How To Draw Like The Masters - John Singer Sargent's Simple Style

[@bfkgod]

Sargent realized that simplification is actually far more "difficult" than sitting at a painting for 500 hours painting the tiniest details. Anyone who paints knows that's just a time grind When you simplify though, your brain has to take the information and process it into something different - something simpler. And that actually takes skill.

[@orbahalul8426]

Yeah that what actually surprised me when he said his drawing are not as technical as other artists drawings when in fact it only seems that way

[@JakeDontDraw]

I agree with you overall. Especially with a modern analysis of how we look at art, we see people who grid out photos or people who paint photographs matching everything perfectly spending 50-200+ hours to replicate the photo. Being able to simplify and understand the essence is a sign of true mastery. When I say that other artists are more technical than him, I'm talking about the academics at the time, Bouguereau, Gerome, Lefebvre, Cabanel. These artists also understand that simplification and real analysis is one of the highest levels of art mastery. They are all capable of painting incredibly quickly and efficiently. They taught the classes that sargent took doing incredible large full figure drawings in only 12 hours and full paintings in around 20 hours. Its a speed that even art schools nowadays is unheard of (at least for the level of completion they got to). I think what you have to understand is your idea of simplification is the bare minimum for a practicing high level artist at the time. Nowadays its seen as something incredible but really it was the essence of the entire philosophy that Sargent came from. Sargent certainly pushed these ideas to incredible heights though, not from a technical perspective but from a philosophical and conceptual perspective. But Sargent had no shot of winning a competition like the Prix de Rome. There were hundreds of artists that could compose, create multi figure paintings and compositions, more details renderings with more structural analysis than Sargent. Theres a reason why he never tried to win those high level art competitions. Of course, many that won the Prix De Rome did not go on to have successful careers. Someone like Bouguereau makes the exact same simplification that Sargent does at the beginning of the painting (at least conceptually). He just pushes the overall completeness to a far greater degree. He also had more skill to produce hundreds of large scale compositional paintings and decorative paintings.

[@douglasriddle6447]

@@JakeDontDraw Bouguereau, Gerome, Lefebvre and Cabanel weren't more technical, they just painted in a different style; the indirect style technique of multiple layers of blended paint and glazes, where Sargent painted in the direct style, using a more impressionistic, alla prima technique. They blended their paint in their paintings, where Sargent's paintings require the viewers eyes to do the blending. Not that one is better than the other, just two completely different methods of applying paint.

[@janealan2142]

Picasso, who was drawing and then painting on his father's commissions by age ten said in late life that it took him a lifetime to learn how to paint like a child. Something to think about perhaps. 😊 Greetings from Toronto Ontario 🇨🇦.

[@hiero-green]

@@douglasriddle6447Yes, they painted in a different style - which required more specific technical skills, such as the glazing and blending that you describe.

[@monroeville1850]

I feel frustrated because I went to art school for 3 years and I've learnt just as much, if not more, here, than I did there. My teachers philosophy was draw until you hate it, which worked, I hated everything I'd created by the end of it. They also taught us to work like factories, and produce finished pieces in 30mins or less and it burnt me the fuck out. Your approach is opposite and makes so much more sense. I left 6 years ago and I'm only just starting to enjoy art again. Thank you for helping me feel inspiration again.

[@Torantes]

Did you at least get good while styduing?

[@SpankyMr87]

I think the majority of people take wrong turns in life. It's never a straight line of progress. The likelihood is that you gained something from those three years you spent at art school, even if you don't see it. Don't be too hard on yourself

[@vindelqen]

That's what happen when the school vision of art is more industrial than artistic. Happened to me too.

[@fenrisulfr8790]

I did an art course in college and it was the biggest waste of time. They taught me literally NILL. Ive learnt more from my own study and branching out to research other artists

[@envoxityyy]

this guy speaks so eloquently then pulls out words like "rizz" and "gigachad" its like getting slapped in the face

[@26_abyssal]

LMAO??

[@armondy5321]

Pop culture references ?

[@greedmarks7478]

Old masters had only one advantage over us - we however also have one advantage over them. We got better tools to study and practice, they had less distractions - it was more natural and easier to them to get into deep state of focus, where learning comes more efficiently. We suffer from distractions all around us. I like you channel Jake, a lot of great informations here ! Keep it up.

[@dg_yorick6814]

"People deifying the past, people looking at the old masters and saying they were born with some sort of virtuosity that they can't achieve..." Very well put. Even if well meaning, chalking it all up to talent is an insult, as if they didn't work hard to get that level of skill.

[@chiliconkyle]

Yes. I believe it takes both talent and hard work. Not everyone that trains like Sargent did with end up drawing as hood as Sargent. It can be true that one is talented but must be disciplined and work hard to realize their potential.

