Finding the Ultimate Truth with Cesar Santos

I sit down with Cuban-American artist Cesar Santos to ask him about his journey as an artist and his thoughts about art in general. We get deep and he teaches me how to philosophize :P
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This interview includes a lot of questions, so for your convenience I’ve included a full list of timecodes to the questions below.
Cesar Santos and I recently went to a museum and did a little tour over there. You can find our vlogs here: Stan’s • How Artists Grow Over ... and Cesar's • Museum Tour with Proko...
😱 What Have We Done? My Worst Drawing Ever?!? • Blindfolded Drawing Ch...
2:23 - Who is Cesar Santos?
2:43 - What is a Magnet School?
3:21 - Which College did you go to?
3:42 - Why did you decide to drop out before you finished?
4:21 - How long did you study at the angel academy?
5:45 - How did you get to that first professional level so quickly?
6:38 - Did you go to a bunch of galleries or pick the one you wanted?
7:31 - What age are you when you got into your first gallery? Fill in the gap since then…
8:47 - Do you experiment with what your art represents
11:04 - Have you been studying with anybody?
12:24 - How did you study from the paintings at the museum?
14:14 - Why Cesar Santos has so many finished paintings in his sketchbook
15:37 - Did you study from books at all or go to museums? Were there any instructional books?
16:55 - What do you do today?
19:08 - How do you go against the grain of what other artists want from you?
19:59 - Are you talking about classically trained artists vs the artists that are doing modern stuff?
22:44 - Books and videos are an aspect of learning how to draw
23:34 - Did your art teachers ever go and paint on your paintings?
23:51 - Is that because that’s the best way actually learn it or because they didn’t want their style to influence your art?
24:13 - How many students were in a class?
25:17 - How long are the teacher critiques?
26:02 - Did the students critique you at all?
26:30 - How the Angel Academy critiques students now
27:10 - Is it good or bad that teachers fix their student’s mistakes by drawing on a student’s work?
30:00 When you were studying did you start painting early on and then draw or vice versa
32:16 - Stan’s own experience
33:56 - Cesar gives advice on how to learn art
34:35 - Stan and Cesar talk about 21 under 31 awards
35:42 - What do you think about art philosophy
36:20 - Instagram story (What’s the ultimate truth?)
39:11 - The importance of Syncretism
40:56 - Is there such a thing as cheating?
43:53 - Cesar’s tattoos
48:14 - Wrap it up time
48:32 - Favorite artist?
48:45 - Favorite artist you’ve studied
48:48 - Favorite subject to draw or paint
48:52 - Favorite Book
49:00 Is there a painting you’ve done that’s particularly memorable or important
49:29 Out of all the paintings you’ve sold is there one you wish you could get back
49:49 - What medium do you want to learn
51:21 - What question do you hope I ask you?
51:39 - What are you working on now and what can people expect to see from you in the future?
52:09 - Where do you see your art going in the next 10 years
53:16 - Where you can find Cesar Santos
Watch More Proko: • Creating and Selling A...
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Follow Cesar Santos:
Twitter - / santocesart
Instagram - / santocesart
Website - www.santocesar.com/
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CREDITS:
Host - Stan Prokopenko (www.stanprokopenko.com)
Artist - Cesar Santos (santocesar.com)
Editing - Yana Popova, Charlie Nicholson, Stan Prokopenko
Production Assistance - Brandon Storer, Sean Ramsey (www.peoplewhodrawstuff.com)
Music Used with Permission
#CesarSantos #ArtPhilosophy #DiscussingArt

[@ProkoTV]

I’ve now interviewed 5 artists on this channel! Is there a question you wish I’d ask every artist?

[@arsenymun2028]

Proko interview benjamin bjorklund

[@georgephillips6586]

Hi Stan. I'm sure this has been answered in the past by various artists. I would love to hear about how artists deal with the inevitable "bad" painting. By this I mean the artist's sense of not quite hitting the mark with their images.

[@jllaro3203]

when did you decide that you were good enough to sale your art?

[@heitorkovalescki6613]

How do you deal with discipline and motivation?

[@marlonmarin6]

¿alguien que lo traduzca? :(

[@dunningkruger6075]

Cesar is the embodiment of a living master. I am so thankful that he is helping to bring back the academic methods, especially to American audiences. A few years ago his work single highhandedly had me shift from the Russian academic method to the Florence schools' style. I've never met him but I owe him so much. Completely changed my outlook on art. People bash the academic methods but for most that level of mastery is something that most artists, even accomplished artists, can not duplicate.

