How a Professional Artist ACTUALLY makes Paintings (Episode II)

[@AlpayEfe]

PRINTS of my painting “ruby” will be available April 24th at alpayefe.com (first come, first serve), and to everyone who actually watched the video till the end… good luck 😁😉

[@mandimarie2379]

😉

[@bpcroofingservices4912]

You are a genius and a philosopher , your soul is strong & firmly expressing itself through you Alpay....your art is on it's own, distinctly Efe. From one soul to another...I love your work & mind

[@karynhitchman2498]

Happy birthday Alpay 🎂 🥳 🎉 🎈 🎁

[@sarandakalaveshi]

Beautiful piece!

[@bastianbux9050]

your backgrounds are so mega boring

[@jerm22278]

I don't know why, but I found this video amazing and hilarious. I've been an artist for going on 40ish years and married for about 25. And still when I start a new piece my wife will come into the studio to see a few sketches tossed to the side, a half-painted piece in the corner, and an empty piece of paper in front of me with maybe a guideline or two, and say, "you're not done? What have you been doing the last two hours?" Watching the creative struggle of other artists in order to find the "right" composition, color, lighting, etc. just brings sarcastic joy to my heart, hahaha.

[@margieinnes4638]

@ Lucas Black Yes, I can identify with that, having the painting in front of me, and then getting up and doing something else, going back several times to paint a bit here and there, not liking it, going back an hour later and so on, ad infinitum!!:D

[@arelix6646]

How do you earn money painting?

[@karenl6086]

I always felt guilty for “wasting” time on the preparation, as if time not painting was time procrastinating! It’s great to hear about your process and how much time it actually takes to plan a great painting. Thank you 😊

[@HoneyBunches100]

Same here. I feel like I “wasted” my weekend by not painting even one stroke, but what I did was take reference photos, decided what I’ll paint next, then prepared the perfect canvas, and purchased the paints I’ll need. All this was necessary and I’m glad to be reminded of this.

[@MetaPhysStore0770]

Thats why she'd be called, "the rolling pin" 🤣🤣🤣

[@starbird14]

Seems like quite a bit of time can be saved by deliberate planning.

[@Firecrob]

Such a cool painting. And yes, as an artist you go through so much more effort than just "drawing". Having good reference photos or even creating them in the first place plays already such a huge factor. Doesn't matter if you draw flowers or faces, you need reference, reference and more reference

[@margieinnes4638]

I always use a photo or picture as a reference, thought that it meant that I had no imagination/ creative ability, as I couldn't just start painting onto a canvas straight away!!

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Wow! Your reference photo process is quite complex! Amazing attention to detail.

[@PinkHatTV]

Glad to see more artists showing the full process, it's not just painting. Well done!

[@mikeno62]

It’s just amazing to see how much preparation there’s before even starting the first brush stroke, so what’s “behind the scene” is a lot more time consuming than people would think of, and that’s actually also a kind of art. Keep up your good work.

[@LilMellowMC]

I’m a tattoo artist in Australia and although we’re from different parts of the art world you’ve taught me so much about realism, I honestly am so very grateful you chose to show you art of this platform and express the ins and outs of an artists mind aswell as letting us know we’re not alone in feeling crazy haha thank you for all that you are 🤩🙏👏

[@adaywithrin9127]

Your roses are so beautiful. I Learn a lot watching your videos and how you paint. Behind the scenes videos are my fave, gives the viewers a chance to see what it really takes. Nicely done Alpay.

[@iHopeslast]

It's refreshing to see the whole process of deciding what to paint and how to get there. We often get caught up in the painting itself and the skill it takes to produce said work of art. Thank you.

[@MsCristina38]

I love the thick, luscious brushstrokes that have thousands of hours of practice behind them. When you said in a previous video that you did paintings for a dismal $100 just to get your career going, I was like wow, he’s really dedicated and willing to start at rock bottom to work his way up to the top. And look at where you are now-incredibly skilled and still working. Honestly it’s inspiring!

[@hellodelightfulrando]

I really vibe with your comparison of a artist vs a professional artist. I find that when I take extra care in my art process, even when doodling and having fun, I end up with a end result that I really like. I find that sometimes if I jump into something, head empty, I end up with something I don’t really like and I feel disappointed (as if I wasted my time, which probably isn’t necessarily true but the feeling is still valid). Learning how to balance prep work and intuition for any project is a very important skill and every creative should try and find out what ratio works best for them and their process

[@seungminsicedamericano]

Every time you upload a video, I always think about how a lot of what you say can be applied to other kinds of art. I’m not a painter, but as a writer, I find so many of your points relatable. Doing a creative thing professionally is a lot more than just creating. Thank you for sharing the process behind this painting-it’s beautiful as always!

