[@mindseye451]

RNS Entertainment I know how feel man!

[@masterpizza4871]

So true RNS Entertainment. I was in awe watching the video and kept thinking "please make a full length Alex Ross documentary, please please please".

[@cuntohaire]

This is the first video I've watched in a while because it's longer. And chock-full of insight! This is what I want from now on!

[@Gilla12341]

yes, thank you for creating longer videos!

[@ezzong]

Watching Alex paint so calmly reminds me of his late uncle, Bob.

[@jemagu6]

No way.... is he really related to Bob Ross? I never knew.

[@ezzong]

@@jemagu6 just kidding, but maybe somewhere down the line idk

[@jemagu6]

@@ezzong Lol... that would be awesome if they were related

[@trickybread2007]

I wouldn’t be surprised if they were related

[@revolutionday1]

Way to go, jackass.....

[@MrKevin486]

Kingdom Come is still one of my all time favorite comics. The artwork is just awesome.

[@kr6productions]

it's bloody amazing

[@siner2442]

I never get tired of hearing him talk about art… it’s like he’s saying what’s in my brain.

[@VZAAGE]

Love the video, Alex. Can we get one that focuses on just you drawing and painting?

[@MeasAgun]

+1, but anything from you is welcome anyway!!! :)

[@jerometenorio7221]

So did you get one? I heard it is so hard to get Alex Ross on anything.

[@PaKePo]

Like an ASMR video. Videos of people painting relax me a lot

[@patatitopo7631]

I wish so much

[@bradyjohn7799]

I realize I'm quite randomly asking but does anyone know a good place to stream newly released tv shows online ?

[@EnzoDraws]

As an amateur artist who spends weeks stressing over tiny things about thumbnails and is very insecure about the composition phase of a work, this is very enlightening and helpful. Reminds me that I'm not delivering this to my grumpy perfectionist clone, I'm delivering this to regular people who apparently like what I paint. Also KZbin WHAT ARE YOU DOING? HOW COME ONLY NOW I FIND OUT ALEX FREAKING ROSS HAS A CHANNEL? I SHOULD'VE WATCHED THESE VIDEOS AGES AGO, SERIOUSLY STOP RECOMMENDING ME JIMMY KIMMEL VIDEOS. Thank you.

[@HRDK-SKLETRMUMMR-MEGTRN]

EXACTLY!!!! 👌😵✌

[@realmaximouse]

I always felt like I was cheating using reference but now I know a legend like you does it I feel better 😊

[@steelbat54]

Sir, you are a phenomenal talent.. I’m glad I’m part of a hobby that I can appreciate your work on a regular basis..

[@nc1901]

I used to draw a lot when I was younger. In highschool. After that though i stopped. Felt discouraged. But now im beginning to get that inspiration lately. Watching this is kind of giving me that little push. Thanks for sharing your work Alex.

[@Nugtroen]

No Wacom or digital fancy hi-tech gadgets... wow he is absolutely a true analog traditional comic painter...what a legend

[@rafindeed]

Alex ross, please, do a master class.

[@TheObsessedGardener]

I agree with so many. You're a legend. Please keep doing everything you do and SHARING. I love seeing this content from brilliant talent and hard workers. I can't wait to dig more into your previous videos.

[@cartooncaleb24]

Alex Ross, you are without a doubt one of the greatest artists (not just for comic books) of our time.

[@strangeconstruct7751]

Not really. At best he's above average skillwise. On Critical discourse on art, that i don't know. I've never seen works from him on other platform. But definitely a good comic illustrator.

[@henryramirez5582]

This man was bless and i met him in person very humble . Nice guy

[@Cyne116]

He has a channel on KZbin?!! How did I not know this until now!

[@rolan5948]

The level of realism and detail he puts into some of covers are damn near unbelievable. I sometimes wonder how much isn’t done by him after he’s submitted his work and how much of the finishing touches he doesn’t do makes the picture. If he illustrates and colours in everything then we’re looking at him spending more than 4 days on one cover

[@sXeblues]

Love getting a longer video, delving that much further into the thoughts and talents of this phenomenal artist!

[@vampazilla2622]

Wow. I am impressed with his ideologies on comic book creations. I love his candid approach. And Alex, your art is OUTSTANDING as always!

[@YaleStewartArt]

This is what I'm talking about. Nice hefty chunk of content that really does a solid dive into the process.

[@UrinationNation]

Awesome to hear a more extended thought on the subjects. Thank you.

[@flip1sba]

Every artist uses photo reference especially if their work is realistic or semi-realistic. Every artist.

[@dinoleo3804]

Not me.

