Sketchbook Tour - How Sketching Preserves Memories with Aaron Blaise

Aaron Blaise let us into his studio and showed us his giant sketchbook collection. His studio is filled with sketchbooks. So many, that we took that footage and separated it from the studio tour and made this video. So here it is. Aaron Blaise showing you some of his favorite sketchbooks and sharing the stories and memories behind each sketch.
Be sure to check out his lion demo at proko.com/blaise. He uses black and white charcoal on toned paper to render a realistic lion. This guy knows his stuff and he takes you through his whole process. Learn from Aaron at proko.com/blaise.
Related Links:
Zoo Sketching with Aaron Blaise - Drawing Lions, Tigers and Bonobos: • Zoo Sketching with Aar...
Career Advice from a Disney Animator - Aaron Blaise Interview: • Career Advice from a D...
Animation Help from Aaron Blaise - Creature Art Teacher: • Animation Help from Aa...
Aaron Blaise Lion Demo: proko.com/blaise
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Watch More Proko: • Drawing a Lion - Anima...
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Don't miss new tutorials - www.proko.com/subscribe
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#sketchbooktour #ink #watercolor
CREDITS:
Host - Stan Prokopenko (www.stanprokopenko.com)
Artist - Aaron Blaise (creatureartteacher.com/ref/3/)
Production Assistance - Brandon Storer
Camera - Brandon Storer
Editing - Charlie Nicholson
Sound Effects - www.freesfx.co.uk
About Proko:
Instructional How to Draw videos for artists. My drawing lessons are approachable enough for beginners and detailed enough for advanced artists. My philosophy is to teach timeless concepts in an entertaining way. I believe that when you are having fun, you learn better. I take pride in producing high quality videos that you will enjoy watching and re-watching.
Aaron’s Demo Description
Aaron Blaise is a former Disney animator and professional artist who’s a true master when it comes to drawing and painting animals. In this Masterpiece Demo you’ll get the opportunity to shadow him in his studio and watch him draw a large lion portrait from scratch. Starting with his process of selecting a photo and then moving onto sketching the layin and figuring out the anatomy. We tried to capture how Aaron draws when nobody is looking rather than how he draws for a demonstration at workshops. The true way he creates in his studio. A must have for those wanting to see the entire process and workflow of a professional illustrator. Get the demo at proko.com/blaise

[@ProkoTV]

What’s your favorite page from Aaron’s Sketchbook? Leave a comment below with a timecode.

[@user-wt4fm7gf1f]

Thanks for making me feel existencial again!!

[@jimjr7789]

24:00 i love his bird drawings

[@longjohn7992]

His mother’s death because it reminds me of when my grandmother died

[@ramizshould]

Awesome

[@MattElderDotCom]

Thought the ones where he went personal with his mother and grand daughter were great.

[@AaronBlaiseArt]

Thanks so much for sharing my work with your audience! Looking forward to doing it again soon!

[@raymondsmith9975]

do you sell copies of any of your sketch books by chance?

[@kevinstockard4453]

Hi Aaron! I have tried to draw animals at the zoo but am having mixed success. The animals in their enclosures are (in my opinion) too far away for me to see enough detail. Also, they (of course) move a lot. What can I do to draw animals better and capture one view when they are moving around a lot?

[@dernabett8363]

How do you draw or photograf strangers without them feeling awkward.

[@jesusswag4905]

Kevin Stockard like he says... before he draws an animal, he studies the animals, looking for shapes first. And he also studies the skeletal anatomy which helps him also. But before you draw, study the animal first and look for shapes in the animal.

[@KiX-K4T13]

What a cool dude!

[@nicblueberry6360]

Wow. When he showed the sketchbook with drawings of his Mother as she passed - only to be followed by drawings of the birth of his grandchild, that was really profound. Powerful stuff!

[@Thatonegirl989]

Dominic H. That was absolutely beautiful. Actually made me want to cry.

[@Fadilanse]

and he said that's how artists are like, it can just be doodles, or something really personal and that makes me want to draw now now very very bad

[@jacobc7421]

X2

[@PeachiiWubs]

Never seen a sketchbook before like that..

