Drawing - The importance of sketchbooks

[@JamesGurney]

Bravo for those deeply felt portraits of your mom. A beautiful tribute. And the nature studies are all so inspiring.

[@wendimacpherson1829]

Not that long ago taking pictures of deceased family members was very normal and probably therapeutic for those left. I find this a far more intimate and beautiful tribute; especially since she gave you your love for art. A very fitting and beautiful final tribute. Bless you for sharing.

[@foxygrin]

I'm probably not the only one who cried

[@nunyubiznezz]

Don't bet on it.

[@celiasaunders4938]

My eyes leaking too😢

[@Deeptunester]

If you made it to the end of the video I don't know how you couldn't.

[@3litza]

Universe Artist nope, i am still crying :'(

[@Mienarrr]

No definitely not

[@Argail8137]

There is hope still on youtube

[@keiraazzopardi6298]

Lol him and proko are really the only ones on KZbin i trust to watch for art advice they are amazing! Some others dont really give the best advice

[@viivihal5028]

​@@keiraazzopardi6298 I would suggest considering adding Adam Duff to that list! His advice is always good for anyone's mental health.

[@Polynema]

@@keiraazzopardi6298 check Archipel channel!

[@amberakart]

Found this in 2020. Clicking on amazon to order my new gray toned sketchbook four seconds from now. Thank you for this.

[@keshnadonia]

AmberAkArt let me know if you find the portable watercolor kit

[@aaron.silveira]

Absolutely beautiful. It was very touching to see those beautiful images of your mom and granddaughter. I’d love to reach your level one day

[@AaronBlaiseArt]

Aaron S thank you

[@pjlewisful]

I looked up this due to your interview with Stan Prokopinko at the Zoo in Calif. I'm so glad that I did. I love your honest enthusiasm for both art and life. Your sketches touched me.

[@yokobyeol6255]

as a person that aspires to be an animator, this video is showing me a way of living that i've always found very healthy. Time consuming on one hand, but therapeutic on the other hand. To be able to grasp a moment with your eyes and your mind, is literally like entering a whole other world... like meditating in action

[@kim258TV]

I found this vid to be so moving and as an artist I never looked at my sketchbooks in this way, thanks for this gift.

[@kristinsearight3813]

I want to thank you for this video. My 9 year old hates writing because it’s not very easy for her due to a language disorder. However she loves art and wants to work for Disney. She got a ton of art supplies and sketchbooks for Christmas and has started putting writing with her drawings today. Hopefully she continues

[@Scriblyn]

How's she doing today?

[@theawesomebroso]

The last sketches really made me tear up.

[@amandasymon4363]

Beautiful that sketching your mum at the end of her life gave you respite from feeling trauma - So very personal and such a gift

[@gravity4617]

KZbin needs a button so I can like the video 10,000 times. And I might have shed a few tears... Very emotional.

[@AaronBlaiseArt]

Thank you!

[@docpelt]

A beautiful tribute. You inspire me to draw. I will you much happiness in this life. You are truly a beautiful soul.

[@shaunthomas8905]

Part of the healing process is being able to talk about it. So sketching down those ideas and thoughts can also be a profoundly powerful way of coping with the loss of a loved one. Thank you for this lesson and for sharing.

[@RJohannNewton1]

Cool video. Thanks. I sketched my mom on her deathbed too - 93years. And she was the source of my creativity...

[@TheKitkatt]

I sketched my mom too a few days before she passed away while in hospice...I wish I had done more! You are so right about it being apart of who you are and your life!

[@4rjohny5]

Thank u for sharing Aaron. Made me cry, made me think of my Mom. I'll look for that portable water colour set.

[@ludvik926]

JohnyFive ; Shorts do you think they still make them after 20 years 🤔

[@4rjohny5]

@aldvlogs i think i found it here =) www.amazon.com/dp/B000N9B3WM/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_awdo_t2_57y4zb2KYRDBF

[@louieco7123]

Watching this again a few years later and still inspiring 🙏🏻

[@SelenaBaby]

Thank you so much, Aaron! You are a great artist (the best, for me), and you are inspiration for life... a kind old soul. Send you big hug from Argentina.

