How a Professional Artist ACTUALLY makes Paintings

[@AlpayEfe]

There are no rules in making art… period! 🦾

[@kevinkubi1]

🎯🎯🎯

[@nicolenox7882]

YES! Thank you!

[@ateljeayin]

Thats just bullshit that there are no rules.

[@tisa6138]

@Tycondaroga100 yeah but Alpay said in "making art" which refers to the process and the usage of different tools, I think ... just because you project your reference with a beamer doesn't guarantee a good painting, you still need solid knowledge in color and stuff, and that is proven with Alpays amazing result

[@AlpayEfe]

@@ateljeayin language

[@cpoco]

I originally came for the art but stayed for the personality. I love when you break through the "gate keeping" of what is and isn't "allowed" in making art. Also happy to see you on screen... you are a very charming man sir!

[@superbtruck]

When I first started painting I thought ALL artists free handed their work lol. But then you realize a lot of classic painters used camera obscura, gridding, assistants and now projectors. There’s nothing wrong with it and it’s interesting to see other artists methods. I been freehanding for 10 years now and it’s just your personal preference.

[@aj-sz8mu]

i suck at freehand, so no its definitely not a "preference" but a tool to actually be able to create what you want best. I even agree with people who'd call it a cheat. still, what i want to achieve wont be achieved freehand, so i cheat regardless. there's no rules stopping anyone from it.

[@tamaracoba]

@@aj-sz8mu It’s not cheating. End of story.

[@michaeljohnson2922]

In the end the goal is to enjoy enjoy your day, enjoy the process and that’s enough. Whatever it takes to get that.

[@Dejawolfs]

i used to freehand a lot, even though i have a fairly bad eye for proportions, and i gradually became decent at it despite my limitaitons. but after years of using line drawings to create 3d models of vehicles, my perception of proportion, as well as anatomic skills has gone completely down the toilet. my eye for colour however has improved immensely.

[@mikalowahren]

@@michaeljohnson2922 I agree. Whatever method that brings you joy, use it! For god's sake.

[@prashantchutke5521]

"There are No Rules in making Art" , and No Rules to Appreciate Art either! Thank you Sir

[@carolynholland291]

It’s so impressive how every stroke you make is perfect in it’s placement and colour. Those who might criticise your use of technology fail to recognise the amount of skill and experience that’s required to execute such beautiful paintings. (I own a hammer and drill but I can’t build a house) Thanks for sharing everything you use to get such fantastic results.

[@mo_7199]

it looks perfect because his basic shape is correct. if a painting ever looks off, even through the details are correct, it's because the basics are lacking.

[@DonVigaDeFierro]

Precisely. Tools are not a replacement for practice, and that goes both ways: They definitely won't make you better, but also do NOT take the merit of your work away.

[@carolynholland291]

@@DonVigaDeFierro exactly. Very well said 👍🏻Merry Christmas 💐

[@glenchapman3899]

@@DonVigaDeFierro It is really a stupid argument. The guy is doing it for a living. The more he producers the better his bank account. Does anyone raz the local car mechanic because he uses power tools. Does anyone bad mouth the latest Nobel prize winner for physics for using a computer to do his simulations. So why pick on an artist for such obviously beneficial use of technology.

[@nocrab]

@@glenchapman3899 I think that's an inherently flawed argument unless you view art as nothing but a physical product or utility, and even then.. I do believe though, which I'm guessing you might too, that gatekeeping within the field of "art" (or anywhere else for that matter) is problematic. :) You certainly shouldn't shy away from the use of techology if that aligns with your artistic vision, but at the same time I think there can certainly be benefits to not using a projector, especially as a beginner artist.

[@rainbowwaves5531]

I hope that him saying, "this is not cheating" is directed towards the new art babies that are coming in. Coz I'm tired of hearing convience be called cheating by people who have been in this for long to know it doesn't matter, don't restrict the art babies to stupid rules that even you don't follow. Learn all the necessary ones and break them if it's gonna help you make good art!

[@andrewroberts7428]

masters of the dutch golden age used a camera obscura ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@LaPinturaBella]

FACT...even the Old Masters projected by using a Camera Obscura. A projector is just a more modern version.

[@gaodacheese4691]

art babies hahah, awesome word

[@amberlita1779]

I use one or I sketch on my drawing app first to get a better idea or my direction, proportions etc and my partner always says I’m cheating 😂 I’ve been drawing most my life and so hearing this guy say it I was like yes thankyou sir

[@jess65963]

ABSOLUTELY 😊 DO WHAT EVER IT TAKES TO MAKE YOUR ART BETTER. From an old one.

[@julielue4324]

I was shut down years ago by a comment about my work when I explained I used a projector. This negative had a huge impact on me.....but now no longer! I can't thank you enough for your words of wisdom.....you alone have given me back my self belief. Thank you ❤

[@ajriley3231]

Part of the journey is dealing with people saying whatever you do is wrong, the lesson is to not let them deter you

[@anthonytaylor9232]

Think on, Had there been cameras and projectors back in the days of the 'Old Masters' then for sure, many of them would have used what was available to them" ! A professional artist friend of mine works by the mantra of "whatever it takes" .