[@goochipoochie]

@@dinoleo3804 but you are also not an artist

[@LatinMessiah]

I could listen to this man talk about his creative thought process and professional experiences all day long.

[@igorschmidlapp6987]

Alex Ross' work has amazed me from first sight. I only wish that I could afford to own some of it (but, I can't afford DaVinci, either). Such talent has a corresponding value. I'm glad that Alex is here to be able to reap the rewards of his mastery of his medium. I would love to see formal public gallery/art museum exhibitions of Alex Ross...

[@robertricobaldi7781]

Very inspirational and insightful , thank you for sharing. I'm an airbrush artist and I can't tell you how many times I've been ask to airbrush your work onto a shirt or wall mural. I love your rendition of Superman! Thank you, Ross.

[@ccgcoordinator6518]

Hi Alex! So happy you are making these videos, especially this longer more in depth video. :-)

[@cristhiangarcia7806]

What a talent.. truly amazing! Great work mr. Ross.

[@smoovoperata3242]

Always loved this guy's style. Incredible work 👍

[@ryanchalmers5296]

Loving the longer videos!

[@artcreativz1861]

Absolutely right!! Photo reference a great resource that has improved my work tremendously, I also think improvisation is integral to avoid becoming a 'human photocopier'...subbed!

[@JLSComics]

This is fantastic! I’m looking forward to many more videos in this series. Alex Ross is the best there is in the game!

[@Sketchartbymarc1]

To the point: Absolutely beautiful work! Cool insights. And a really interesting perspective on the process!

[@miyagi_draws]

How do you not have more subs? You're a legend. Thanks for the vids!

[@QuartaQuartaMusic]

Absolutely loved this video. So interesting getting to hear your personal take.

[@TimBengsch]

I Love your Comic Kingdom Come and Batman War on Crime

[@DavidBaldo]

Your discipline, inspire us to try extract the best in art, in life !

[@Danny_Lopez_]

Amazing artwork. Great video.

[@kevinrice6245]

Awesome insights into how a master works! More like this please!

[@garyparedes9063]

Este hombre es único,su trabajo tiene un toque único sin comparación,es un crack y la inspiración de muchos artistas, es maravilloso ver cómo es que hace la magia,es magnífico 👏👏

[@tjvirus]

His work to me is immaculate and inspiring! I also love Jim Lee and Todd Mcfarlane! Eric Larson rocks too!!

[@cameronreid4630]

Alex Ross is the god of art no doubt, I remember seeing your paintings first in the second spider-man movie and being amazed even as a kid.

[@jonathangoode546]

Mr Ross . the Justice league action figures are amazing . they look so realistically​ great .I LOVE YOU YOUR ARTWORK.

[@ElGatoCiego]

The best of all times, period.

[@davidfenn522]

You sir are a genius .. Love your work

[@CC021186]

Yes! Longer videos, please!

[@Azraelnme3303]

Thank you for everything you do.

[@biorythmicshifter]

Top shelf work, just absolutely impressive on so many levels…

[@MachineFuckingHate]

The man who makes every other great comic book artist look like Rob Lieleld by comparison.

[@shapilier793]

or the great Kirby and Ditko

[@marcellodasilvarego8690]

não é bem assim

[@jtcob8486]

@@shapilier793 or Darwyn Cooke

[@GatlinsFuckinCornfield]

Eh, Rob has grown as an artist since the 90s.

[@dbateman26]

Your best KZbin video yet

[@elpadrino1128]

Hi Alex! New subscriber here Huge fan! pleaaase keep uploading long informative videos like this

[@vanexmellejor3288]

when i was a kid, i had this special ability too.. and develop as a teenager. experiencing skitching, painting also various contest in our province.. but when i go to collage i left them off.. focusing for the future. as a seafarer.. but now, after 20 years of living, i regret it... Thank you Legend artist alex ross for reminding me these Ultimate of your's... Godbless

[@dinekevinke2268]

I'm digging it! its really inpirational!

[@denniskelly3110]

One of the absolute best.

[@hazeleyesohhhryyyon2031]

Always mind blowing amazing art..thanks

[@mathmccoyadams5386]

Alex, you are amazing!

[@jeeperscreatures]

Alex Ross...you`re a friggin legend !!

[@HovektheArtist]

How am i just now finding that my favorite comic artist has a channel Edit: favorite artist

[@donchermo]

Finally a long video!!!!

[@bigkendallas]

I really love his pencil skills too.

[@NERD_MULTIVERSE]

Alex ross you created a Perfect suit of Superman in Kingdom cone

[@artifexmom3824]

Wow! That’s awesome artworks.☺️💕👍🏻

[@emperorswagruuf]

Wow I didn't know Alex has his own channel, glad I found it.