[@Awat__123]

This was really helpful. I always struggled with my art process and always thought I was taking too long to actually start the painting. Thank you!

[@hinaa7453]

Love the way you painted the surface tension of the water in the vase

[@derekkent3398]

I love the purposeful "unfinished" marks that contrast the fine detail. It's awesome and inspiring!

[@cheryldarrough2551]

hello derek, How are you doing?

[@melissa0070]

I love that you delved into the process that begins before the brush hits the canvas.

[@kerenvalentin7082]

Happy birthday!!! Wishing you the best in life. You are an amazing artist, and I've learned so much from you, thank you. I love the flower painting and the colors you choose. I often feel like those flowers, very moving. Enjoy your birthday today!!

[@ikkiiiieee]

love the sharpness you create at the start with the big strokes from which you build up the painting

[@rafaeladauto4760]

I love this channel! Alpay Efe is the reason I returned to make art after 14 years, thanks for the inspiration!!!

[@ibm9117]

Been watching your videos for a while now, I like your down-to-earth approach and the fact that you focus on the mindset rather than the technical details.

[@RNorris87]

This is a gorgeous still life - I like that it’s the middle of the life of the roses; still has colour, but clearly beginning to wilt and begin the process of decay. Anyways, happy belated, thank you again for such honesty and education in your videos, and wishing you well.

[@chanelc7481]

I have tried this "simple" effortless look to painting and it is so hard! I've struggled with achieving that exact look, but this looks great!

[@snowfire_8858]

I love this paining! It reminds me of my mom, she loves roses and used to keep them past their fresh date, in the slight wilt that you beautifully captured. Once, I started pulling them apart when they were in this state, littering flower petals in vases and bowls around the kitchen and dinning room. i even put a flower in her hair. The smile she had on her face while she cooked dinner. The dried petals stayed there months after i left to university. She loved having them around to remind her of me now that i wasn’t home anymore. Thank you for reminding me of such beautiful memories.

[@karynhitchman2498]

Thanks for this video Alpay. The prep time is huge isn't it, all the thinking about it, gathering everything together and setting it up is so time consuming and all the while you're thinking about the final product. Such a journey for every painting.

[@EHR_Art]

I appreciate your sharing your knowledge & experience. Listening to your videos while I paint, has changed my trajectory. I was getting pulled into more & more realism & not valuing the unique things of how I already see & make art. You’ve helped me get my confidence back, to stop comparing my work to traditional painters (although I value what I have learned) & to just be myself/ believe in my work. Thank you!

[@francheskad.o.5987]

Happy birthday Alpay!! You're an absolutely inspiring artist that cease to amaze us younger artists generation. As an IBDP art student, I can definitely relate to the process making and recording of the artwork being a crucial and tedious part but can certainly be enjoyable.

[@soniyasoji]

So true! As an artist whose starting out I understand the work that comes out is just the tip of the iceberg, not the whole. Thank you for your videos. I learn a lot from them everytime i watch one.

[@kawaiikaizoku]

Thank you for explaining it is more than just “making a pretty picture”, there is so muuuuch more involvement in the conception and planning processes before even getting to a finished piece 🎨 And Happy Birthday 🥳

[@o0okgo0o]

Being a professional artist is like any other profession, what people thing you do is actually ~20-30% of your time, and the rest is preparing or admin stuff.Thanks for sharing this!

[@sophieneudorf6455]

Love how you talked about the WHOLE prosses of painting. Love the colours that you use and the composition of it all. Another amazing video! Keep it up and God bless.

[@vflytrap7158]

There’s so much preparation work involved before the actual painting begins. Thank you for this!

[@LiobaBrueckner]

Superb storytelling and gorgeous painting as usual!!! 😍

[@artsymaddieDIY]

SO TRUE, everything you have ever learned is in every brushstroke and purposeful drip. You don’t just come across perfectly imperfect wilted roses in moody lighting. Appreciate your sharing so much 🤗🌟💗

[@marcelomafra]

I'm still impress how things start with such... weird strokes, "what the hec is he doing?" and at the end it's all magically beautiful.