[@barbarabunn86]

I'm new to painting. Took a watercolor class 3 months ago and I was hooked. Retired from teaching last June so I have a lot of time to put to my new "hobby". This video on sketchbooks opened up a new avenue for me to better my work. Thank you. I also wanted to thank you for sharing the story with your mother. It was meaningful to me for many reasons. Barbara

[@emmaphilo4049]

the drawings of your mum are so moving, I am crying right now, you are such a great artist

[@koalaismunbound1774]

aaron is the dad i never had i appreciate you making these

[@sybilgaler7992]

I am 71 and art has become my solace and joy. I have watched you in multiple media for a couple of years, learning something in every video. Today you made me cry. Thank you for sharing your experience of drawing your mother's passage from this world to the next. The drawings are raw, emotional and tender. The strength of vulnerability was there and precious.

[@tinyrainbow0505]

i didn't expect i'd cry before watching this video thank you Aaron!

[@jonnygraderarts8184]

so much historical memories! I think, such sketch books much better resurrects life images in memory... this is the best thing for artist to have such things

[@aliammadrafiq745]

These sketches of your mother made me cry and emotional like a baby, I know that she really was the most beautiful person around your family. These sketches really depict her beautiful soul and even I can imagine sitting there with her because of your beautiful drawings. Thank you for sharing, you're a true artist. May her soul rest in peace

[@Ghostkar]

Drawing is a good outlet for pain. I drew the most in highschool after my Nana passed away. I recently picked it up again and your art really inspires me. I love the animals.

[@sonnybrown4758]

I’m crying. Seriously. Thank you for sharing those personal moments.

[@MuratKilci]

Unreal. Wow. You are an amazing artist. Thanks for sharing.You call them simple doodles. I call them amazing art work. Thanks.

[@Bblue_light]

Thank you for sharing all that valuable memories. I am watching the video, and remembering what you always say in the character design course: The form, the anatomy, and now I am adding the sense, the feeling, to the list ✨ I love how in every video, live, and courses, you give us the vibe the feeling of a journey ❤️

[@BBAMEG]

The drawings of your mom brought back memories of my mom who passed in 2009. We visited her as often as they would allow us and I wanted to be there when she passed, but she went during the night. She looked so much like your drawings. Oxygen feed, mouth open. The drawings weren't morbid to me. Thanks for sharing them with us.

[@melia6040]

I just found my favorite KZbinr.

[@AaronBlaiseArt]

Thank you !

[@aimeefritz9186]

Oh man really started tearing up when you showed those drawings near the end. So powerful and soulful. Thank you for sharing those drawings. Fantastic

[@twofriendsandart638]

You are so unbelievablely talented. Never stop drawing. Your amazing!

[@-zephyressence-2018]

Wow I really love that watercolor set! So smart and efficient! Also, it's very nice to see these paintings. Thank you for sharing something personal like that sir. 😀

[@anasaffection300]

U r such a nice person.... and a son. May Allah show u right path and success here and hereafter. U r painting r amazing like u 👍

[@AaronBlaiseArt]

Thank you very much

[@dirtywindshield6903]

I’ve never been more moved by art. Thank you for sharing such personal sketches.

[@hartmannvondunaburg6768]

Touched me a lot , seldom seen an artist video that inspired me soo much...Thank you , last year was in Estonia, the same time arrived there when your mother passed away ,I just began new Life there and started finally to try to make from art a living...not yet arrived there, I am far away from your abilities, videos as yours are lighthouses on the way to fullfill life mission !!! Go ahead, my friend !!!

[@ChonnyVision]

Aaron, I discovered your channel about two years ago, and watching your videos continues to be a favorite pastime of mine. Yes, you are a great teacher and you inspire me to draw every day, but on top of that, you offer an emotional insight that is rarely found, not just on KZbin, but in life. I thank your mother for creating such an awesome person, and I thank you for sharing such a personal experience. Again, thank you.

[@AaronBlaiseArt]

Chonny Vision Thank you. You made my day.

[@ChonnyVision]

Glad to hear :) I should also add that you've made me want to start watercoloring just so I'd have an excuse to buy one of those awesome travel watercolor kits!

[@MaZEEZaM]

I agree, I had no idea water colours could be so wonderful. Such awesome talent.