[@victoresquivel6800]

What's the difference?

[@Daniel_Daigle]

Dunning Kruger 😂😂😂 awesome name

[@Dale_Blackburn]

Can you define what is the Russian school and what is the Florance's style? What is the difference?

[@Dale_Blackburn]

@J F Do you recommend learning to draw sight size? Then maybe moving comparative measurements from life etc?

[@eirvingdiaz7185]

What?? The Russian Academy style is based on Italian renaissance; just look at the paintings and their teaching methods. Dude! There's even a Russian Academy in Florence based on Italian methods. And some instructors are from the Replin Academy.

[@gabriellechilton5902]

Lol. You two are great. I’m new to drawing and painting. I’m 64 years old. I have a lot to learn and look forward to learning. Thank you for these videos. Cesar is becoming one of my favorite artists. I love the way he approaches the classics.

[@thekingchrissyg]

how has the year been?

[@tubazia957]

Liked to make ur likes and age no. Similar

[@glensigma]

Man, every time I see an interview or watch a Vlog with Cesar Santos, I learn something. His method for copying the masters is awesome.

[@chriswilliams2957]

A genuine man. I love Cesar. His mom must be so proud of him.

[@AlexHuneycutt]

Cesar is so fantastically positive. He just radiates energy. People like him are one of a kind - driven, introspective, excited to look deeper and push further. What an inspiring person for our generation. So practiced, yet so whimsical. So reverent of philosophical practice to art and its symbolism, yet flippant at the same time. He's just such a character. Thank you for letting us meet him in-depth.

[@tjduprey]

I LOVE "that's not even cheating that's just mediocre"... I'm cross stitching that on a pillow!!!

[@danielwilliams1445]

This is great! What's next? A Santos v Proko boxing match?

[@constantineeldemire8784]

Thought i was the only one to notice these two's completely differing and continuously battling ideologies on art. You can see the grasping at understanding in Prokopenko's face.

[@maIibu]

santos was a pro boxer so that would be a very bad day for proko

[@arup251]

Santos is in the right direction . his every word is true and we need that.

[@tjduprey]

I love this relationship. I think stans questions come from such a place of admiration and curiosity. Its easy to empathize and relate to him. Cesar is like a mischevious older brother lol... I love listening to cesars passion for the history of art.

[@nomoremrniceguy368]

Cesar is testament to the power of sheer hard work. He obviously has immense talent too, but his work ethic has taken him to another level. 99% of people simply don't work as hard as him. Although, it's not just a blind attempt, he clearly has focus and direction. Very interesting to listen to. Thanks for the video.

[@arzamendi8115]

Cesar said that as an early artisr when you think too much about the philosophy instead of the structure you can get lost. That hit home to me and gave me an answer to some of my troubles thank you for such an amazing video

[@gmeliberty]

“The ultimate truth is your limitations.” That’s the money line in this interview. Great video, thank you.

[@SebastianTinajero]

I really enjoy watching both your personalities together it’s a lot of fun and hearing both your perspectives on art and how you approach it! I really enjoy Cesar’s philosophy way of approaching art , for me art helps me better understand life and also escape from reality by allowing me to interpret it through my own mind.

[@jimmiesutton8468]

Wonderful interview: Young artist referring to classical art that most have no interest in!!! I am so thankful to Cesar because he is proof that classical art is not a thing of the past. Many refuse to recognize or admit that this is the way for people who really want to become knowledgeable, and there are not many, to learn and develop as an artist rather than a ripoff " talk a lot and know Nothing! I purchased Cesar's Secrets to Portrait Painting because he teaches how, what and when that develops improvement! Some critics made all kinds of excuses for now buying the cd, and discussed why it's not need and too expensive! How distasteful! This young man is the Real Deal...If you want to IMPROVE! Thank you Cesar!

[@darkmateo2747]

2 amazing artists, i love how honest and open they both are

[@charlitavisado4103]

Finally, one of my two favorite artists together. 👏🏻 I loved both of you with your artistic style (different style) in drawing ✍️ this is amazing. that makes you’ll unique. 😃

[@ZetaReticulian]

In the beginning I was not convinced. Then the “philosophical” portion of the discussion kicked off and 🤯. You won me over. Great video. Please more.