[@ryanrizzajones]

Just wanted to thank you for inspiring me to start drawing and painting. I've started drawing a portrait a day and I'm suprised at how good of a start I've had at it. I never would have found that if I hadn't of found your channel. I'm going to start the journey of painting in the coming weeks. Thanks again!

[@tinney_o9639]

You will be remembered as the guy who made flower paintings modern and beautiful again! Loved to see all the insights in your process!

[@cheryldarrough2551]

hello tinney, What's good?

[@starwalker151]

My daughter loves these videos and every time she watches them, she gets so excited to try something new.

[@Aerulium]

This painting is absolutely gorgeous, you can really see the depth of planning and the years of experience that went into each and every brushstroke

[@dogtraininghelp]

Listening is like a stroll through a zen garden. Like the narrative storytelling!

[@evelynhunter3883]

That is one of the most profoundly beautiful paintings I've ever seen ❤️

[@AlpayEfe]

Awww 😊

[@llamazolt9291]

Thanks for explaining how a professional does art. Having lots of bad habits and wonderings which I'm slowly correcting them. Awesome being able to watch this!!

[@audryanikka8325]

tomorrow is gonna be your birthday aaa🎉🎉

[@swing9799]

So very lovely! I really enjoy watching your deliberate brushstrokes and the way you layer and don’t render/blend everything.

[@karenpaxton]

Yep! So much more than just sitting down with a blank canvas. Thank you for putting that out there. It can be the hardest part, especially trying to video it all for social media too! Lovely piece and well worth the effort.

[@mumstheword8851]

Wow!! I was expecting to see the water ripple as you painted the stems!! Wonderful!! Pure magic! 😃👏👏👏👏

[@lorangbiter]

it will never stop amazing me how you make it look so simple yet so complex , every stroke seems random yet intentional . amazing

[@agnieszkapolac7215]

OMG, I needed to hear this so much today, thank you! I do so many of those things and then beat myself up for them thinking that professional artists are more straight forward in their process.

[@robynburgess3995]

It's awesome, I love your work! I wake up today and there was a new video. Thank you for those. They inspire me for the day. I have today off and I'm working on my first portrait oil painting. And of course I picked a harder one than I realized. I'm going to finish it because I still think I can learn from painting certain things from it.

[@heathermakesart]

I’ll never forget working on a still life that had a lot of symbolic meaning about a difficult point in my life. I had spent days arranging it, photographing it, switching up elements, and it never fit quite right. Then finally, I set something up, took the picture, and when I saw it I burst into tears. It can take A LOT of fussing about, but when it clicks, it is an incredible experience.

[@DCzombie570]

My birthday is the 26th!!! Have enjoyed watching your videos after finding your channel several weeks back I’ve started painting recently and watching your videos of portraits have been inspiring and helpful !!

[@r.wernersen2110]

Great video once again, I do a little drawing, and when I tell people about a reference photo, they always sound supprise and a little let down that don't just dream up, my drawing from pure imagination.... So I'm glad to hear about your processes 😊

[@artsbyashley7875]

How you explain things 100% hits the nail on the head! There is SO much more behind a pice of art other than just the finished product. Thanks for the great video 🙂

[@Hipi]

your style never ceases to inspire me... it's feels so real and vibrant but your brush strokes create such a beautiful atmosphere

[@jamatwar]

One of my fondest memories with a previous art mentor was that he said… That once you find that ‘thing’ you’re interested in. Make sure that you thoroughly research all that you can before creating the work. Then after that you can keep creating.” Even though I haven’t found that thing yet. I still continue to keep that in mind whenever I gravitate to an idea/s. This video is a great example of what he was trying to explain to me.

[@khicks72]

Thanks for sharing this with us. As an IT professional, some of the same thinking applies, just on a different way. Lots of time you do things that don't necessarily make sense to somebody looking from the outside, but were learned through experience.

[@dwallens]

Your art is always such a joy to see created! And your "Have a good one" makes me giddy and I have to smile at the end of each video. Happy birthday, Alpay!

[@Andrew-lw3yo]

Interesting. Can't wait to see the progression of painting with the last in the series, a la Efe style. Strong Memento Mori trope. The fresh clean vase and clear water with spent roses adds intrigue. HB on the 24th old soul.

