How To Become a Great Artist - Unplugged

In this video Stefan Baumann talk to one of his classes about How to Become A Great Artist along with a discussion about color charts and color wheel and how to get Unplugged from everyone's ideas and become your own artist. To get a free book or take a workshop go to www.StefanBaumann.com

[@jakesnake253]

I've never painted, never drawn, never anything artistic. After stumbling across your videos, I feel....I don't know...excited, scared? I went out and bought everything I need, so I can create my first painting. It's a good feeling though, and I wanted to say thanks. Maybe someday I will need to unplug, but KZbin is amazing and has allowed me to listen to your sound advice and has truly motivated me into something I never thought I would try.

[@StefanBaumann]

I would love to see your first attempts

[@AJRhinoBear]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnynaIGdpcRqb7s the coaching is really affordable. sell one painting a month and it more than pays for itself.

[@kathleenhutter4412]

He's so right about being into the zone, where you lose track of space and time. That has happened to me many times, I'm just painting, playing with the painting, fascinated by how swirling the paint into different areas create an instant effect. It's absolutely mesmerizing. There are no windows where I paint because I paint in the basement so I truly have no concept of space or time, but it is so easy to get lost when you're in the zone. If you remember that painting is playing with light and shadow, oh the dance you can create! Thank you Stefan, I truly appreciate these coaching classes, they are one of a kind because it's not about technique, it's about finding your inner voice and recording your story on canvas.

[@Ulyanathestern]

It’s again my insomnia at 4:oo and I thank you, Stefan Baumann, a million times for your help. It’s becoming clear (step by step) who I actually am as an artist!

[@StefanBaumann]

YOur So Welcome

[@shooshami]

I recently discovered you accidentally while researching info on building my website. Your insights are spot on and reinforce conclusions I've come to over the years. As a musician (bassist) I've gone through all of these things trying to develop style and technique until I realized all I had to do was visualize my idea of a good bass sound, then manipulate my hands on the instrument until I created that sound as closely as possible. This is after years of self-doubt and building an expensive unread library. Same concepts you describe in this video, different art form. In the last year I started acrylic painting and it's become an important fixture in my life. I've watched some videos to pick up techniques and inspiration, but have found that someone else's technique doesn't necessarily work for me and , like playing music, I just have to work certain things out for myself with varying levels of success. Anyway, I'm glad I discovered you and I very much enjoy listening to your lectures! I love your idea of coaching as teaching.

[@MrMelharmony1]

hi again stefan ,from england, so painting is autobiographical, paint what you see. my friend thank you from the bottom of my heart, to know that there is finally someone in this world that is sharing such pearls. as always a pleasure to watch you coach...regards from mel stenway, your my constant reason to continue painting most days despite severe illness. but most of all for what you are giving to the art world through your coaching...respect my friend..

[@StefanBaumann]

Thanks for the kind words

[@reginlamson8624]

I am just starting to do oil paintings,Im 45 years old and your video and your advice did really hit me in the head like a hammer.I've never been so confused on what subject matter and what I really want to paint besides the stuff i see on the internet.I will keep your advice in my mind and in my heart that painting is all about your autobiography.Thank you so much!🤗😊😉

[@AJRhinoBear]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnynaIGdpcRqb7s the coaching is really affordable. sell one painting a month and it more than pays for itself.

[@brontocat]

I love listening to your lectures. They inspire me so much. I am an urban sketcher and have never taken any formal lessons. Recently I started dabbling in acrylic and oils and have been painting from my memories of my life, my family, my experiences and I am having so much fun. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience. - All the way from Australia

[@annfaulkner9344]

Unplugged, what a word, I’ve used it in my life in all kinds of directions, but not art. I’m inspired by photography, the morning light on the beach at South Texas, the bigness of Big Bend NP. I see the delicious colors and light and shadows, unfortunately my paintings don’t. You said ‘where is your center of interest’. Paint that, I can now see better, but am overwhelmed by my inability to capture the feeling. I know, “get off my own back”. I am doodling as you recommended and am enjoying it. Perhaps I must start there. Thank you for your videos, the ones I have seen. You indeed are a talented teacher, coach. Please come to Texas.