[@caseyallred9878]

Holy cow, I don't know why I never considered the approach of taking a photo of my art and then trying out ideas digitally but this video just changed my world! Love the work and thanks for posting!

[@Iammaissa]

Same! I am so glad I clicked on this video

[@Yukkynukkls]

I have a galaxy note20 phone.. perfect for this.. especially if u do mural work like i do, its super helpfull in the field

[@reginaldforthright805]

Lol. The only “artistic idea” this guy has is deciding what color to paint the background. What a joke.

[@PoppyUr]

@@reginaldforthright805 Why don’t you upload videos of your paintings then, hm? Bet you wouldn’t. So quick to judge, but probably can’t do the very thing you’re criticising

[@mele4827]

@@reginaldforthright805 He's been comissioned to make a larger painting of his own painting. Your comment baffles me.

[@IsisRoseStudio]

I’ve been freehanding my whole life, making my work really hard on myself because I thought “tracing” or using extra help was “cheating” but it’s so clear to me now that it’s not. Learning to shed those beliefs to help myself grow as an artist 🦋❣️

[@schrodingerscat1863]

It saves so much time especially with portraiture where correct proportions are crucial. Sure this can all be done by eye but it takes a lot of time and that is the killer, especially with commission work.

[@catcollision8371]

I used to think that using AI and printing a canvas was cheating, but it's so clear to me now that it's not. They are just tools professionals use to create professional work. It saves so much time, especially with everything.

[@nw6070]

It’s not cheating at all there are no rules but it does make the resulting artwork look a lot more rigid and it becomes obvious it’s just copied from a photo which may be technically impressive but lacks real life and charisma and creativity . The real problem is this lazy trend of working from flat 2images instead of from a real 3 d person sitting for you. That’s the magic of art it transcends that boundary between 3rd and 2d. This guys are is just decorative variation of 2d with no life.

[@justmoritz]

@@catcollision8371 i know you're being funny but it's still true what you are saying

[@brokenrecord3523]

You do know hoe Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel, right? hint - it wasn't freehand.

[@DavidCogleyArt]

I'm a newer artist, but doing it full time now. I love this man and everything he has to offer and say. The positivity, encouragement and advice is all priceless.

[@izakniemann5734]

I am an artist now for 14 years and I also use an overhead projector after learning that from another professional artist! It completely changed my life for the better.

[@ItzmeMina]

I am usually one for detailing, but the way you "destroy" your paintings, yet make them stand out in an incredibly intuitive way. I love it!

[@jaetracy8539]

It makes me happy to see another artist using a projector and digital tools to map out the next moves. It’s so much better than messing up your painting surface!

[@Urza26]

How did he use the projector? I don't understand that part at all. Thanks in advance if you're replying.

[@Nortem]

​@@Urza26He projects the image on the canvas, and then copy it

[@lLenn2]

Don't be, they're cheats.

[@jaetracy8539]

This is a pretty limited perspective.

[@lLenn2]

@@jaetracy8539 lol, you're the one using the projector. Might as well just take a picture and put a filter on it.

[@ColorwaveCraftsCo]

“Don’t send help, I know exactly what I’m doing “ 😂 your sense of humor is almost as good as your art!

[@mcmatrix58]

almost...

[@ChooseTruthAlways]

Let's replace that word please for a More Accurate term!!! How about a Full Compliment! 😉☀

[@mcmatrix58]

Be my guest...😁

[@ciara8294]

Whoever is reading this, I hope you have a great day! Here is some artist inspiration for you 🎨 ✨ kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXnMXoKPnppqZtU

[@chelseascreatures]

I honestly need to make this quote as a sign to put outside of my studio :P

[@Ch3k0v]

This video is such a gem 💎. As someone who primarily creates digital art and also produces music(100% on the computer), it was so awesome to see a traditional artist with this viewpoint. It's so crazy that more people don't realize that it doesn't matter how good the technology is if you don't have the fundamental skills necessary for making art.

[@asht1284]

Can’t even describe how much I appreciate this guy’s honesty and casual brilliance. Love it!

[@lisalowe2355]

Yes! Casual brilliance!

[@bardicci]

Yes!

[@ixchelssong]

My professional artist uncle would start whatever art he was making (most often , but not always, sculpture) with a pen and ink rendition. If he was going to add color, he would make photocopies of the pen and ink , and then play with colors on the photocopies, before he committed to anything on the final piece.

[@josefschiltz2192]

Yup. That's the way I do it. Photocopies are a very useful tool.

[@kme]

An artist friend of mine did studies first and during. She made me one as a gift and it was amazing in itself, nvm the eventual artwork that came out of it. I do multimedia arts and my young daughter draws and I'm always telling her it's ok if it's not perfect. It's fine how it is. (she doesn't believe me, but I'm sure you know how kids can be lol)

[@ixchelssong]

@kme I'm a full grown adult, but I also have a problem with things never being "perfect enough." But... sometimes I find that if I put something away for quite some time, I like it much better when I see it again! 😅

[@kme]

@@ixchelssong yeah, I've heard of that too, and sometimes do it myself. But I tend to have to anyways, bc health issues mean I can't do things all in one sitting. I have to wait until I'm up to it again in order to finish, and come back to a project thinking 'what was I even doing when I did this?' lol

[@zeri0n544]

Man, your confidence in the painting process is out of this world. As an artist myself, I can tell you know exactly what you are doing. And I have to say this: the way you finished your artwork really surprised me and kind of opened my eyes, love how you use the background blending into the hair and even the face in some instances in order to add chatacter and uniqueness to the painting. I just want to know your opinion, do you think it would work using a similar style but adding some more detail to the hair? Man, this video really made me want to go and draw... You Rock!