[@perrydyck3575]

Hi Alpay, subscribed several months ago and love your art and your videos. Tried oil paints for the first time last week on a small piece of paper to get the feel for it. Felt good, so I prepped a few hardboard panels now to really try it out. Keep up the great video production and Happy Birthday!

[@wanderinggalah]

watching your use of brush strokes and paint is always so inspiring!

[@blitzwalker6370]

Love the fact that the whole video is about parts of the process we don’t see and you have beautiful b-role going that no doubt had a tone of effort put into it that we won’t see. Trying to grapple with the patience needed for this concept myself and just keep reminding myself of the extreme examples like The Mona Lisa and the years of fiddling Da Vinci had in preparation of the concept.

[@katiemiller7883]

I love how you created a list of contributors to your footage. It demonstrates appreciation and you took the extra time to do so. 9:29

[@samuelpopovich5488]

Every video you put out somehow manages to give me a little boost of inspiration. Thank you, and happy birthday!

[@nomio.o270]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I'm not a professional artist but It's always nice to hear you're not the only one that is too "verpeilt" to get their reference photos "just right" the first time around just to end up using exactly those first pics. Very relatable.

[@YasBetancourt]

Happy Bday! And thanks for your videos! It is important to think and have a concept in mind before starting to paint. And yes, practice makes genius. Love your work, and the serenity that your videos bring.

[@centerededgedesignusa7957]

Happy Birthday Alpay!! Thank you for sharing your work!

[@elainagalvin9896]

Such a beautiful still life! You are an inspiration. I love how your videos give a real insight to how a professional artist works. 💕☺️

[@PrincessHeathaB]

Beautiful work. I’m obsessed with how you so delicately and precisely use big brushes.

[@prenqmooichat-box7945]

Thank you for sharing your process!! It's so true and that's why pricing art correctly is so important! Blessings to you! Marzanne

[@CreativePhenomenonArt]

Just so beautiful and inspiring. It’s so different to watch an oil paint come to life from watching a watercolor come to life. Watching the brush stokes are just mesmerizing. I can imagine while painting, it feels the same way. I have just started my art journey and I know one day I will love oil painting myself, but for know I will paint vicariously through you. Thanks for sharing my friend I truly appreciate it. 🤗💕

[@elizabethglender8455]

I bet your home smelled amazing! Thank you for sharing all the work that goes in before the painting starts ❤🌹

[@graysmth9946]

Thank you for making these videos, Alpay! They're insightful, funny, and wonderfully helpful and motivational. Would you consider making a video about specifically how you use the color checker for painting? I really enjoy and appreciate all the candid insight you share about your process, especially the ways you integrate technology into the process.

[@louisehutton5681]

Love your flower and portrait paintings, clean, fresh, modern...just the best. So interesting how (when you eventually get onto the painting part of your process) you limit the number of interesting and meaningful paint strokes...brush down, correct colour on, squiggle, brush up...genious!

[@monam8763]

Your videos always help me and give me inspiration. Thank you. 😊💜

[@lilithflorence7140]

I love how simple and yet complex the painting is. It is not just a still live and I absolutely love it.

[@angelatalakoob4526]

Thanks for sharing your processes Alpay. Love the painting of "ruby" of course, and love Monet too, one of my favourite painters, love the dreamy quality of his paintings. I really love your brilliant videos, short, sweet, informative, funny, along with the beauty of watching you painting. I have learned so much and they have helped me both to be bit braver with my brushstrokes and confirm that hey I'm not wasting my time when half my time is spent gathering, reading, watching, trying other things etc. etc. etc. 😀 According to the wee saying - you don't get if you don't try, here is my entry to try to win your stunning print. Thanks again and good luck to me 🤞

[@meretekj_creates]

Thanks for showing more of the process than just the painting part!

[@reijoshualadjahasan]

Your insights and pieces of advice are always kind of provides me enlightenment. I draw, paint, and sculpt but just for passion and as a hobby. It was only until recently that I sort of took Art in a more in depth manner. Before I only draw what I like and what I want and no regards at all with the methods, planning, composition, etc. Until I watched one of your portrait painting videos last November and I was like WAAAAAAAAAH I WANNA BE THIS KIND OF ARTIST AS WELL. also that time, I was kind of watching Blue Period anime and yeah. I'm actually on my junior year that time in vet school and I was like ugh I wanna go to an artschool hahaha but sadly, it's too late for now. Maybe after I graduate, I might pursue art school.