[@ZoZo-ub5uw]

Little quick sketches. That made me cry. Literally those sketches are a damn masterpiece to me

[@beccarand]

The coolest thing about Aaron is that you can so clearly tell that he LOVES what he does. It's amazing to see someone who has been in the game this long who is still so curious and has such a good attitude about learning-no ego whatsoever. Such an inspiration!

[@1o7oMaRcIn1o7o]

The difference between the master and the amateur is that the master has failed more times than the amateur has tried - Aaron is super inspiring and you can really feel him by looking at his art, I love how he calls some of the sketches "small" while they're true masterpieces

[@penelowp]

Marcin Prusinski i luv that quote :)

[@Tomcat_Coyote]

I've never seen or even considered that a Sketchbook could have so much ... " depth " . This is the best Sketchbook tour i've even seen by far . May his Mum rest in peace :)

[@nh8444]

Awww man, the pictures of his mom passing and then the baby. I didn’t cry, you did.

[@JustMe88419]

I really want to thank Mr. Blaise for sharing his art with us, especially the profound and breath-taking sketches of his mom and his grandchild. They really touched something in me and inspired me to sketch some of my memories with my mother that passed away a couple years ago. It was an incredibly cathartic process and allowed me to rekindle memories that I hold close. Thank you, it really meant a lot.

[@PeriodismoNet]

This is probably the most intimate, deep, profesional and personal sketchbook tour and not the cliche instagram/pinterest girl i am used to. Im really glad i discover the channel

[@nicovaniseghem]

Opino lo mismo, muy interesante y poderoso, pero sobre todo íntimo y personal

[@pNamali]

I like how this shows that you don’t have to complete a sketchbook in a year. It’s a misconception for me since social media makes it seem that people pump out drawings every day, and there’s sketchbook tours of that year or month. When in actuality, you should go at your own pace. And it’s okay to jump around sketchbooks. I have 4 sketchbooks that I’m moving around from: mixed media, 2 watercolor ones, and a rough ideas one. And it’s taken me more than a year. I’m only 1/4th through all of them and sometimes feel like I’m behind. Thank you for sharing this video! @25:33 creeped me out 🤣

[@artprof]

Agree, social media warps how much we think people actually produce IRL. Love that you have several sketchbooks you're working in, I should try that!

[@neilcanta1302]

❤️❤️❤️

[@elysiumoeuvre_]

same, i have like 3 sketchbooks and i use them

[@braionwarren8263]

4:25 I love when an artist personal life shows through her/his work♥️

[@visualsweets]

I wish Aaron Blaise would publish his sketchbooks, not the personal ones, of course. I would purchase them.

[@colbywinfield]

He mentioned in the comments on his channel that they're working on publishing a sketchbook for purchase! Hope it happens

[@nursenickyislearningtodraw7219]

This man’s art is so awesome. Thank you for featuring him.

[@JadyLester]

This was fun coming into the video like "ooh, he's really talented." "Oh I really like his technique, actually, I should try that." "wow he's really prolific." "Wow, he can do animation style as well as realistic. He seems to like lions." "...Oh shit, he's an animation director."

[@varuntulsyan2558]

This is what an inspirational video is to me. It was beautiful to see Aaron's life through his sketchbooks. The art and the story behind it is so magnificent that it made me want to draw today after having not touched a sketchbook in weeks. The word 'inspiring' gets thrown around a lot but this here inspired me in the true sense of the word. Thankyou Proko for giving us such amazing videos that feature the greats.

[@malihemoayerian7419]

It is the best sketchbook I have ever seen. I loved the pages of his mother,s drawings as she passed. On the whole such a great artist. It should keep as art memories for sketching in a museum.

[@myldwinpierre3962]

Whoever found this man‘s sketchbooks, be a kind human being and return them to him.

[@PopCross]

2:50 oh wow, I want a sketchbook like that! Also this art is all just next level incredible!!!