[@catherineflahr6160]

Your projector comments, a huge thank you. I sometimes tell my fellow artists 'I'm a painter, not a drawer!' and they thank me for that! I do draw and am good at it but I still like to use the projector for larger work! This is the first time I came across you and what good timing. Thank you!!!

[@craigwillms61]

Heck yeah, I use stencils and grids and any other method to lay the foundation of what I'm going to paint. That is using your brain, not cheating.

[@monikabirk6194]

Beautiful! Impressed with your work. I am German born living in the Niagara region of Canada - started painting for the first time at age 70;and loving it! My Dad was a commercial artist. I would really enjoy painting portraits but I have a long way to go and not much time left.........you make it look so easy!

[@AAMARTCLUB]

Hey! Metoo! Started painting at 68 and lockdown gave me a couple of years to go for it!

[@chrisg64]

Your art is beautiful! I used to paint so much a few years back but then I got pregnant became a working momma and didn’t have time to really sit down and paint for pleasure. But three weeks ago I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. I’m only 24 btw. So knowing my shitty situation I have been able to do many things I either never would have done (as in cut my hair and dye it a crazy color) or …painting. Since I’m sick I’m living at home with my parents again and they help me with my daughter ….im getting back into art again. Your video made me realize that there’s no right way or straight way of doing a painting. I’m very happy to say I started painting again and I’m very excited to get my tools and just start! Thanks for the video! Very helpful!

[@tomzor8971]

:((((((((((((((((((( GET WELL OMG!!!

[@lolinmelo7296]

Keep painting, it will heal you♥️

[@jillmoratto]

I have stage 4 metastatic cancer, and run an online support group. Your welcome to join us. Check out my cancer blog on KZbin. Jill moratto. Hang in there. You got this.

[@lolinmelo7296]

@@jillmoratto I am praying for you and Chris. May God heal and bless you both🙏🏻

[@inihilisme1511]

@@lolinmelo7296 huh

[@LivingCRISP]

I can totally see why people “hate” this part. 😂 great work and thanks 🙏🏼 I really appreciate your contribution to the global art community. I wish There were more people like you back at the genesis of my art.

[@robindegu7294]

that was an emotional segment for sure

[@ziraprod6090]

"global art community" hahaha

[@TemiDansoArt]

Yesss I completely agree! These tools are there to allow us to be more efficient with the art we produce. The painting turned out so beautiful

[@happybaals]

Nah, it's cheating. I cheat too so it's whatever.

[@eugenecrawley4897]

Hello beautiful artist, I hope you have a great day! Here is some artist inspiration for you 🎨 ✨ kzbin.info/www/bejne/eH_dnml6mbeSiJY

[@lune5289]

@@happybaals got the whole squad laughing

[@kolawoleosinnowo970]

Thanks Efe for lending a voice, I am a Lawyer and an Art enthusiast, I am training myself in the act of making art projector aided arts and my whole circle is loving the results. I am happy to share my process and achievements with any self teaching artist in the making out there.

[@phillipstroll7385]

Nope. You are not an artist if you trace. A 3 year old is more of an artist than a "professional" who traces.

[@amada74]

I personally love that way of painting. For me it shows confidence and a bit of cheekiness if you don't mind me to say. I learn a lot from your videos. Thank you! I hope you have a lovely day😊

[@kathleenlindley6157]

I adore your attitude! The Art is cool too 🤠

[@stephaniehall4953]

Whoever is reading this, I hope you have a great day! Here is some artist inspiration for you 🎨 ✨ kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXnMXoKPnppqZtU

[@timdobert6711]

Ok, first time watching this guy. I have to say..I love the approach to the video. Very blunt and right to the point. Hilarious. I paint, a lot, and I could not paint this chaotic but like he says, he clearly knows what he’s doing just by looking at the painting. Finally an artist that just tells it like it is. I’m definitely watching more of his videos.

[@mysticwolf11]

I feel like I was just given permission to use whatever tools I need to make the art making process easier. Thank you!

[@zeitton]

waiting for permission in arts = fail

[@mikalowahren]

@@zeitton wow, that really sums it up. 😅 Maybe to be an artist is to find freedom within?

[@reginaldforthright805]

Well, this guy is a fraud but knock yourself out.

[@bicnarok]

I have never taken an art class and paint potraits free handed, just practice.

[@mobill93]

Same lol

[@sapienproductions]

For larger scale paintings I've used a projector, there I've said it! My drawing skills are okay small scale but the larger the artwork the more I need a bit if projector help. A beautiful work again Alpay, I'm sure the collector will be very happy with it.

[@a.humphries8678]

I feel ya!