[@wesley2theHardin1]

That drawing of the lion hearth is CRAZY. I thought it was a 3D render

[@wordsoface.3057]

lmao just realized he does kinda look him XD

[@bebble985]

9:20 i really thought that was a joke for a second. i haven't seen this piece, so i thought you just placed in a self portrait for a laugh.

[@QuietmindYoga]

Would be amazing if they were related somehow

[@JustANamedCat]

I thought so too! They really look alike.

[@kianmichaelromano8171]

I was about to comment about the same thing 😂

[@dripgoku8369]

bro looks majestic, just like his drawings

[@Y1001]

I don't even draw and i've probably watched all your videos, its just good knowledge. It makes me observe things with my eyes in a more intricate way.

[@Crispy656forever]

I love this directness over entertainment, very rare, really helps me focus on the actual information ❤

[@nickb863]

Bro - the way you talk about abstract concepts is exceptionally smooth. Keep it up. This is the best Sargent explainer on YT hands down. I've watched every single one.

Promising a link in the description and actually putting the link in the description elevates you above most other content creators here 😊

[@user-ji1ow4gq8z]

John singer is my little cutie

[@tfbruv6571]

No he’s my little cutie!

[@humanure0]

:3

[@Engelhafen]

He wasn’t about replicating what photography does - art is about creating a feel and is more real in that sense than details

[@Serifinity]

Your teaching style is phenomenal. I'm learning so much. So glad I found your account on KZbin. Thanks for creating and sharing your skills.

[@oakdogfu]

30:08 Im 74 . I can almost draw a portrait. This video is very helpful. The stepping back incorporated with how you touch the work will so. Just learning to “see the whole” , slow the f down . The very first strokes. One of those choices you spoke of that has helped me with layout is….thinking of the front of a parked car. All the elements, headlights, side mirrors, grill, etc. all relate in an expected way. So. Do face parts. Pick an angle, even if it is subtle. Feel it when I step back. All part of seeing the whole. Thanks

[@evangelenesurgenor2263]

I love these videos. How you look back at old artists and techniques and really learn the process. Can't wait for more videos, in an age obsessed with technology and drawing using computers I find this 1000 times better and more entertaining. Keep it up. You and the old masters have taught me so much and reignited my love for drawing.

[@Siansonea]

You should revisit this idea every year, to track your progress and technique, and as a byproduct of that record your own evolution as you age. I think this end result is good, but as you've already said, the likeness isn't perfect. Also, I don't think you captured your own 'spirit' for lack of a better word. With those Sargent drawings, you get an immediate sense of the sitter, their vitality, their essence as a person. It's really remarkable. Great video.

[@Idahadleyart]

Your really good at simplifying and explaining techniques. Thank you!

[@uwuishi]

Your channel is pure bliss. Thank you for all the information you give us

[@anaa2615]

not only your artwork is beautiful, but this video is very inspiring. there are many art videos out there of artists teaching “academic” technique, but your blend of teaching while showing your own process of applying the theory is so good!!! love the videos

[@lorenzkrehankrehan4905]

Hey I really liked your session..not only about the great drawing itself, but also about the frank, individual, and intelligent way of talking about it. Keep it up👍

[@Shesalynx]

My favorite artist by far is Aron Wiesenfeld. His style is something special to me. Mystery mixed with nature, something beautiful.

[@velvetbees]

For all the moving around you did, you still achieved your goals. Just like in sports. If you really, really want to win, you climb the hill harder, or swing the bat better or run faster. Seeing how much you wanted to make it work under pressure was encouraging to me as an artist. Thanks for the video. I learned a lot. I also think you showed me that drawing from life might be better than drawing from a photo.

[@Not_Even_Wrong]

This video somehow finds me at the exact point where I'm thinking about simplification of my drawings and being amazed about what it's enabling me to do. Such good timing thx!

[@pambliss8865]

Very your in depth explanation and evaluation! Thank you

[@michaellavan6656]

I love the use of OSRS soundtrack in the background.

[@montysempire2756]

Out here saving lives, man, appreciate the tips and comprehensive tour of 19th century drawing. You have single-handedly motivated me to draw again. ❤❤❤

[@joseluismoncada4125]

I loved the acceptance and humility in the conclusions. As artists we can get really judgy about ourselves but is nice to recognize try outs and improvements

[@FlamaSeb]

i wish u were my professor man , you genuinely make art easy to digest.

[@barbroach6891]

You have great features. Perfect model. I love your work.

[@sophiusdynami3401]

This man is so beautiful, I simply can't!! Not fair for him to be so talented as well!

[@blueboi.paints]

Awesome video. Thank you. Also Morrowind music at the 13 min mark is an ELITE accompaniment.