[@miriambalsanoart]

Oh wow. I love all his drawings, but I cried when he showed the drawings of his Mom passing away. That takes a lot of courage, being able to portray such a moment. 😭😭

[@mmmokyup]

There is something very pure and profound about this sketchbook tour.

[@IknowIamkindagreat]

Who knew a simple sketchbook tour would be one of the most genuinely emotional youtube vids I have ever seen. Lost Mom AND a wife? Good lord, bless this man (and I'm atheist!)

[@twofriendsandart638]

I have been an artist for almost my whole life and until today. I have felt more inspired them ever. Thank you all. Thank you so much for inspiring me to try try and try.

[@LilChuunosuke]

I absolutely love when you make videos with Aaron! You tell just work so well together as artists, teachers, and friends. It's educational and entertaining!

[@jorgemancuso1315]

“Small drawing...”Ha! An absolute master...so humble .His artwork speaks by itself,so true and vibrant,no need to convince anybody about its excellence...Art at its best.

[@fhaddad3]

Wow the way the water flows in his sketches is so lively and real its unbelievable I can almost hear the sounds....Crazy good

[@Legomanta]

Thank you Proko, for this fantastic video. It not only shows the beauty of Aarons artworks but also his life and memories behind them. I'm in love with this format, thanks again for inspiring all of us. :)

[@HarryGoldhawkDraws]

Proko thank you so much for the constant inspiration! You keep me motivated to draw and create illustrations for my channel 🙌👏

[@steeliebob3195]

Aaron's work is amazing and he's a joy to listen too. Excellent stuff

[@lebleu6022]

i almost cried, that's a poweful sketchbook tour ^^"

[@artprof]

I love seeing other people's sketchbooks, so inspiring!

[@ChrisSkjrvik]

Aaron is such a cool guy! Always so inspiring to have him on

[@josiahh.3437]

Someone in Arizona is sitting on a bunch of Aaron Blaise sketchbooks. These sketchbooks are so beautiful and emotional.

[@pubbets7290]

Anyone else see this pop up in suggested videos and then sat here spellbound? What an amazing talent

[@rshopperocarolan7082]

My mother too, died two years ago on June 1st she was a veteran. She was on oxygen. I'm glad that he was there for his mother. To see that he was a fabulous illistrator. I remember 1964 my family driving, hoping to get to California because my stepfather [a Veteran] was a fabulous artist. He could draw anything Disney. We never got there. My mother and him both taught me about art. my first award was the illustration of Bambi. I taught my children. I don't think I was very good,even with ceramics. I had other careers. I started doing Art. I take one word poetry that ends up being a short story on the back/separate piece of art whether it's abstract or cutouts or drawings and people and a little of everything whatever the feelings are. I can thank my parents, like this fabulous illustrator. What it Took My Children encourage me to start doing it again in my late years. I'm grateful for this video. I do not do social media. This touch my heart. Thank you. I would have loved to have met to this illustrator. These are Kodak moments that have fabulous stories of characterization. I have told Children & Friends and acquaintance's, just me one word and I can make up a story. They tell me after they read it and ask," how do you know?" I don't. I just do. Thank-you For The Memories. Through out my old age, I never took that leap. Please, all of you take that leap. Forgive! Encourage everyone you meet. That is your legacy. Enjoy. Pay it forward in any field that your in. The knowledge and wisdom that you have. Give your talents freely. Once again, I'm am truly grateful to this video it touched my soul, my heart and my mind.

[@20greeneyes20]

Your work is amazing. I just love the stories behind your drawings as well. I haven't drawn in sometime but you really kick-started to get going again thank you so much.

[@redturnip3178]

Proko and Aron Blaze you both influenced me to improve in my artwork and to draw from my imagination l am so grateful thank you very much

[@Lykiri]

the way he depicts animals is so beautiful

[@eccentric_bilbo]

Damn, this man is a real inspiration. Thank u for featuring him 🙏

[@yenshuliao1524]

Wow... thank you so much for sharing them! This brings back very good memories of how I used to keep sketchbooks as an art student... down to the keeping random labels and stuff from travels! Everything he says about sketching is true. I don't remember why I stopped doing this, even though I'm still in art. It's been so long, that it feels like something somebody else would do. Watching this gives a feeling of nostalgia, wanting to do the same, and lost all at once.