[@asimian8500]

In the olden days without projectors, artists used grid lines to transfer their drawings for frescoes. The scale difference of the fresco to the drawing made it very difficult to freehand it. I wouldn't say it was impossible, but an utter waste of time as a grid was more efficient. The artists were working on many commissions and couldn't waste time showing they could freehand it. Their drawing skills were impeccable as they spent years as an apprentice just drawing, but time was money.

[@maggyme3]

Wow wow wow! I stopped paining because I kept getting shamed for not free handing EVERYTHING and using tools! All of my amazing paining skills were constantly discredited because I didn’t freehad all parts of my paintings so I stopped paining… here I am 15yrs later remembering and practicing my skills again and you speaking on this probably changed my life lol 🙏 ✌️💕✨also, this is my first video/stop on your channel so, so blessed it was this one that popped up on my feed today ✌️✨💕

[@austindarrenor]

I quit feeling guilty about using a projector or blowing something up on a copy machine and tracing it when it occurred to me that I was doing this with my own photos. I'm the artist that took the photos and I can do whatever I want with them. Call the art a "photographic transfer" if you like. But it's not. The sketch gotten from tracing is only about 5% of the finished art.

[@openspace3687]

So happy to hear that you resumed a passion. Sometimes we look in the mirror and we think: 'why does my face look so distorted?' While in actuality, it is others who have stretched and twisted the glass to press you into something not realising they do the same thing to themselves and wondering why they are indeed unhappy. It took a long time for me to reclame my own face. In your loving passion you are your own god.

[@maggyme3]

@@openspace3687 wow this was very deep and insightful thank you for taking the time to comment 🙏✨ it’s wild the timing of it too..✨

[@openspace3687]

@@maggyme3 Fantastic! Thanks! "it’s wild the timing of it too.." interesting!

[@tangokaleidos1926]

you have the right to never disclose your techniques as an artist. It is nobody's business if you use a projector or not. It is not being deceitful. It is your art. If you are not copying somebody else's art then do not feel guilty because you are not guilty.

[@christygatto]

"If it makes you a better artist.. who the hell cares!" I'm so pleased with this quote! I agree completely! Davinci himself used light manipulation to "trace" imagery he used in his work. All the technology in the work will not make you a successful artist without a number of other factors. I just came across your channel for the first time, I'm an amateur artist and everything you said spoke to me. Loved your painting the last touches were gorgeous!

[@moocyfarus8549]

An artist is one who creates,,, when you're copying things you're an emulator not an artist, if you look at something and you recreate it with your own mind and your own body and your own skill that is art if you're tracing something you're a human copying machine. Never take advice from someone whose ego is greater than their skill level 😉

[@emerald4812]

@@moocyfarus8549 I disagree. First of all, what he does is still skill. Tools to help you don’t make you less of an artist. Especially when you’re just doing it for fun or cheap, no one really cares. When I just started out I was constantly tracing photos to get the hang of shadows and shapes. I could have done that differently but it was the easiest way for me to learn. And still, when I draw a body I might trace a couple of lines to get an idea of where I want everything to be. The rest is all up to me, my practice and my skill. The very beginning is made of a photo that I made myself. Not a big deal. It’s convenient and for me makes to more fun.

[@romanuks3493]

@@moocyfarus8549 And his art is still better than yours, how ironic

[@SaltyMaud]

@@moocyfarus8549 Only abstract, nonrepresentational art is real art. If your art visually depicts anything that exists, what are you doing but copying something you've already seen? And none of that cubism-derivative bullshit either, you didn't invent geometry.

[@Lupus-et-Agnus]

@@moocyfarus8549 Everything we paint or draw is something we’ve seen before. We are all emulating. Tracing is tool and as such you can use that tool to be creative, like tracing a building then adding windows or doors in different areas from the original. It’s hard to unscrew a screw with your hands, but it’s easier with screwdriver.

[@chillinvillain3906]

"...cause I'm a freaking giant indestructible tank of an artist..." You won my sub ,my love and my respect with that sentence

[@eringeorge5254]

Agreed!! 💯

[@vividsilence7067]

Dude, fucking same I instantly subbed 😂😭

[@CraigSchubert]

Likewise... :-)

[@elisabethbodeau8516]

Same moment for me!

[@kelly73]

I have just started painting in "mid-life" because I enjoy it, not because I was born talented. I have gotten frustrated many times worrying about the outcome and realized I was missing the good part, enjoying the process. I have learned so much about the fundamentals of art just in the last few months and this video really opened my eyes to the fact that it is ok to use certain things if it makes you a better artist. Thank you for that! Beautiful work!

[@helieasy]

I think most "talent" is just what people see after a person has gone through a huge amount of hard work and just time spent doing it. I think the act of creating art is more important than whether or not it is good.

[@Flicklix]

​@@helieasyagreed. Besides, "good" is a value judgment that varies from person to person.