[@nickfanzo]

I've been drawing and painting since I was a small child. Your videos are extraordinary. keep postjng them. I am always learning.

[@michaelparry1383]

Stefan, Go Unplugged ?? If I went unplugged when I first viewed this video, I would have not viewed all 160 videos that you produced and put on KZbin. Those total 53 plus hours of viewing and listening to your lectures have opened my eyes to what makes a great painting. I know when I visited the "Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art" last week, I was able to see what you have been teaching. The knowledge of central focal point, eye magnets, and light effects has improved my photographic images. I now try to capture images in the early morning or early evening to get the effect of the low sun sidelight. I am glad that I invested the time gathering your information through KZbin. Thanks for all you do.

[@CeceliaHampton92]

Maybe it's about plugging in when necessary but knowing when to unplug, to let go of the need to always be tuned into something else and trusting your own intuition. I think it's about letting go of this idea that someone else always has the answers and just to look within in order to capture an authentication of oneself, what truly IS art. I see what you are saying though.

[@gailaroonie]

Thank you for so generously sharing your perspective with us. It means so much.

[@rezahossainzadehnasser2537]

Very good advise Stephan, you set me free from constant searching , to go through painting process as an artist not artisan.Thanks a lot , all the way from Iran.

[@bronislavamacaibockova901]

You are amazing! Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us. I have decided to paint and your videos are helping me a lot. I am attending an art class once a week and I feel that it is not enough. After three months we made only four paintings. Your students are so lucky to have you as a teacher. They have their bigest treasure in you and your homeworks. Sometimes when I am drawing, I forget to eat and drink and now, I can name that state of me, I was just unplugged. Thank you for your videos. Greetings from Slovakia.

[@StefanBaumann]

Thanks for letting me know that you love my videos

[@mrs.z605]

God bless you for this. So happy it showed up in my feed today.

[@saintjohntattoo5150]

I've needed this talk for a awhile I've been dumping hours into watching videos. More hours watching than doing. Thank you stefan Time to unplug.

[@schill1758]

There is so much truth in this, and common sense. Many thanks Stefan. Look forward to more videos when I "plug in" again!

[@PurpleFlush]

For me the promise land comes from inside, knowing your true self. That techniques should learned then used to make this idea of the self clearer not only for you but the viewer as well. One thing that really put me on the next level was that my mentor would ask me "Who are you?" every time we would meet.

[@StefanBaumann]

+PurpleFlush I like that

[@gameglitchhero]

Very true again. So many distractions we have nowadays. I deleted all games I had from my phone and started painting. Such a great feeling of being who you want to be.

[@elliottfelson8420]

Thank you for your video, Stefan. I just read a great book by Steven Pressler who wrote the War of Art. It's all about this stuff you're talking about, taking workshops, watching youtube videos--it's all just resistance to just doing the work. We need to just do the work. Funny, how I'm doing just that, watching you! Oh, well. It's a process.

[@StefanBaumann]

Thanks for the information Ill look up the book

[@lisengel2498]

I really appreciated your speech and your advice " be present in every moment of what you do" i think it is the key to Life - and the key to art. I also think it has to do with entering "the empty space " and "beauty happens"

[@jillostergren820]

wow , such great advice, Im a art student in my old years lol and i finally have the courage to finish paintings, admitting that i had loads to learn and yet, im still in the practicing stages, trying to find my style my artistic path, i have been searching the web to search for new tips and here you are, telling me to unplug and go for it, i dont know how to thank you, i can find it hard to trust my brush strokes, to let them be, worried it wont turn out the way i want it, so i will continue to listen to you when im not unplugged and thank you for making these videos

[@monizoe3188]

I ABSOLUTELY needed to hear this!!! Thank you

[@rickcroucher]

Developing a style is the same as your handwriting. We all learned from the same letter book and over the years the writing develops into one's individual style.