[@pubbets7290]

The pictures of your mother and your heartfelt words made me cry. Thanks for sharing this Aaron

Sir, thank you for sharing, not only your AMAZING sketches but your feelings and your sad moments in life. I went through a divorce, then lost my father recently, and my best friend passed away young. I'm going through depression, and I'm having a hard time sketching and drawing again. I guess you inspired me to go and pour my emotions into my sketchbooks. I didn't expect to cry at the end of this video!

[@joshbrockett8510]

The sketches of your mom were extremely touching. I come back to this video every once in a while to hear the story you tell and the emotion you show. The part about only being able to see the shape and form of her after she taught you how to see it is so beautiful. As an artist and as a guy who loves his mom, thank you for this video.

[@amitrraut]

I become emotional again. It's really inspirational journey. Thanks a lot for sharing.

[@MedaHalmaciu]

Thanks for sharing. It's so inspiring to see your sketchbooks. I love keeping sketchbooks as well.

[@TheNITRO68]

Your an amazing and inspiring person as well as a brilliant artist, I lost my mum 13 years ago and just lost my father in-law on Saturday, you have inspired me to pick back up something I should have never stopped doing, Keep up the great content and thanks for baring a part of your heart and soul with us. Your new subby from down under Perth

[@MargaroHernandez-ju9mt]

Ojalá estés mejor y logres estar en paz contigo mismo que hay que disfrutar este mundo mientras se pueda.

[@karonwalls1290]

I can't think of a better way to acknowledge your mother. You spent her final days absorbed in recognition of the gift she was to you. You honored her well.

[@MMM1MM]

Man I'm at the end of the video and crying like a baby, thanks for sharing.

[@bettyszwagierczak4062]

beautiful sketchbooks. you're super right about how powerful they are with reminding us good and bad moments. thank you for sharing!

[@FiveToolStudios]

Thank you for sharing this.

[@thatshiv8054]

In the last few moment i had goosebumps , you proved why artist are the second creators after god 🙏🙏

[@wezelliott4499]

So talented and humble.... Your details in your sketches are simply mind blowing.

[@mattr1554]

Hey Aaron. First, I'm deeply sorry that your Mom passed. Your sketches of your Mom hit hard. For a few reasons. My Mom passed in July of this year. As odd as this sounds, your Mom looks like my Mom. Seeing your sketches of your Mom, they look like sketches of my Mom. And my Mom also gave me my artistic talents. The difference is that I did not get to sketch my Mom. And I feel like I've missed something with my art. I feel like I'm losing my passion for it. I've been sitting here all day trying to get started on drawing something, anything. And I can't. I'm stuck. I miss my Mom. :(

[@witzelasper2821]

Matt Rosiere Hey Friend sorry for the loss of your Mom mine passed away 6 years ago also in July I miss her more than anything she too was very artistic and passed it on to us kids however after college I kinda let mine go dormant you know how the so called real world always ruins everything so I never did anything with art until after Mom left us it was 6 months later when I decided to take a class on a whim it was a painting class that started with a basic charcoal drawing I had never worked with charcoal before we did a few practice things just to get a feel for under drawings and that was it I never gave it another thought several days later I got out a piece of paper with the intention of just doodling around with the charcoal however that's not what happened a magnum opus of artwork emerged from that piece of charcoal only the second time I had ever used it this magnificent portrait of my Mother came as if by magic I still can't believe that I drew that it sits in a place so I see it every day to remind me not to suppress art even if I'm at my job I stop to doodle when the Art calls to me. so my Friend just relax It should return to you Its also grieving for your Mom.

[@mattr1554]

Thank you for the kind words. And what an inspiring story. I feel as though, your Mom is speaking through you with the portrait you created of your Mother. At times, I feel like my Mom is guiding my hand. I have improved immensely since July with my art, but I still struggle to keep it going.

[@ryanjohnson6800]

That was incredibly powerful. And it not only inspires me to continue making art, but it inspires me to do it for reasons that I never really have before. Thank you for sharing that.

[@KenLives333]

You such a good and honest man. Keep it up brother.

[@davidwalker9594]

I keep coming back to this video. You’ve inspired me and shown me the importance of keeping a visual journal. I can identify deeply with what you mean by recording perfect pockets of memories with each sketch.. no matter how detailed or painterly they are. Sketch-booking is a love that will never be lost.

