Finding the Ultimate Truth with Cesar Santos

[@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.

[@tubazia957]

Liked to make ur likes and age no. Similar

[@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.

[@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.

[@arup251]

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

[@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

[@ChaosOrZen]

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.

[@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!

[@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

[@ChaosOrZen]

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

[@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.

[@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..

[@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 .

[@1976kinan]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@gmeliberty]

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

[@darkmateo2747]

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

[@jwray6150]

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

[@josephososkie3029]

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

[@aviaja2008]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@ranimmhmd6676]

A very hardworker and great talent 💚💚💚💚

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@rocha333]

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

[@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 !

[@Purplexity-ww8nb]

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

[@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!

[@rbuzio]

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

[@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

[@paul_domici]

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

[@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 !

[@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. 😃

[@kathleenlairscey5934]

Artist are evolving when they are working!

[@treyrussell5120]

I love you guys together!!!

[@ttunderbridge5762]

his passion for art is infectious

[@Appleblade]

Holy shit! 4:59 ... I can't believe how perfectly those students reproduced the sculptures against their backgrounds. I guess the school has standards.

[@CLdrums]

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

[@sharonc7031]

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

[@evilg2010]

Loved the dynamic here, lol

[@lindagodbold1787]

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

[@toequantumspace]

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

[@anthonypc1]

I really like this guy. haha that title made me curious -- but I'm glad Cesar is down to earth about the significance of art, to him. I think a lot of people feel a need to seem profound about what they do. so they'll just adopt some mystical sounding words like "ultimate truth" and imply some deep special wisdom that's almost beyond anyone's understanding... most people will just nod their heads along with that in awe and share in the feeling of Something profound beyond them, but if you actually want to understand clearly what they mean, question them and it usually becomes super vague, and maybe they'll even get annoyed because they don't Want to think clearly about what they mean. cause it prob was just a beautiful Feeling that they thought they needed to make up a spiritual explanation for. once I realize that, I don't bother to probe for real answers from them, and just enjoy the feeling of beauty. I like that Cesar actually makes perfect sense and isn't at all artistically pretentious haha also gotta check out more of his work now!

[@murderballad1154]

i think you've just described 99% of these pretentious new age spiritual warriors in their daily delusional states.. the only thing these so called enlightened ones seek after a string of waffle talk is a sweet sweet paycheck. am i wrong ? .....

[@anthonypc1]

I wouldn't say you're wrong about that. p.s. after watching more of Cesar's channel, I still like him but he does dabble in a bit of the less rational philosophizing I'm not on board with haha mainly was disappointed to see he was so enamored by Jordan Peterson's teachings as to glamorize the pseudo-scientistic wizard of Christian New Age apologetics in a portrait. I can enjoy traditional archetypes for storytelling and inspiration for my art... but using your intellect to spin a fallacious equivocating web of rationalizations extrapolated from raw data and myths alike to mostly inspire and confuse people into basically coming back to your typical old school conservative values is not actually impressive to me, once I took the time to study his hodgepodge teachings in more depth. I Felt intrigued, and he'll lead you along with several points that make good sense on their own, but then I wasn't convinced by his overarching world views. (looking up criticisms of Peterson from smart people other than just emotional reactions is useful. Some Atheist debaters have the best critiques to consider.) But eh, I still like Cesar's channel overall. And Idk which views of Peterson he's followed and admires. I'm hoping not his gender essentialism, or disrespect for trans people at least..

[@murderballad1154]

i actually wasn't referring to these two in the video as such but find it interesting how everyone tries to get so deep these days haha not knocking anyone who thinks they are enlightened but it's a bit cringe sometimes. Cesar is rad i do love his work and attitude.

[@murderballad1154]

...and referring to your points on J. Peterson, i have listened to a good amount of his ramblings too & understand he is without doubt very good pseudo scientist and manipulator with words.. his aim is to sell books and i guess if the world is stupid then he like many others will capitalize on that. personally i don't follow anyone blindly and have little trust in anyone selling ideals to me... i'de rather think about nothing at all and just be lost painting for the rest of my life, this world is insane.