[@scottwoodruff5311]

YES!! I love it when an artist “jumps off the edge” and leaves the rest of us in the dark. Thank you showing your process. It is inspiring and makes me want to continue practicing and exploring

[@angtranminhduy6249]

The last layer of mint green makes the whole painting so unique. With that, the painting is not just an ordinary realistic piece but it's modern realistic with a signature Alpay's touch. 💯

[@Bootertwo]

Norman Rockwell had used a projector in the second half of his career. It is a common tool for every artist. I absolutely love your work! ❤🙏

[@dharshanaratnayake4627]

Norman Rockwell also knew how to DRAW; He first mastered drawing from life and how to "build" a picture from the scaffolding up, before photographic projection. Projectors/photos are by no means cheating, but they are big-boy-tools. An artist does themselves the favor by learning how to draw (traditionally) before embracing shortcuts, as Painting is no more than _Drawing_ with color. IIRC it was Ingres who once said _"I will build a school for Drawing, out of which will graduate an army of Painters."_

[@glennevangelista]

Good to hear a professional speaking without pretension! Very well said. When you're getting paid its all about bringing the best artwork you can deliver. And not feeling guilty and shamed for working smarter! Thank you!

[@jadeleeson4940]

I painted so much in university and just stopped for years, now I'm getting back into it and through your channel and artwork I'm falling in love with painting again! So thank you 😊

[@itb8719]

ha same with me Jade Leeson

[@lawrencebrooks5996]

You paint with such ease..... I studied art in college for four years and could never do 1/20th of what you do. You have some stunning gifts and I am in total admiration of your work. Thank you for sharing!

[@NoblePhantasm23]

Originally, I started my art journey with tracing on onion skinned paper. I was about 12 years old at that time. Later in life, i started college under a fine arts degree. After graduating, I went into the labor force in an unrelated field. I eventually started college again at a graphic design school and you can imagine the surprise I had when they introduced me to the projector. At first it was a hard concept to grasp having been through the fine arts tutelage of former instructors. It took one explanation from an illustration instructor to shed the light for me. Fine art is about emotion. Graphic design is about making money and time is money. So, the faster you can produce good works the more money you'll make.

[@heartcorekiller]

My instructors had similar sayings but the one I stick to the most and the most similar is "Fine art is about emotion, but Graphic Design is about solving problems. Sometimes those solutions involve fine artistry, sometimes not."

[@Ch3k0v]

I love this comment! I recently got a graphic design degree and it really opened my eyes. Now even when I'm working on art I'll often inject graphic design sensibilities into my works. It's not always about creating everything from scratch, sometimes it's about using existing things in a clever way. Manipulating things to make them unique to your purpose.

[@joshknightfall]

But you’re not a “real” artist! Lol My answer to that is, “why do I need to be a real artist? How does that change anything about me, my desires, my work?”

[@tigershark6062]

The last touches is absolutely poetic 🔥

[@ZapartiMan]

amazing content bro! I'm new and doing this for depression. It's hard sometimes to not tell myself I'm trash. Your confidence inspires me, thank you sir.

[@Metal-Spark]

Your brushwork is hypnotic, I love watching how you orchestrate your strokes with the larger brush and carve out the shapes and planes of the face

[@dottyreavis]

I really appreciate the commentary on using the initial burst of energy when starting a painting to work out the complexities first, such as the facial details. I 100% and believe most artists would!

[@alediazofficial2562]

fun to see other artist use projector for composition, I use it to project my sketches unto walls for murals. Using a projector reminds me of how many old masters used camera obscura for some works. awesome stuff

[@fragile_kitty]

Man...This is my first video seeing you and the way you speak about using the tools available to the artist is both heartwarming and confidence giving. Thank you so much for dispelling my anxiety around not feeling like a 'real' artist. I am going to show this to my artist daughters as well

[@PunkNumber57]

Thank you for sharing this because I’ve always felt the different tools we have available as artists really help make some things easier for work that is already time consuming and challenging. I have always used light tables and projectors when I need to transfer my own artwork to larger paper, canvas or even walls.

[@manuelvillarroel1322]

i recently started an art program in college. I have this class named "Colors" that shows - obviously - how the spectrum of colors work, how to create our own mediums and pigments, how to mix themù etc... the thing is that the teacher keep telling us to explore, but then they grade us depending on specific rules and contraints to fullfill that can sometimes (most of the time) be frustrating. I aknowledge that i'm indeed a beginner-to-intermediate artist, but watching your videos and analysing your philosophy about art and the process of making art makes me enjoy what i make regardless of grades at school. I strongly believe that art is something that is very subjective and that its tricky to uniformise it. The point i'm trying to get to is that through your videos my vision on the art world has changed, i don't worry about numbers anymore but instead i worry about my growing as an artist and the process of that achievement. In other words: Thank you!

[@RadishTheFool]

Hi, I didn't study art but I'd like to share a lesson I learned while going through my education. I quickly discovered that what I wanted to learn and what was asked in the test was not the same. But I also understood that those tests had to be the way they were to allow teachers to quickly and fairly assess a large number of students. I saw students either only focus on their own interests and fail the tests, while others only studied for the test and lost their spark. What I did, and I can highly recommend it, is doing both. Study or practice what will be tested. It's silly and formulaic, but that's how it is. And you will always learn something, if only how to meet the brief. Only extreme geniuses can get away with always doing everything their way. The rest of us have to deal with the restrictions of reality. Then spend any time and energy you have left on exploring and doing what's fun and interesting to you. You'll do well on the tests, enjoy yourself, and learn so much more than if you'd just done one or the other.