[@danielrocha9614]

Amazing how two distinctive approaches like Cesar Santos and Steve Huston can converge and results in a whole new mindset, the greatest lesson about these interviews is all about let your passions guide your life.

[@meganslater5421]

I so agree with Caesar… feedback is crucial and we all evolve together. I am talking about real feedback, the constructive kind that takes more than two seconds to write (wish I could get that kind of feed back on my work, but I digress). We can definitely learn from one another as artists and as people in general. Also, I LOVE Caesar's why with regards to his art. It is never a bad idea to appreciate the masters of the past and their incredible works. It will only help us grow. I also like the modern spin he puts on his pieces as well. All in all - these videos are amazing. Thank you for sharing!

[@aviaja2008]

Phenomenally good artist, Cesar Santos. Great interview. My sincere gratitude. Thank you.

[@tanglingheadphones]

Cesar Santos is freaking amazing. And that part about being the avant-garde reminds me of one of Vincent Desiderio's talks regarding the same subject, which really stuck with me. Thanks for an awesome interview.

[@1976kinan]

Cesar is a living master...i love his work...huge respect...and..he is down to wath..funny and crazy smart.

[@Purplexity-ww8nb]

A fascinating adventure into a very insightful mind. "The ultimate truth is your own limitations"

[@lindagodbold1787]

Absolutely loved this and both of them! Refreshing and some great points of view. Great interview!!!! Left me thinking.

[@mmollyl5643]

this video is so interesting ! I like that you were talking and reflecting on how school teach and differents way of teaching. So great ! I hope you will do more video like that with Cesar and other artist !

[@paul_domici]

Cesar is not only an amazing artist but also and incredible teacher!!! These are great conversations!!! Thanks Proko

[@jwray6150]

One of my favorite! Love Ceasers smile of success and confidence. His channel is always a pleasure.

[@romanpham9052]

truly a living master and his thoughts are so profound, love the personality:)

[@CLdrums]

Man, Cesar is just an absolute joy to watch :) I want to start oil painting because of him

[@stefanowiththek235]

Awesome interview, proko!! :) I really enjoyed it.

[@josephososkie3029]

Cesar has got all this knowledge that he’s willing to share. His enjoyment is infectious.

[@hatimciabata]

Great talk. Loved the parts about contemporary art and philosophy. Maybe that could be something to explore in an episode of Draftsmen. Get him on again and get Marshall in there to!

[@zeljkostanisavljevic4665]

Thank you Stan, and Cesar for such a good interview. Cesar is very smart and interesting speaker, and great artist! Good stuff man.

[@toequantumspace]

Thank you Stan! Cesar is right - you are great educator! Thank you both for excellent interview.

[@eilmlilm2490]

I always say " I want to paint the truth " meaning paintings of faith, spiritual, etc. I really enjoyed this video, young ones. Thank you.

[@rodrigolimatattoo]

Amazing interview! The best I've ever watched with César.

[@rbuzio]

Oh man! That rap at the end is priceless!! LOL

[@MedaHalmaciu]

Thank you for this inspiring interview, guys!

[@CVH2311]

I WISH someone had told me classical art is still possible and still valuable when I was in art-school. My biggest desire in art-school was to learn to paint with oils, in a classical manner, like the old masters. But this got really discouraged very fast, and I felt like there was no space for this desire. Contemporary and graphical design was 'the only way forward', according to my teachers. Fortunately, I kept painting on myself and now have really found my passion in it, and feel encouraged in it again, 8 years later. It feels like a possibility again. I have much improvement and learning to do, but I don't mind, I love it so much.

[@brylidan]

man i love watching you both together

[@ranimmhmd6676]

A very hardworker and great talent 💚💚💚💚

[@anastasio_painter]

Cesar Santos is one of the best paintings in the world today, a great talent

[@Kaalokalawaia]

Active engagement is one of the new concepts in education. By allowing students to take more control of their learning, it is supposed to help with deep learning.

[@jesshjlee]

Omg the laughing at the end was the best 😂😂😂 thank you for the great interview!

[@procrast]

yes yes yes a new renaissance it's already happening hasta la vista modern art, you are already old and we are rebelling against you by bringing beauty and technique back to the game

[@tristonho451]

procrast hell yeah!