[@anthonypc1]

​@@murderballad1154 haha okay I like to critically think and figure out the insanity as much as I'm able, just also willing to accept the mysteries and not Need to fill the gaps in my logical knowledge with whatever *feels* right. I believe in objective reality, and subjectively defined morality. Jordan Peterson professes to believe in the opposite. Or at least he's telling people that "truth" means whatever serves your "survival. so basically forget about objective ways to measure our shared reality to Know what literally are the facts... that's superseded by whatever you can rationalize a necessity for believing is truth. so people can act on those beliefs, as though they are facts. (but you could look it up to hear things directly from him if it matters to you.) You're prob doing less harm to just not claim to know at all, and enjoy your art, rather than being the person who insists they know the fundamental answers without doubt, and be wrong.

[@jesshjlee]

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

[@zsteele11]

I love listening to people's backstories as artists.

[@zeljkostanisavljevic4665]

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

[@guillermonavarretedavis1827]

Very good interview, thanks...

[@rodrigolimatattoo]

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

[@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.

[@romanpham9052]

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

[@stefanowiththek235]

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

[@mirhammendoza]

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

[@lizkolodziej9159]

Amazing information on how to learn to paint Thank you !

[@the3rdeye776]

Cesar is absolutely right; I keep going to the MET and have not gone back to the MOMA in decades. Modern art draw is fleeting and temporary.

[@JuMaggioli_illustration]

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

[@ColoredMud]

I love the artist interviews!

[@MedaHalmaciu]

Thank you for this inspiring interview, guys!

[@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.

[@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.

[@brylidan]

man i love watching you both together

[@namrithbabu1527]

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

[@subhamchoudhury1610]

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

[@shuvoarts.3314]

2 great artist. ❤❤😊🙏🙏🙏

[@martinezcolonh]

Best interview I have seen in a long time!

[@JohnKramer-artist]

Thanks, really enjoy the interview.

[@usmanmusman538]

I really enjoy watching both my heroes

[@andreabarucco1674]

Cesar is a real master, respect.

[@weihongyan]

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

[@KvaedTV]

Honesty is the Ultimate Truth

[@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?

[@procrast]

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

[@JacksonTaylorandTheSinners]

I f’ing LOVE Cezar Santos.

[@LaoZi2023]

I learned backwards, sort of. I studied with a private teacher in the "old master's" style of glazing; then went to a contemporary art college and studied a modern form of art in painting, print-making, jewelry, three d. design,two d. design, theory, concept, etc. Both ways were beneficial and complemented each other very well.

[@juliakrikman2554]

Daoist Philosophy of Flow | Pursuit of Happiness | Happiness is ...

[@Hisham.Ali._]

This was a superb interview. Thanks Stan!

[@gabriellechilton5902]

This was a great interview. Great content.

[@DennisCNolasco]

Here here for classic art!

[@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]

😂😂😂

[@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.

[@DennisCNolasco]

Words of wisdom!

[@justinhunt4767]

Love it!!!!

[@Theimpromptulife]

Great interview!

[@MisyeDiVre]

It's interesting. I didn't know about him but i was heading in a similar direction.

[@aura_above]

Can you do Grandmaster Kim Jung Gi next?

[@jeffhreid]

Excellent interview

[@ArtistWizardry]

Such a great interview. :)

[@CashWiley]

Mentioned it over on Cesar's interview of you, before I realized you were at Proko HQ....Can you give a list of books in that bookcase? :) I recognize a lot of titles and always looking for more gold.

[@justinhunt4767]

CashWiley can never stop growing

[@sorasitsuprapoch5921]

one year and a half?! omg what a master

[@smithdraws]

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

[@stevecaudell8609]

So when Cesar first entered the Angel Academy and was drawing in class and painting at home was he just using values of black and white or was he using colors?

[@guillermonavarretedavis1827]

Me gusta mucho como rabaja y sus explicaciones en la pintura , estoy subscrito a su canal, pero deberia hacerlo en espanol tambien para su representacion como Cubano-Norteamericano. Tambien para los que hablamos espanol seria genial. Gracias