[@tisa6138]

@@RadishTheFool that's some great advice, thx for sharing :D

[@RadishTheFool]

@@tisa6138 😊

[@manuelvillarroel1322]

@@RadishTheFool Thank you! indeed we eventually have to come up with a system to evaluate a large number of factors fairly. I appreciate the advice of doing both - focusing on whats tested and what is considered interesting to me- and i think it will make me tackle things differently from now on

[@RadishTheFool]

@@manuelvillarroel1322 I'm happy you found it helpful. To me, it made a big difference in how much I enjoyed and appreciated my education. I hope it does the same for you. Good luck!

[@shayxie8318]

Hell yeah. I like to call my style "Computer-Based Impressionism" as most of my prep-work is on the computer, and I use a lot of technology throughout the process. My projector has been a staple since a project in a figure drawing class in college, when the professor brought his in for the class to use. Absolute game changer. I've never been able to explain or understand it, but I can look at a picture of a work-in-progress and immediately see what needs more work...and it's somehow easier to see, compared to when I'm literally standing in front of it and trying to find what still needs attention.

[@janwelsman]

I really love the partly finished impression, because it brings out perfectly the lovely detailed portrait

[@karladawnjones718]

Yay! I use a projector for my large scale paintings and murals. It's a great tool and I am not ashamed :)

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

There's any number of ways of using technology for an improved product. I can't imagine trying to do an entire mural without some sort of assist, getting the proportions right on something that might be larger than the artist seems tough without projectors or similar.

[@HarshanksArt]

The brush stokes are really satisfying

[@hankfoto]

You have just given me the faith in myself to go back and create art! in 1974 I was told by an art instructor in collage Projecting a negative onto your canvas is not creating art! Now, You have, JUST RELEASED ME FROM MY BONDS. I say thank you!!!

[@ariweinstein5211]

Wow your work is phenomenal. I love how on this piece, you didn’t totally go overboard with the final touches of paint splatter(your signature thing). On this work the paint splatter didn’t take away emphasis from your beautiful precision of the face, yet you still did enough that it is obviously a Alpay Efe painting. You inspire me :)

[@joselinvalle6219]

I love seeing how you utilize digital painting applications. Whenever I use a laptop to help me with my paintings, I sometimes feel like I’m committing a taboo. I love doing traditional but I’d be lying if I said some computer tech didn’t help. Saves ya time and supplies too soo.

[@fineLinedFlow]

I’m an absolute beginner, and what always surprises me with artworks like this is how you paint individual elements, like the eyes or specific colors, separately, yet everything still comes together perfectly in the overall composition.

[@keira_skyler]

I’m so glad you posted this. This is exactly how I was taught in my art classes. Use all resources! The masters did! If you think they didn’t trace and reuse art or have people paint things for them instead, you’re gonna be surprised!

[@creating1111]

I absolutely love that you follow your own heart and it shows in your pieces. What a spectacular portrait, I can’t wait for the next one.

[@kasiakasztan8704]

I absolutely adore the way you finish up your paintings by adding those marks and paint strokes

[@SharpTattoos]

My favorite part of every painting will always be the abstractions... I love the life you put into paintings and the contrast between those areas and the areas where you've muddled things, reminding the viewer that it is art.

[@beanstaIkjack]

and not just a photo that's been copied

[@Whyamiherel0l]

Yes! I limited my art potential by thinking it was 0 references until I got into art school. Reference Is everything !! More experience makes it easier for free handing it but pre plan is everything

[@patrickrobinson8488]

When I was in school I would be teased because when it came to drawing people, I would trace. Here it is, anything else I was basically great at drawing, but people was a real challenge. There was this one particular guy in art class who was awesome at free hand drawing but when it came to details, I killed it, BUT he still made me feel that I was less of an artist because I traced people. I let that intimidate me...using references, tracing etc, and eventually, I put down art. Here I am now in my 40s, getting back into art and loving it.

[@Messy_Onion]

Thank you so much! I've been doing traditional art for years, but have finally started to develop enough skill to take on commissions for realistic portraits. But it was only after I started using tools like projectors that I've been able to produce work that anyone cared about. I usually hide the fact that I use these kinds of tools for my commission work, because any time I admit to it, people look at me like I'm some kind of fraud or like I just scammed them. It can be really disheartening to watch the amazement leave someone's eyes when they realize you didn't freehand every detail of a massive and elaborate piece that took you days of arduous labor to finish for them. So, thank you, truly.

[@catcollision8371]

You are a fraud! You admit that you can't draw, so you trace. Why not just use AI and print?

[@annemariekeboer394]

Your video's have helped me to be less hard on myself during the painting process. Thank you for being such an inspiration always. Stunning artwork!!❤

[@RipiaKim]

Saaaame ☺️

[@jhavajoe3792]

Love it! Especially the roller part and the free handed splash/drip. Makes it say what you've said on the audio- "I don't really care, you like it fine, you cringe- too bad." The last touches of looseness sets it apart from sending a photo to a plastic corporate portrait faux painting factory.