[@swizard0922]

Thanks for the video Alex!!! One day when I earn a little more income I will be sure to purchase one of your original drawings. Keep up the great work!!

[@razatiger22]

This guy made the most badass covers for comics ever.

[@RosencrantzxGuildenstern]

It's crazy how actual legends like Alex Ross have KZbin channels like us mere mortals.

[@danielbarrios3576]

The best comicbook artist

[@Manganization]

I think it's more direct to say he's a great illustrator. I don't think his style of art fits comic books at all. That's why he's more commissioned the cover pages than anything. His style of art fits static illustration and motion media. In comic books, it just looks jarring, even if pretty to look at.

[@MrMADman171]

Eunro Well, that definitely has to do with the story he’s illustrating. Ross’ style “grounds” characters, and makes them seem more human. Kingdom Come and Marvels, and Justice all work well because of this. The realistic proportions,poses, and human expressions make the characters instantly relatable. To say he isn’t a good comic book artist, in my opinion, short-changes what comics can be.

[@Manganization]

+MARKERS, I didn't say he isn't a good comic book artist. He's just not a great one, and his artstyle doesn't quite mesh well as it does other media. He's very good with perspective and action flow, but when you start slapping comic bubbles onto his art the contrast is hard to get by. And this is without mentioning how his panel scene sometimes tends to be difficult to follow because of the jarring switch in perspective, and sometimes doesn't flow properly, as they're often treated like individual set-pieces (which he is fantastic at) than an actual play.

[@MrMADman171]

Eunro That’s understandable. Fair criticism.

[@tomerart9544]

Daniel Barrios he's an incredible artist but I prefer Capullo's style and Jim Lee's style over his super realistic style

[@supermadmac]

Nice!!! Excellent video!!!

[@alandrivas7771]

Alex Ross!! Es el Davinci de los comics!! Mi ilustrador favorito!

[@jaime667]

And I was just at that part of Andrew Loomi´s book "Creative Illustration" (which I know is one of your influences btw) Saludos desde Chile.

[@XrosM]

This is actually great advice for any artist.

[@frankparker1191]

My favorite comic book artist.

[@theminotaur8015]

Im a DC guy by far. But, 1 thing DC and Marvel fans can agree on, is Ross is a beast!!!!!

[@upnyourface7119]

I love your Gatchaman Art!!!

[@franciscooliveira8839]

Amazing work.

[@LORDBYRONII]

Genius is hard to describe...stop asking “how”...

[@marcocolecchia4147]

I like so much his work. Above all the one he did with Captain Marvel during Kingdom Come and Justice

[@Replayer101]

Amazing art, wow!

[@josefrootgum]

Alex Ross is a living legend.

[@ezzeppelin1]

Amazing!

[@ChelissaMoon]

I would pay good money for a painting MasterClass! You working with gouache, yes? I’m new to the medium and I find the colors get muddy when I try to blend. I’m so impressed by tour technique. Your work is so inspiring. Thanks for taking the time to share your perspective and process. 💖

[@markturley9542]

I LOVE that Captain Marvel rendering - Classic, yet Contemporary, at the same time! :€)

[@cuntohaire]

More videos like this, please!

[@ashwinkumar3069]

Alex ross really nice and good work and u r really unique one. I love u r paintings really

[@Gumba213]

Wow, really nice work

[@elliottobelliotnwaobi4779]

"Its jumpin out at me!"😂😂

[@SuperNitroZ64]

Even to this day, I think your version of the Spider-Man costume being rejected was completely injustice.

[@rogersilva5779]

Alex Ross sou um grande fã do seu trabalho sempre me inspira bastante muito obrigado

[@themomandthekid2777]

Such great talent.

[@juanmanuelrodriguez5492]

That painting of Space Ghost is amazing ..

[@kingshan2483]

I love your Drawings Sir

[@cuachogaidh]

So do you just hang out with a bunch of bodybuilders?

[@jacobstaten2366]

Theoretically you could just post an ad for athletes from your local colleges to pose for like 10-50 minutes of taking pictures if you have everything set up early.

[@seraby7151]

He uses his toy collection for references as well

[@Jiboby]

I am your 69th like

[@CommieApe]

Kingdom Come and the Amazing Spider Man covers are incredibly beautiful. I have a print of the fantastic four wedding that Alex made too thats dope.

[@Markmaro]

Omg I a huge fan of Alex Ross best artist reL tAlk mAkes his stuff beautiful!!!!!! Omg

[@Raccoonosaurus]

This is AWESOME....When does part 2 come out?

[@xjungfreud]

In for win, excellent :)

[@kr6productions]

I never knew he did art for Marvel as well, I definitely need to read those works too.