[@EmiTheLoomistar]

Hope will never came back that Ugly Modern Art

[@procrast]

@pascal go lick some shit ice cream, the term "modern" can either be a technical or a very common expression that denotes current events. your behavior fits way better the idiotic type.

[@procrast]

what a stupid comment, I´m sure everyone would love to see what you can do with drawing and painting. there are levels to art, the art in the museum is there cause it was outstanding. according to your amazing logic, food that is not served in 3 Michelin Stars Restaurants is not food, or music that did not win a grammy is not art or music. You think you know so much about art but you show a very limited view on the subject.

[@procrast]

the point is: Santos and Proko deviate from the latest trend in visual arts ( and let's make it very clear what I´m referencing here - examples: damien hirst, marina abramovich, contemporary performances and installations, Shia LeBouf's for instance etc) cause they rather stick to the classical approach, where realism and beauty is greatly valued, the figure is valued and all that good stuph that's been left aside by the POST MODERNISTS (is that term technically correct? can you understand what I'm trying to explain?) in that sense, I said a new renaissance is happening. Cause some young artists are choosing to go back or to say no to this contemporary look and feel and create new art but that is based on classical technique. Both Proko and Cesar are successful artists, they make a living of their art. People are into what they do and give them money in exchange for their products. If their art was not relevant to contemporary society, as the POST MODERNISTS want us to believe, then we would see no more figure drawings, perspective, color theory, light and shadow in anything. Animations and games would go totally abstract, the architecture should follow, music should be totally atonal by now but these things just did not happen. So, post modernism is a hoax, beauty will never be obsolete. Unfortunately, what Cesar said, about his art teacher that would discourage him when he draw realistically is still going on today, as if what has already been done cannot be art again - that is so not true.

[@jeffhreid]

Cesar has tremendous passion for art. But his commitment to craft and quality (structure and form based on an understanding of value line color and the like) is an inspiration .

[@mikegurney9278]

I have to agree with Santos, I have been pulled in so many directions by concepts, ideas, philosophies and still I wander back to Classical methods. I still go back to the Barque's Book and complete plates or just read through the book or go on line and study master paintings. I always ask myself questions like, why did the artist do what they did, light, colour shape, values applied, etc. My philosophy is, observation, study what you see and ask yourself questions, how do I get there, either through drawing or painting or studying other artists..

[@ColoredMud]

I love the artist interviews!

[@JaredCullum]

Oh! I can’t wait to dig into this! I love his work and channel. He’s so inspiring. Thanks for this.

[@martinezcolonh]

Best interview I have seen in a long time!

[@treyrussell5120]

I love you guys together!!!

[@gabriellechilton5902]

This was a great interview. Great content.

[@Hisham.Ali._]

This was a superb interview. Thanks Stan!

[@JohnKramer-artist]

Thanks, really enjoy the interview.

[@rocha333]

Santos loves art. One can see rightaway his passion. He's a true artist.

[@aaronvr_]

He's already done so much and I feel like he's only getting started. Big up!

[@aaronvr_]

He's addressed in this video the issue of teaching art on KZbin and I've developed a newfound appreciation for him as a result. As for a recent comment I've made on one of Cesar's latest vlogs, he's changed my view in that area and as much as I'd love to, I won't delete the comment ( that would be deceitful of me)

[@lizkolodziej9159]

Amazing information on how to learn to paint Thank you !

[@ttunderbridge5762]

his passion for art is infectious

[@martinlauzon1971]

You two are awesome. Keep those interviews coming. I like the Yosemite Half-Dome painting on the easel. Channelling your inner Bob Ross?

[@rosalieduessel386]

😂😂😂

[@mirhammendoza]

Such a fun interview! Cesar stop over thinking! kidding. Cesar is cesar love the character.

[@ChristopherLeeMazara]

Hey Stan, thank you for sharing this video with us. Would/could you ever do an interview with Italian Painter - Roberto Ferri? I would particularly like to learn about his creative process.

[@guillermonavarretedavis1827]

Very good interview, thanks...

[@kathleenlairscey5934]

Artist are evolving when they are working!

[@evilg2010]

Loved the dynamic here, lol

[@usmanmusman538]

I really enjoy watching both my heroes

[@namrithbabu1527]

I am a follower of you both... Love you both....