[@susanlang]

I so needed this right at this moment! Ive been watching your videos forever and always learn some nugget to keep in my pocket. Thank you for sharing your insight, and knowledge. Your passion for the love of art shines bright in your talks. Thanks again so much.

[@StefanBaumann]

+Susan Lang :-)

[@pellis8985]

Your words are so true. Thank you for reminding me.

[@StefanBaumann]

thanks

[@pja123pja]

This is the best darned advice I've heard in years.

[@BlackOreoCookie]

Finally someone who GETS me. Thank you.

[@StefanBaumann]

:-)

[@森下典樹]

you are fascinating to deliver the speech.

[@Jjoooles]

wow,ive been spending loads of time 'researching ' how to paint that ive hardly painted a thing 😕 thanks for this, I'm off to unplug ☺

[@StefanBaumann]

+Jooles Smith But wait don't unplug me LOL

[@Jjoooles]

+Stefan Baumann lol, no not you Stephan, just foundcyou two weeks ago and i recon there are more golden nuggets like this one to learn, I'm still doodling every day because of your advice, very suprised that I love left handed days most 😊

[@Jjoooles]

+Jooles Smith Stefan, not Stephen, predictive text has a lot to answer for 😕

[@StefanBaumann]

+Jooles Smith So glad you are part or our family Welcome

[@johnnyblaze373]

best advice i heard in my life regarding painting, it should be a meditation, and something unique to yourself....im guilty of all he said, chasing workshops and working from formulae.

[@painting55]

I certainly relate my experience to this. Thank you for this insight, Stefan.

[@annewandering]

Even though I am not concerned about being a 'great artist' there was a lot here to digest. :) I paint my husband. He died so only have photographs. You suggested that I use my memory to paint so I have been doing that but with a photo to help with proportions. I am not interested in recreating a photograph but in his personality facets. You talked once about creating family 'heirlooms'. I try to do that by giving a glimpse into who he was for his kids and grandkids. It dawned on me that I should do the same for myself so they know who I am as well. Thank you for giving me inspiration to do these because I really enjoy it. Some have asked why my avatar on facebook is my husband. Well it is because I like to look at him! Same with painting. I like to paint him. :D

[@StefanBaumann]

+anne Pelton What a great insight you have offered to the conversation, thanks for sharing. Yes don't get lost in the past you are here and now and you are also important for your kids and grand kids know why you are. Good Luck and Keep painting

[@TravisLikesTurtles]

this is fantastic advice, the only thing is, there are things i have learned through this type of research that have absolutely changed my life and painting that I never would have otherwise. such as the concept of glazing, scumbling, underpaintings, things of that nature

[@pieterdupreez8355]

A very inspirational presentation.

[@brownlauren15]

Stefan thanks for sharing tips and explaining how to paint Unplugged! It really helps to have knowledge of the Elements of Design and good draftsmanship. Hope to take a workshop with you someday.

[@Iampositive1234]

so funny. so real. a refreshing true view on what artists need to develop before putting brush to canvas. but the most difficult soul searching crunching aspect of being an artist and yet the most rewarding. thankyou

[@artlovelife5525]

Great, great advice Stefan! I could not agree more!

[@annacollier5372]

Wow.. Thanks so much for this Stefan. I feel like I could have carried on a fast train towards being an artist with no style or sense of self. Having only just started out again in the last few months after 10 years of not painting a thing I needed this, as I feel unsure of my footing. Thank you!

[@StefanBaumann]

YOur welcome

[@parviznaseri7800]

thank you my brother for all godly sharing.

[@StefanBaumann]

Your welcome Keep watching

[@iARTkids]

So helpful!!! I'm gonna watch all of your videos! Thank you so much!

[@StefanBaumann]

+Ilyn Lodahl I invite you to

[@behzad1239]

The best valued time spend watching. Thanks. Behzad

[@EthanS1481]

That was just brilliant! So helpful! Thank you!