[@setheh]

Stunningly beautiful and inspiring. The sketches of you mother touched me deeply - what a beautiful and meaningful way to say farewell.

[@MultiZeraus]

I live in Bogotá and i like your channel.

[@jomariroxas3474]

Proko Brought Me Here. Best Sketch Books I've Ever Saw This Year... I've always want to be a full-time artist. I want to be like you. thank you for the inspirations. Salamat.

[@a.savarino]

Beautiful sketchbooks and insights. Your mom's portraits are deep and beautiful. Greetings from Mexico :)

[@ChuckS65]

Thanks so much for sharing, especially the intimate side of your sketchbooks. I just found your channel, and I am glad I did! Some much great inspiration and instruction! I really appreciated what you shared about your mom, and your granddaughter. In October of last year, my wife went through some serious health issues, including a stage three oral cancer diagnosis and surgery. It was a very challenging journey. My drawing was such a catharsis for me, and it helped me find beauty in the midst of the suffering. For most of my life, I limited my art to photography, with a few other classes along the way, but I never believed my drawing was good enough. Just a few months before her diagnosis, I began to take drawing seriously, and committed to Inktober to challenge myself, and to share my work. Of course, her diagnosis, surgery, and recovery all came in about in the same month. I quickly discovered how much my drawing was helping me, and looking over those images now, I can see how much beauty I was able to find. Two months after her surgery, we celebrated the birth of our second granddaughter, and I was able to add her to my drawing/painting. Thank you for so wonderfully expressing this experience as you shared your own journey. I look forward to more of your videos!

[@AaronBlaiseArt]

Thank you for sharing your story and I'm so happy you are experiencing the addition of more life joining your family!

[@WolfTwisted]

Lost my mom when I was 16. This hit hard. I'm 27 now, it's hard to believe it's been 11 years I still keep the only photo I have of her in my sketchbook since she was always my biggest supporter. All my previous sketches from that time were destroyed by an ex. But I still have the photo and plenty more to draw. I think both our mom's would be proud of how far we've come in our art and grown as people Aaron. I have to thank you too for the lessons you've taught me and inspired me through. Thank you for this.

[@pulsarxray1961]

I just want to thank you. This is the first comment iv'e ever left on youtube and iv'e been watching youtube videos for years. But I didn't feel right leaving nothing on this video and I want you to know that I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that everyone watching your videos appreciates your mentorship and you as a person. This was a very personal walk-through of your life and it means a lot to younger artists and I'm sure, all artists.

[@gengaartist19]

Your work is as inspiring as you are Mr. Blaise. I can truly see that your wife lives on through the work you shared, because there is so much life in those paintings.

[@meiyingzhou2970]

OMG！This sketch book is soooooo precious!!! It's everything!!!!

[@evertvandenberghe]

Just got back to sketching after 6 years being out of it (due to paralysed fingers in both hands) and bumped into your channel by accident as looking at other artists got me way to frustrated for years (due to my own inability to hold a pencil or pen for years). Your sketchbooks are wonderful and remind me why I loved sketching myself too. I love your stories and memories and I'm glad to be reminded that one can remember every scent, time, temperature during a sketch. I took out some of my sketchbooks and yes, I was back there in time, which is absolutely wonderful as I have suffered a severe memory loss over the last years. Thank you so much for sharing your sketchbooks and help bringing back my own memories. (Yes, I am in tears now, because it is hard...) But the most wonderful thing is: I have actually met you years ago during a siggraph event. You were showcasing Painter and we chatted for fifteen minutes or so... Crazy how I can't remember what I've done yesterday or last week, but I do remember stuff from more than 10 years ago. Must be the timbre of your voice... anyway: TNX a lot! :-)

[@vampazilla2622]

Such beautiful art and wonderful loving memories of your wife. Very touching. I LOVE it.

[@PierreDebailleul]

So much emotions when I understood you lived very hard moments too... Your wife, your mother, were with you for ever with these beautiful sketches. Your all work transpire emotions. I love that very much Thanks Aaron

[@DieKritzlerin]

Thank you so much for sharing something so personal with us all. I always enjoy watching your videos, because you're such a authentic and calm person. It always cheers me up, but this was something very special.