[@zenianguyen5887]

Brother Bear was one of my most favorite movie series of all time. He is an amazing artist. Thank you for being an incredible source of inspiration, especially through showing the works of great artists.💖

[@garrett3338]

Wow! So great to see his work and hear such personal stories. Thank you for sharing them.

[@splott8]

Me watching this video with my mouth wide open in awe of the immense talent and at the same time realizing that this is not without great effort, trial and passion. What is really impressive is the ability to draw such detail just from what you mind remembers seeing.

[@zedbear99]

I hope to goodness he has scanned all of these books as well - just in case he loses them! I do that with all of mine just to be safe. Great post and thanks for sharing - such cool and down to earth guys.

[@doctorkwack101fan]

I always post my art on social media so i still have them.

[@laurenceV-D]

Thank you and aaron for sharing all these sketchbooks, even the more personnal. It was sometimes very moving, sometimes funny, all very interesting and amazing works.

[@naly202]

Thanks for posting this, Proko. The Art of Aaron Blaise is one of my favourite KZbin channels now. You helped me discover it.

[@judyhobday4760]

My sketches are nothing, but I have heaps of sketchbooks in totes. I feel such a kinship. My mother is in her last days, altzheimers. The sketches of his mother as she was dying really touched me. My mother, and her mother are who i got my art from. Thank you so much.

[@worldofarts3888]

Bro's. You guys are killing me with your drawings.

[@mayu2774]

The Aaron Blaise it's just AMAZING!! He always inspires me to draw. I'm recently taking a course on it and it's wonderful.

[@mintmikasa]

He is so talented, yet so humble and genuine.

[@jericovarca9112]

Im from Philippines and i really love your drawing! And i love how you sketch our national hero Jose Rizal ❤

[@gabriel420420]

This video and its insights are priceless mate. Thanks for getting this out !

[@veronica0406]

Beautiful work. I love the sketches of his mom and granddaughter.

[@somerandompersonontheinter6109]

When I saw Mowgli on Netflix, Baloo absolutely reminded me of a piece Aaron did ages ago. Now I know that they were definitely inspired by his work! 😄

[@artofgiuls2880]

the sketchbook with the drawings of his mother made me cry so much..

[@everuby4787]

What a wonderful video, I loved each one of the pieces he showed... I love his work.

[@seallustrator]

This is actually an emotional video. Thank you for not putting background music.

[@harakiri8939]

i love how he keeps saying "little sketches", which to me as a beginner contain so much of what I try to get better at. Very inspiring!

[@dennisvillafuerte8989]

What a brilliant artist, Aaron Blaise. Amazing!

[@serlymarton]

man, i love these cooperations of yours its funny and entertaining to hear about e.g. the best zoos of the world probably? :D but also contains serious artworks and even there are webcams where we can observe animals, these are the things an artist or wildlife enthusiastic can really appreciate, so big thanks to both of you!

[@teedeww5049]

This guys sketches are like 5x better than my full drawn finished artwork :( 😂 love you Aaron, keep it up and stay healthy 👌🙏

[@carolepivarnik9316]

This tour of Aaron's sketchbooks is a delight. I've been a fan of Aaron for a long time, purchased several of his courses, and think he's a great teacher. But these sketchbooks are the most enlightening and inspiring thing. The sketches of his mom were so extremely touching, and beautifully made. Thanks so much for sharing this. Also, the Maine sketches at about 9:00 are great...I love how Aaron represents the water currents. That is very instructive to me as a sketcher!

[@artprof]

I love seeing an artist's sketchbook, it's like you get to walk right into their creative mind!