[@nitnat1984]

The small version is one of my favorites of yours. Amazing to see it large scale. My 5 year old was horrified when you started adding your personal touches at the end 😂 I recently bought an inexpensive projector to help my initial sketches. Seeing your videos helped me get over the idea that it’s “cheating.” I’m finally excited to try portraits after years of struggling to draw a proportionate face 😅

[@B3gonias]

In art class, I tried to secure a great grade on my self portrait by tracing my photo. My instructor said ‘this looks nothing like you’ and he was absolutely right 😅 It was so bad, he made me redo it. Tracing isn’t what makes the difference. When I trace, it’s very loose and with bold, quick lines.

[@luvpepperhead]

Your vibe is so inviting. There is a liberating feeling I get when watching you paint. Wonderful of you to share your process. This painting is stunning at every stage. Blessings ❤️

[@i753lf]

Liberating! so true!

[@Calligraphybooster]

I totally agree. Everything goes. I myself however go out to draw anything at all, just to learn. And that’s not so much about better results, but rather appreciating how many choices there are to be made!

[@Buffenmeyer]

So great. Love your process and especially your affirmation that there are no rules. I have a printmaking background and have often utilized printmaking “tricks” in my paintings!

[@medicwine]

Honestly I really like the golden honey drip look it has before the background. When he's saying "lets finish", its finished already to me.

[@npc-br]

Yes, totally

[@liliavalentine]

LOVE semi-abstract realism paintings!!!!

[@samruddhisalokhe9676]

I actually love that end part and I myself do that sometimes. Cuz it covers the awkward half neck region and creates interesting abstract shapes. Gives me the pleasure of having both realism and abstraction in my painting 🤭

[@Claudialogie]

Perfect imperfections 💖

[@evavolenec9926]

I like how you just say, "I don't care." I didn't know what you were doing at the end, but I agree it looks amazing.

[@BariumCobaltNitrog3n]

I use a projector for all my murals. It just helps a lot with perspective and proportions. I still have to paint the thing and that's where the skill is.

[@corbinfreeman6607]

Alpay has single handedly made me start painting. Right now, I’m focused on breaking down references down to basic shapes and values, and I’m trying not to use the blending tool with digital. I’m already progressing quite a bit

[@TTHEZEE]

Freaking awesome. I also like the confidence you exude while talking about painting.

[@FolkinghamRob]

There is NOTHING worse than getting hoof way through a portrait and realising the proportions are off. The skill is colouring, shading etc. Love your work!

[@shannonnoren104]

First video I stumbled across of yours and now I’m going to subscribe. I am very ocd and find your non perfectionism brilliant. At first when you painted over, I thought my heart was going to stop but the end result was perfect. You also make me feel better about tracing for proper portions. Thank you all around. Great video!

[@cupcakeChristy]

Thank you for the "not cheating" part! I used to trace some stuff to help myself figure out the proportions and everyone told me it was cheating and I felt bad :(

[@strnvii]

It is cheating You might as well just print it while your at it

[@umbresylvebudgiebirb1315]

You can trace to learn and practice, but you shouldn't trace it and call it your own. If you do want to trace and show it as such an art study, you should credit the person you traced off of (if they're ok with that). But yes trace and observe art yourself to progress and improve, while also giving credit where it's due! :)

[@FERDELICIOUSDEF]

@@strnvii then youll be surprised how famous and professional artist trace, same in old times where they use sunlight as projectors. I guess they're cheaters in ur perspective

[@jdmosaics]

@@strnvii any way one learns to make their art is a way of learning to “see” and move forward… millions of students copy the great masters and this is not cheating by any means. I find the people who don’t do art are the ones who do not understand the learning curve involved…if someone feels they want to trace a shape to learn proportion then this is a way to start… eventually they will want to do their own art and dive in and learn drawing from scratch… as their confidence grows. Children start by tracing and copying but soon move on to learning how to draw their own designs…. So it is a bit disingenuous to say they are cheating.

[@austindarrenor]

There is a rule that's worth mentioning. If I use a projector or blow something up on a copy machine and trace it it's from my own photo. It's my photo and I can do whatever I want with it. This would quiet anyone that says it's cheating.

[@felicity_dreamdancer]

I just saw your last video about the end of art on KZbin so the answer why I did not find this one earlier is already answered - and now I just wish I saw this earlier cause I learned so much already. I do digital art mostly and I always struggle to even begin traditional kind of traditional paintings, that helped me a lot, thanks ❤

[@k.barber3413]

your a mad man, but i love it. I'm glad to see someone at your level doing the same things I've been trying out with my art. gives me hope that one day i can be at your level when i grow up(in art) :)

[@MsGnor]

Utterly gorgeous, and thanks for sharing your process. I love mix of hyper-real and raw in art. Keeps it on the edge between reality and fantasy.

[@victorwilliam9987]

Men as an artist is the first time am seing your videos and I have to say.. I LOVE THE WAY YOU DONT CARE ..I love what you said about rules when it comes to deliver the best of best you should in deed make your own way that get you there the quickest and I looove how amazing of an artist you are. The tips in here are gold . I see me making some great art just by seing ths video only.. thank you so much brother.

[@EVELYNE-ELIANA]

As an artist, i am so relieved to see other artists using tools available to make their paintings better

[@Theartsymuslimah175]

I legit wash just thinking like ohhh I wanna use a projector but is that cheating but it’s not

[@EVELYNE-ELIANA]

@Sidrah Ramadan i have been using transfer paper when i find it hard to draw something on a canvas

[@rolandlemus203]

BEAUTIFUL! That paint roller, you had me going there for a moment! :) Love your work!