[@sofiaromero3295]

That´s right... "put some beauty back into the world"... loved that quote and for sure it needs it! You are so inspiring and you made me cry with your amazing art and your words. Thank you for sharing something so personal... you can´t imagine how important are this kind of videos you make for people like me that sometimes needs some motivation to follow their dreams. I love your youtube channel!!

[@nickmation85]

So sorry for your loss, Aaron. I lost my father about 7 years ago to cancer and I wish I would have drawn him. Thank you for sharing your amazing sketchbooks with us.

[@sallygemmell7562]

Thank you so much for sharing your books with us. Your very personal tribute to your Mom, your dad and your new granddaughter are very precious. What a wonderful memory for you to cherish. I wish I had done that too, at the time. Thank you.

[@cartoonmamma]

Also, no words for the last images. God bless you.

[@AtelierAhb]

Thank you for the beautiful memories and sharing this part of yourself.

[@ponuryhutnik]

These sketchbooks from your journeys are remarkable, I think many of travellers making money from their relations in form or blogs, articles or books would be really jealous of them, because they are so authentic and coherent, they look like published. In regard to drawings of your mother. In fact I'm more interested in drawings of people, situations, cities, etc., so I think in ideal world for an artist it'd be great to have sketchbook of important moments from life experiences. It's life, it has more or less beauty and discomfort and sadness, but the sketched portrayal of this is like direct emotiional expression from someone deeply concerned, so such sketches - drawed impressions are always something beautiful. It comes from a sensitive part of us and helps to reflect about our life and relations between us. I was moved by your strenght to show all of this to the public and equanimity in explaining such poignant and then celebratory moments, thank you.

[@AmbitionExperiment]

This is the best video I've seen on youtube

[@AaronBlaiseArt]

Stephen Fischer Thank you.

[@shafee360]

KZbin ought to have a love button

[@ryanhagen9559]

Beautiful Aaron...thank you for sharing!!!

[@danielhcp1311]

Aaron, this was the best video I've seen in a long time. Thanks for sharing those 15 years with us!

[@echopaints5446]

The last drawings of your mom were heartfelt and really made me not take for granted my mom that is still here today. We've never got along and always tolerated each other but these drawings stirred up some emotions in me to say that even though we are very different there is no time to be angry with each other.

[@missme3331]

I was already tearing up😢by the time he chuckled. The mom part, was heartbreaking and beautiful all in the same. Those are such amazing sketch books😍Absolutely beautiful. Extremely talented, does not even begin to describe him. Love this guy! Thank you so much for sharing❤️

[@jojooffaraway2675]

Big respect! And beautiful drawings and very touching story about your mother. It actually brought tears to my eyes

[@Actionpuddle]

Hey Aaron- thank you for sharing the drawings of your mother. Sketchbooks are so personal and emotional and powerful- when I was going through some of the worst times of my life, when I was angry, and sad, and frustrated, I was able to unleash it in a sketchbook. Because of those sketchbooks, I never hurt myself. I look back on those pages now and first, I am reminded of the pain, but more than that, I am reminded that I am no longer in that place. Sketchbooks are so essential. Thank you for sharing yours.

[@Bloq7]

Aaron thank you for sharing you art, perspective, and touching memories with us. Hope you stayed safe in FL during the hurricane.

[@jackboots100]

I am sorry for your loss and thank you for showing the images of your mother. Your sketches put even my completed works to shame and even if I took classes over the course of my life I could never bring myself to your level of talent. These sketches have simply blown me away and I look forward to seeing any future lessons and learning all I can from them

[@Erginartesia]

Dear Aaron. First, you are a spectacular artist and are truly an ambassador for the rewards of getting great at art through commitment and mileage. Turly you are gifted, but even Mozart had to do his chords, and that is how I view sketching. I believe in it so much that years ago I started a meeting for artists, and I named it Sketch On! I still have it and it is all part of the idea to get every day sketching into our core being. Again, you inspire and show us the potential rewards that come from this kind of commitment. But I write to you today because I was entirely taken by your sketches of you and your mom. So much of what you said hit home for me. I lost my my in August and the past august celebrated her, after loosing her for 10 years. Like you, I was alone with her for the last 6 days of her life, a very hard time that I would never have missed. Like you, she is the one who gave me art. A few years ago I did a solo art show and dedicated it to her. I’m so grateful to have done that. UNLIKE YOU, I was too absorbed in my other life problems, and I did not sketch her. I did not yet know how important sketching was going to become for me. In the last few years, I have thought often about how much I wished I’d had my sketchbook there for us both. She would have approved! So, when I saw you sharing your last drawings of your mom with me, it actually made me feel better to see that you did it; almost like you did it for us both. Thank you, Aaron, for sharing this precious experience.