[@sonseraedesigns7167]

This is such an amazing And emotional and heartfelt episode. I used to be an artist at Walt Disney Studios myself. The way that Aaron talks about working through his grief and trauma through art. I now have an a nonprofit to help people heal from the trauma and PTSD through the arts because there’s scientific evidence that it works. Thank you for this episode.

[@XnogoXshort]

Omg this guy I'm a big fan of his artwork I always kept practicing in he's artwork and yeah it convinced me and it proved my skills by the way so I really appreciate that ur teaching us. Thank you both of you guys 😁

[@nicks931]

One of the most beautiful videos I've ever seen... Thanks.

[@RonaldoBagaRonnie]

Very inspiring... now I am going to pull out my sketchbook and draw twig.

[@colourwheel5703]

I enjoyed this so much. It was so profound to see the sketches of your dying mother. What moments you captured.

[@RukileinchenChan]

I love Aaron Blaise's tutorials on his homepage. I can really recommend it to anyone who wants to get better at animal drawing! It's worth the premium membership because you get like 30 CGMA courses at the price for one half for a year! But this man...he has too much talent. xD Makes me want to give up because I can never reach a level like this.

[@user-ug1om4jd5w]

I really enjoyed this video... fantastic stories behind those beautiful drawings...thank you both.

[@PeachiiWubs]

Some of the best art I've ever seen.

[@JKalit]

God bless the artist, I could thoroughly enjoy looking at his works

[@neilcanta1302]

Favorite sketchbook tour in KZbin ❤️

[@lilyawood]

okay I didn’t expect to cry during the video

[@evertvandenberghe]

incredible! i'm just blown away!

[@MedaHalmaciu]

Amazing! Thank you so much for doing this video.

[@rebeccavaughan3615]

I like the different sketches. Like he said you can get to know the artist through their sketch books. Cool stuff 😊

[@saph100]

I once drew illustrations of my cats as they passed away and it was a profound feeling as I got new ones.

[@kimsonone]

aaron u are such a wonderful person .. how much i respect u guys... very emotional

[@kimsonone]

now i get the choice of the scene of that lipsynch video u did a while ago..

[@SCULLCONTROL]

Simply Great ! ... and the emotions strong !

[@VentBoy311]

25:30, i appreciate the little animation there with the fox. Great artist and inspirational work!

[@isabellahaz]

Oh my god these are amazing How can you even call these sketches?!?! I really loved this video, its extremely inspirational

[@pranxhu]

Thankyou Stan , you are honestly helping a lot.

[@elisabethnerolk2283]

Totally adored this video!!!! Aaron is amazing and I LOVE BROTHER BEARRRRR 😍

[@inkstickart]

wow his sketchbook from Maine is brilliant! love seeing other sides of his art, thanks!

[@karthi7160]

Master sketches, Amazing. Sir I am from India , I like your sketches very much.

[@larrypritchett3909]

Wonderful sketchbook tour of an outstanding artist. Very inspirational world tour. Thanks

[@celestethoms]

This was a gift. ❤️

[@bludaizee24]

How wonderful. Thank you.

[@paisa4083]

I had to stop it at 3 mins cus its freaking awesome. Ill edit this as i keep watching it. Just sketches but they are so well done.

[@lovelyme9384]

SMALL SKETCHES HE SAID !!!!they are master pieces !

[@mkAYY825]

aaron gives meaning to sketchbooks !!

[@LokArtist_LOKESH_YADAV]

Very nice video🤗🤗🤗🤗😍😍😍😍 love it

[@Leigh-lq2uf]

The video is an amazing journey for me. Thanks!

[@TheBasqueWasp]

Beautiful, could not choose just one

[@darienescalona7065]

Beautiful, thank you so much!

[@TaylorGessler]

I love Aaron ! Thank you. I’m inspired.

[@jennifernewmanart]

absolutely beautiful and moving video

[@stephenhumphriesArtist]

Absolutely brilliant video, brilliant.

[@luisrodriguez6533]

really powerful artwork, i love it !

[@2B87]

Gorgeous work.

[@AtomPon]

I would have never thought of sketchbooks like this before. I will definitely draw more stuff i see around me now