[@DIJONh100]

Omg beautiful. STUNNING. I love your style. Looking at this painting makes me feel like you almost chipped away at the canvas to reveal her underneath the green paint. I wish I was this talented.

[@sohinibasu3335]

This is amazing, especially the end was really a grand finale. Cheers bro. Keep doing good work and inspiring people. And the way you held your cool under the massive attack in another comment history, shows your dignity. God bless you man.

[@kevinfager.]

The part where he “ruins” it wasn’t really all that scary. He obscured and abstracted small portions and brought back necessary lines. Well done. Looks sick.

[@lovehandle3454]

Right!!! I thought it was going to be something more serious. He finished and I was like “what was he talking about???”

[@naturewatcher7596]

But I was waiting till the last second of the video that he'll fix the painting, but he left it this way. OK, he's professional, but I prefer a nice neat looking portrait and feel a bit sad about the finished (or unfinished in my opinion) look of it.

[@kevinfager.]

@@naturewatcher7596 Different strokes for different folks! There’s validity to both in my opinion. The “unfinished” look can add to the emotion of the piece as well as the meaning. For example, I could interpret it as okay…her gaze is confident but there are parts missing, parts obscured…there’s drama, chaos or conflict but she’s bravely weathering the storm anyway. Whereas, if it were a clean cut finished portrait it would just be a strong, confident woman. The conflict and drama with the abstraction tells us “why” she is which, at times, can be much more interesting.

[@naturewatcher7596]

@@kevinfager. I think it's just his style, which others could easily recognize.

[@kevinfager.]

@@naturewatcher7596 Also true. Definitely a choice that may differentiate him. Not easy making money as an artist. No matter how good you are.

[@mykawilcox4382]

This video made me feel so much better. I have a hard time sketching on a canvas and it has kept me from painting more. I wanted to use a projector and then so many people were judgy so I didn't do it. It made my imposter syndrome 20x worse. I am really enjoying your point of view and it has inspired me to start painting again.

[@flickwtchr]

I used to work in an art supply store, and one of my favorite customers was a brilliant artist who did massive canvases that were hung in his local art studio in San Diego. He was quite open about the fact that he sometimes used a projector as part of the process, and even had it sitting there in his working studio for everyone to see. He embraced it, and no doubt he took some comments over the years about it. I can just imagine how deftly he would have handled such remarks with a beaming smile on his face. Toss your trepidation about that, and happy painting!

[@mykawilcox4382]

@@flickwtchr thank you 😊

[@kratosop8613]

The video is informational and the quality is really amazing 💗 Thank you for the inspiration :))

[@jamiwilliams5885]

Thanks for mentally encouraging artist to be fearless and just do it

[@AaronBlaiseArt]

Beautiful and inspiring work!!

[@mors4000]

aAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA its Art Daddy Aaron Blaise

[@RobinSealark]

Dang it came out incredible. Very inspiring work!

[@mohsend72]

Hey Robin! Does watching this make you want to do a giant canvas too?

[@Roadrunner99942]

I've been an artist off and on and decided to become professional. But I'm almost 50. I've seen ad enjoyed art my whole life. I sincerely got a rush of euphoria it felt like a caffeine rush when saw the final work. Just wow 😊😊😊❤

[@celestesantos7103]

So love your relaxed openness, generosity of spirit and sense of humour. Thanks for making/sharing such enjoyable and helpful videos. 😊

[@mackenzieoneal5421]

"I am a professional, please don't send help" has me ROLLING

[@northcackalacky4694]

Absolutely loved the last minute of blowing her up, showcasing, and impacting your work on her face!

[@johnnydingo8680]

Very novel. A painter who has lost his mind but still inspires people.

[@Audrey-el8qj]

First time seeing your work and I am stunned, both at how beautiful it is, but also you mentioning how you don't have to rely on commissions if you don't want to! You've inspired me to renew my experimentation and studies again, and I hope I can find videos on how you got to where you are in your career.

[@MooshAttack]

I was taught to grid everything out. When I discovered projectors my life changed. Makes the process so much quicker.

[@SMOENOVA]

no waaay, du bist auch nen deutsche jung? hahaha, ja nice! and I absolutely agree 100%

[@AlpayEfe]

Fast… zumindest hier geboren 😄

[@martyndunn6337]

Hamburger Jung?

[@blanchegreco7201]

Cool

[@colmkirk8657]

I always tell people that some of the first things we learn in Art are transfer techniques. It doesn't matter how you start, just get the foundation on the support and go.

[@how2beast937]

Not art

[@StinkyCheeseYodeler]

@@how2beast937 psssst....even DaVinci transferred.

[@angieschaffer8233]

@@StinkyCheeseYodeler no he didn’t. His work has been analyzed with x-rays and he directly sketched with paint.

[@josephbean4074]

I am a hug fan of you, your work and the position that you have in this Universe. I feel very inspired by you, your work! I am very grateful for you, your work and what you’ve allowed my being to behold virtually, both intellectually and spiritually, as I grow in my artistic journey. Please continue to share your illuminations with the Universe and beyond.