[@AaronBlaiseArt]

Your story was wonderful. It made my day. Thank you for reaching out.

[@dmjjohnful]

Beautiful and wise words. I'm inspired so much by your art, your incredibly beautiful capture of your mother in such a sacred time, and your message around putting beauty back into the world - this is my main reason to do art and one of the things thar keeps me alive and purposeful in these times. Thank you for sharing so eloquently

[@quintoncarmon7921]

My regards to the loss of your mother...your art is absolutely amazing...The section of your mother brought me near tears, as my mother is aging and the closest person in this world to me. Saying that, she has never been happier now that i am focussing on my art amd passion beyond the world of tattoos. Like you said several times. The therapeutic effect it has on me is nothing less than Gods gift and way of giving me a tool to heal and comfort self through lifes trials and tribulations. Ive recently started watching your videos and each one inspires me to push forward....God bless you and yours ..

[@allfalledout8686]

Speaking about recording a moment in time, being able to go back and feel your loved ones, the kids being young again and feeling your wife .. Bless you Aaron that was beautiful to hear, it resonated so well with what I want to do for my family, remembering the kids as they are and being able to look back through art. You are inspirational and extremely talented, this video meant a lot to me so thank you.

[@lynnemarais]

Hey Aaron, I just stumbled across your channel this morning!.....I’m 56 and inherited my artistic talent from my late father. I’ve not used my talent enough at all, ashamedly 😔but I’ve decided that now’s my time! Thank you so much for sharing this! I’m starting a sketchbook TODAY and undertake to draw every day! My Mom passed away on the 5th of September 2016, just after your Mom and I wish I’d sketched her like you did....what a beautiful way to honor her memory! I’ll certainly be following your videos for more inspiration! Thank you 😊

[@rosesinfaith]

This is so inspiring. Your work is amazing. Thanks for sharing your more intimate moments through your sketchbooks.

[@lisedasilva]

It's so emotional Aaron, stories of your sketchbooks are emotionals ! All the travels you did, each sketch got a specific story, the watercolour sketchbook is very lovely... I wish I could gave feelings like this to people who look at my sketchbooks one day... all the work you did in your life is very respectable and incredible

[@Beccaworstell]

Thank you so much, Aaron, for sharing your sketchbooks. Especially, the ones with your mom. She must have been so proud of you and loved you so much. It is an honor to share in your journey through this life, as much as an artist!

[@tobyokoi0909]

Bro looking at these sketches made me feel like I was reading a diary or living another person's life. Absolutely stunning and inspiring.

[@thomasmadsen5910]

Ok, this brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing your personal thoughts and stories, and thanks for all the great lessons you continue to provide. You´re a huge inspiration indeed. I appreciate you, man.

[@frb72artist]

I have to thank you for this precious video. Yesterday I found out your channel and , believe me , from that moment you have changed the way I see myself , life and the world around me. Thank you. Greetings from Rome . Francesca.

[@Blindguys24]

This is one of the most powerful videos I’ve watched to date. Beautiful illustrations of life and what a way to honor your Mom, in your own way. Very personal moment you decided to share with others and really strikes home with how art really does help in a multitude of ways.

[@deniekony]

Wow, thank you for being so brave and honest. I have a strong understanding of what you just said and I admire your power to share it like this. Just this February my Grandfather passed away and standing there next to his body all I could see is the beauty and strength of the moment we were going through.

[@tonski2543]

Props to you for having the composure to talk about your mom and granddaughter in a very touching and profound way. I am slowly getting back to drawing and this is inspiring. Thank you, Aaron!

[@paintedfoxes9889]

you just reminded me why i am an artist. thank you much love brother thank you for talking about this

[@Enirtaknes]

This is a wonderful video. The drawings of your mother and your granddaughter are beautiful. Thank you for this