[@fluffy6941]

it felt very reassuring to hear what you said about everything that happens "off-canvas", i always feel bad if I plan for too long or when i'm unable to stylize something the first time i draw it! next time i draw, ill use a lengthier approach without feeling guilty about it!

[@rotepaprika6774]

Alles gute nachträglich! I am more a silent viewer for already over a year. But I really learned so much from your videos and what effort and time it actually takes to come up with ideas in general for those paintings. It shows me that you are an serious painter who loves, care and thinking a lot about his art and not just randomly throw some paint on a canvas. These qualities makes an artist who really stands out for me as an inspiring example. After my apprenticeship exams I really want to dive in more into practicing art. At least I write down every idea for future paintings. Hopefully I can implement these ideas when I am finally able to start in my small art school in my hometown again

[@paulappswildlifeart]

I really do enjoy not only your art making, but also your personal take on the subject, always worth a listen , cheers Paul

[@zachsimpson7220]

I love your work your brush strokes and way you go about painting is so unique. You single handedly made me start painting after being a Copic artist for so long

[@Anak666100]

Im really happy to see that you explain the preparation of a painting. Most of my friends just thought that is as simple as: It occurred me one day out of magic. And then I enjoy seeing their faces as I explain to them the hole process of making art.

[@malwinagarrett570]

Fantastic video, loved seeing all the work you do behind the scenes. I sometimes have to do quite a bit of research for reference pictures to combine into what i want to paint, but it's just a hobby so i only paint when i get some inspiration. And sometimes watching your videos give me the inspiration i need so thank you for that!

[@kalebwhittingstall441]

Your video's never cease to help me. Thanks for everything you do!

[@leslie_rish]

I enjoy watching your process and love how you translate what you see onto the canvas. As a newbie who is rediscovering my childhood love for art, I am learning to embrace just what you said, there is so much prep work involved before you even put pencil or paint to paper or canvas 💙

[@MrDuLukes]

Hey Alpay, love your work, your little rants and explanations of how you start a painting, they make me want to paint too, even though I rarely do. Anyways, happy birthday, have a lovely day.

[@coastalcutie2000]

I think that my favorite part of your videos is the straight forward way you approach the subject. Realistic, and thoughtful advice and of course ~ Your voice is very appealing! I love your artistic style, and your color palette too. Thanks very much for allowing us into your studio! Oh, and Happy Unbirthday!!!

[@deastman2]

I’m constantly amazed when I see you put down these seemingly haphazard brush strokes, and then a beautifully rendered image emerges!

[@mathematics117]

I love the way the particular point in the wilting process you took the paiting, like they're not fresh but not dead either- It's a great subject matter

[@kristinamatty981]

Happy birthday🥳 thank you for showing us this process, it doesn't always get shown by others and is really refreshing!

[@stephaniebelenets2666]

Happy Birthday Alpay. Most people have no idea of the amount of work and preparation that goes into making a painting. They just see the final result and don't think about what it takes to get there. Thank you for talking about the behind-the-scenes things that we, who are trying to be Artists, are mostly never told about. That you can make it look so effortless just shows how much you do put into your work and I'm very impressed how your paintings speak to so many.

[@Secret2138]

Beginner artist here. Fantastic to see what goes into the creation of such a beautiful piece!

[@dietblackasmr3649]

You just so expertly capture "detail through simplicity"! It's crazy how many paintings and brush strokes go into the PRACTICE of mastering how to create detail through leaving brush strokes out, not smoothing out brush strokes, and learning to leave things alone! BEAUTIFUL!

[@velenagm]

I like realising that what I admire in this painting is deliberate and planned. Thank you for that! And - belated happy birthday! 😄

[@twocritters]

Gorgeous flowers. You’re such an inspiration!

[@paulavetter4492]

All of the creations that I’ve seen come to life on your channel are superb. I very much appreciate that you share the behind the scenes of your work!

[@charlottelaursen7662]

Georgious painting as usual 🤩😍. I am deeply inspiret by your words every time i watch one of your videos. And I am amazed how easy it looks when you paint all tho I know its years and years of practice.

[@tugceozturk6535]

I like the way the brush strokes look so effortless yet perfectly placed

[@lesleybthedapperkiwi]

Thank you - enjoyed watching the decision making process as the painting evolved.