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

Very useful to see you scramble through and figure this out in such a raw way. I learned a lot. Need to try myself. Just a hunch: Sargent and his generation did a lot of self-portraits, and I'm guessing they'd have the same problem as you with the stepping in to fence style of working. But you can modify the technique to have the mirror align when you're drawing, and then step back instead. You loose some of the ability to directly compare, but since you're not doing sight-size that's a worthwhile trade. And it's harder to remind yourself to step back than it is to have to step forward to draw. But all in all I should think that's a better way to do a self-portrait. But someone might correct me if they've actually tried.

[@marilora]

I just saw an exhibit of Sargent At the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and his portraits are just stunning. The expressions on the faces are so relatable and alive.

[@karimzaid9726]

Nice love the video Jake I agree with everything u said, especially using a charcoal stick to learn how to handle a brush

[@JakeDontDraw]

thanks karim!

[@SwizZLe333]

I really enjoy these, watching this Particular one. I had the light bulb moment and oddly can draw now and in a sense realizing, I knew more than I thought I did. After many years of absorbing information but never really applying this knowledge. It took this particular Series/Video what have you to bring it all together. So Thank You for That! Now...This would be a fun one to watch is a Paint like "Ken Currie" (honestly, I'd be watching for the humor of yours) or a more serious one but still creepy for the Halloween season would be "Dragan Bibin" (for the Values). Anywho I enjoy your Channel and your Spin on things and finally Subscribed after watching ya for awhile.

[@munkyguitar]

Thank you for this. Indeed a very good Sargent likeness. Bravo

[@barbroach6891]

Great features You are a perfect model. Love your work and style.

[@loganmazurek7673]

Please make more videos like this I absolutely love it!

[@Jingaldiary]

YIPPEEEEEE NEW JAKE UPLOADDDD =3

[@natureman494]

sargent's charcol and pencil drawings are some of my favorite works!

[@stinkusthemouse]

Very cool, I just started learning charcoal portrait with serious intent this month and plan to transition to painting with the development of the skill Thank you, Jake

[@chrisopek]

I was there with you feeling uneasy about the hair and at the same time having to admit to myself that it was indeed the level Sargent would've brought it to before stopping. You knocked it out of the park on this!

[@anthonysanchez5429]

Loves the videos, how you explain things and the little history lessons as well.

[@abrahamgarcia8739]

Truly enjoy Sargent's charcoal sketches. You did a great self portrait. I enjoy charcoal as a drawing medium. I recently found pencils called general's carbon sketch pencils and they work very well too.

[@ILoveTVShowsAndStuff]

BROTHER YOU HAD ME TIL THE OSRS TRACK HIT 😂😂 I instantly went back to me farming goblins back in 5th grade over a decade go

[@MrPeterjba]

Greatest painter ever in my eye. Take a look at his watercolours to see his genius…Brabazon Brabazon as well. Genius.

[@MarketResearchReading114]

1:21 whelp you earned your upvote.

[@ross1779]

Awesome self portrait!

[@ToySeeker]

Brilliant video on Sargent, his technique and informative and entertaining ❤

[@katgilb]

This video is so good! The focus on the concepts and tools needed rather than following a process or emphasizing materials was incredibly refreshing for youtube. Looking forward to more videos and thank you sm for sharing information so transparently!

[@shadowartyhd179]

i love the wow background music

[@JustDontAskY]

I love the minecraft music in the background

[@gemgem-hl7ii]

17:00 this is very insightful! I have read Andrew Loomis' head drawing book in the past and I always tried to copy his constructions, and it ended up just frustrating me because it was so tedious. But now I get it. It's a matter of doing the construction in your mind and applying it into your drawing, not necessarily drawing all the construction lines every time. This has opened me to a new perspective. Thank you!

[@rrasch8125]

You are ridiculously talented 👏🏼

[@dmortelli1]

Great analysis of Sargent and his work. You have a good understanding of history and the techniques used and do an excellent job explaining in an engaging way. I am now a new subscriber and look forward to watching your channel.

[@MartinBrunswick]

I really wish I had a class like this at the same time as all my life drawing classes where we were constantly doing 30 second to 20 minute gestures and drawings

[@allegoricalstatue]

That was so fascinating and instructive.

[@oumadjuk]

6:55 That music is forever in my heart

[@phoenix-heartentertainment7293]

Shout out to the runescape music! Kindred spirit over here! XD

[@gavin347]

these videos are so good keep em coming !! love your work btw

[@rytai8597]

Dudes a boss for jamming morrowind ambience

[@jackwatson7323]

Enjoyed the additional Runescape theme. The portrait turned out very well, I would've liked to have seen you throw the bold contour lines on the highlighted section like in Sargent's portraits.