[@chrissymi8985]

Cesar, you are my idol! Thank you for saying out loud what so many people are thinking. Bring back real talent! In one hundred years it will be Santos people will be studying and admiring!

[@johnronel7980]

Hi Stan, Thank you for your videos. Those are very helpful and inspiring for people like me who does not have any background in Arts. I am 30 yrs old with a career in engineering. It's been 3 weeks since I started watching and following on your youtube channel and I also tried your 1 week trial period in Proko for gesture drawing. What advise can you give me since I really want to learn more and get good at drawing/arts envisioning that in the future I'd be able to draw from imagination to express myself in drawing/painting. By the way, the format of your videos are very good, not intimidating at all for someone who does not have educational background nor experience in arts. All I have is the desire to draw and I've drawing 2-4 hrs a day since I started watching your videos.

[@zsteele11]

I love listening to people's backstories as artists.

[@JuMaggioli_illustration]

"The 'ultimate truth'... You know what it is? Your limitations." :D

[@lizkolodziej9159]

Thank goodness you had less enthusiasm for technology. ..and more need to work with your hands…..your skill in painting is utterly amazing Cersar! Let the non painters use technology while the true masters use brush and paint…thanks be to God for your wonderful talent! Thank you !

[@weihongyan]

Greetings from Beijing, this is just amazing...guys...

[@soliloquiosysandeces4450]

Hey Proko. I have been watching your channel for a while and it has been fun. I like your humor and your teachings but I have to say, this has been one of the best videos I have watched in KZbin in a long time. You guys kept it real, It was a blast. I laugh out load a lot, Cesar is definitely a cool character, and yes you seemed a little stiff at the beginning but once you loosen up , you guys were on a roll. I'm subscribed now. By the way I have an interest in getting in to drawing and painting and have had a lot of passion towards art. I have a KZbin channel that I haven't done much in the last few years but there's some of my artistic-ness if that is even a word, in the channel that reflects my creativity. You don't have to but if you choose to check it out. I would love some feed back. I believe that as a person that creates art , nothing means more than the opportunity to share your creation. anyway this comment was supposed to be about you guys and not me.

[@justinhunt4767]

Love it!!!!

[@guillermonavarretedavis1827]

I really like how he works and his explanations in painting, he should do it in Spanish too, so it can represent a little how he presents himself, Cuban-American

[@Theimpromptulife]

Great interview!

[@DennisCNolasco]

Words of wisdom!

[@Mercurio1976]

I love you guys!!! You are great!

[@sharonc7031]

Bouguereau is MY favorite as well! I like the two of you men together; good chemistry.

[@ArtistWizardry]

Such a great interview. :)

[@a.quiet.perspective]

I really enjoyed this conversation and especially liked the tattoo part. By the way, cheers from Florence ;)

[@subhamchoudhury1610]

Such a humble guy ceasr is... A real Gem !

[@rogermari7489]

Like always thanks to you both master! A ton of information and very interesting. Thanks, I have a new word ‘syncretism’ A question for Master Santos, how we can get info for the week seminars?

[@andreabarucco1674]

Cesar is a real master, respect.

[@milkbread5036]

loooove both of you :D

[@jeffhreid]

Excellent interview

[@procrast]

omg, I cannot agree more with Cesar's views @20:00 ish

[@nvmnvm23]

Love u and Cesar's work

[@Bavubuka]

Bloody brilliant.

[@Djole0]

Thank you i really enjoyed it!

[@DennisCNolasco]

Here here for classic art!

[@BodolfNorseman6]

Sweet video Proko! I don't know if it would be possible but if you could interview Robert Liberace, I think it would be really interesting.

[@shuvoarts.3314]

2 great artist. ❤❤😊🙏🙏🙏

[@galefraney]

Super interesting!

[@sorasitsuprapoch5921]

one year and a half?! omg what a master

[@smithdraws]

Found myself pausing the video to sketch Cesar’s expressive hands!

[@beckycoburn1]

Oh my! Again 7:03 min YES! I am about this! THANK YOU!

[@TheArtbdw]

Damn, this dude is so good. His work is definitely on par with the masters

[@deborahgonzalezknight168]

How lucky to have the chance and money to study and spend your life doing this and to have like minded friends. Most of us never have those opportunities.