[@TonySwaby]

Accuracy, Efficiency and Economy!

[@danlewis7707]

Your video is quite instructive and I really appreciate that. I do believe the left eye (from the viewer's perspective) is just a bit lower than it should be. I also would like to see a further softening of the mid tone in the hair and a bit more separation of values in the suggestion of strands clumped together in the hair. These are not critiques born of any agenda. There is nothing wrong with leaving it as is. However, I cannot help but point them out as I believe with some very few adjustments along these lines you might have an extraordinary self portrait. Good Luck and thank you for sharing.

[@GSPV33]

Great video, even down to the OSRS beats.

[@Arkydos]

Just found your channel recently and I must applaud you. Really well presented and informative. Definetly gave me newfound drive to continue learning to draw. I will absolutely buy your "Academic Drawing Made Easy" course. I never clicked with my art teachers back in the Schooldays, but your teaching style seems right up my alley!

[@jubbalubby]

Morrowind ost in the background to this is so nice

[@warpoart]

Once the, elwynn forest music came ( I think?) on, I settled into this hard. Thanks for the art and history lesson.❤

[@jorgevelasco-theartofgames8687]

Gotta love the WoW soundtrack in the background!

[@Tirantekk]

I’m loving your videos and learning more each time I watch one. You have well earned a new sub

[@Handotr]

Super informative overview of Sargent drawings.After your lecture and demonstration I felt like I had a better understanding and I’m looking forward to making some master copies and self portraits. Thanks

[@jaspertheboat]

The drawing at 9:34 looks like you so much Omfgg 😂

[@emirobinatoru]

Brilliant comment!

[@chvrch__art1880]

Phenomenal in-depth view on sargents techniques, however the background soundtrack. I had to do a double take, that was the soundtrack to my childhood😂

[@Jules_Pew]

Prud'hon has a similar technique, but does a lot of wiping out, which builds the form beautifully.

[@PoppinPortraits]

😀I feel you, can’t leave mine alone. It’s amazing how returning after a break from it, makes the discrepancies, which were invisible, suddenly pop out.

[@coolbluesky4078]

bro is very attractive

[@splaturials9156]

Legit no one cares

[@dyplomydilol5439]

I agree, this guy is good looking

[@AresZtar]

@@splaturials9156are you okay

[@Planatification]

RuneScape music ❤

[@ColinBoyle-cw2mn]

You rock, Jake. Great video, much appreciated.

[@sharky9493]

Great work! Fantastic!

[@Its.H3xrt]

Very nicely done! Fantastic info brother. Keep it up 💪🏽💪🏽

[@cheeesusss]

Благодарю за ценную информацию!! Мелодия из Undertale наполняет решимостью 😊❤

[@PoppinPortraits]

I love the self mirror portrait, must have a go.

[@jackmortem4557]

Didn't understand a single word of the explanation of how singer painted, amazing video though, learned about portraits just enough.

[@shykizzie]

new upload that's why he's the goat

[@julio1148]

That intro just spitting facts 🔥

[@enderwiggin8947]

Great work. Thanks for

[@j3llyjo839]

such a good vid jake loving the longer content

[@nikoelvambuena8094]

never realized how badly I need Morrowind BG music while drawing/drafting hahaha as a recent subscriber, appreciate the great content

[@Ruslan-uv3xb]

I love your ambition and skill 😊💥

[@kevingil1817]

When it comes yo self portraits, you gotta draw the legend! Give yourself that giga chad jawline! Excellent video! I have subscribed. I'm gonna do this same exercise tho perhaps drawing a subject that isn't me from life or a photo.

[@InvertedBread]

Amazing video man, i told all my friends about your chanel ik u will grow❤

[@ramiroseltzer5278]

Hey Jake! Not sure if you read comments. Love your content, I think it deserves much more views than what you currently have. It would be cool if you can make a series of videos teaching people your perspective of drawing based on lighting (for what I have seen in some of your videos), I personally have never thought of art in this way and it made me click on certain aspects of it. It would be great to learn from you. Thanks!

[@هدوءملكه-ل8غ]

9:45 This drawing looks exactly like you, how lucky you are that Sargent drew you

[@646e62]

amazing video. also good choice re. the morrowind music in the background (unless I'm mistaken).

[@leoncantsing]

You're beautiful. Sorry, i had to say it. The type of face that's perfect for drawing a portrait

[@Retrohunter1994]

Love the morrowind music

[@barbroach6891]

Very good at teaching 👍

[@PoppinPortraits]

This is cool, I’ve not heard of him, but been using charcoal for a few months and seem to have a similar style to This, I just get it onto the paper then move it to the exact place it needs to be.