[@StefanBaumann]

+E Schur thanks

[@hwleitner2009]

Brilliantly stated. I've been idly watching Igor Sakharov for weeks and imagining that I understood the Russian - you prompted me to get my hands dirty.

[@StefanBaumann]

+HERBERT leitner Im glad you are starting to get off the computer and paint

[@dhopetheartist]

Wonderful. I could relate to being "in the zone" at who knows what time it is, and also to awaken and look at a toned canvas and have the image emerge from the shadows that have formed across it. Of course, I must get up and get creating what was presented before me from the canvas itself. When you spoke about going to a class with the live model, that was interesting. Yes, sit, observe, become inspired, draw just the way the arm and elbow might intersect - the line and shape and shadow-something that you see will be different than I see, and by putting pencil to paper or paintbto canvas is what we are wanting to share with others. As an artist I want someone to see what I see when I looked, really looked at my subject. "What was I thinking"...

[@StefanBaumann]

+Darlene Van Meter That is it

[@vickycurtin5622]

just what I needed to watch... you are awesome

[@StefanBaumann]

+Vicky Curtin Wow Im glad I came in time to help you out

[@craftypat]

Excellent video. I have to remind myself to stop spending all my time researching and go create art!

[@Starks95yt]

this is seriously good. I thank you.

[@AnnetteVanderzon]

This is SOOOO true: "Paintings are autobiographical." Absolutely! Really well said.

[@gol622]

A great video thank you

[@christopherneelyakagoattmo6078]

"A byproduct of time, that we're spending." brilliance lights itself.

[@GinaSian]

Guilty as charged! Thank you!

[@1sacoyle]

Been there, done that spaced out thing during painting.

[@AbooBakrRana]

Trying to unplug for the last several years. It's really becoming difficult day by day, as the Info Tech expands. Needless to say thanks for your input. I'm sure this video will make me think on what you have discussed. God Bless!

[@StefanBaumann]

Thanks

[@vittorianovirgilio9554]

you've changed my life , thank you ..... Really....!

[@StefanBaumann]

Please tell me how

[@Superflow66]

Great video hit the nail on the head

[@StefanBaumann]

+B Murphy thanks

[@fadatty2756]

You're just great ☺I felt every word was directed to me 😂when I'm desperate

[@leighfoulkes7297]

They need to bring back apprenticeships for art students and technology students. I've heard a few art majors complain on KZbin about the conflicting teaching and criticism. Confusing the student, leaving them question the abilities and I've even seen them state to cry over it (a few of them left university). We need mentors and not programmers.

[@StefanBaumann]

I agree

[@MelissaBrauen]

This is one of my favorite lectures by you - you hit the nail on the head. The constant searching for the 'grail', lack of presence, and need for permission.....all are forms of resistance (cue Pressfield) And I am guilty guilty guilty. Thanks for the reminder and validation in finding what we are looking for in our own work.

[@StefanBaumann]

+Melissa Brauen Thanks for taking the time out and saying something

[@sguywarren]

Darn... that book is in my library!

[@StefanBaumann]

LOL mine too

[@emc31844]

Great Video. So true.

[@StefanBaumann]

+Ellen Cloudy :-)

[@ronhochhalter3491]

This lesson was very helpful, especially the part about finding yourself as an artist. I bought one of those recipe books and have yet to find it useful. I also bought a blank color wheel, that project wasn't as simple as I thought it would be. I got frustrated because I ended up being more focussed on making it look perfect and pretty than making it functional.

[@StefanBaumann]

PUT DOWN THAT WHEEL AND PICK UP YOUR BRUSH !

[@nickfanzo]

Ron Hochhalter you need to paint and create not play with a wheel.

[@chris_zanetti_manga_art]

*Another awesome video Stefan*

[@StefanBaumann]

Wow thanks for the kind words! I never had superman check out my videos. I would love to see your work.

[@chris_zanetti_manga_art]

@@StefanBaumann Thanks. I'm so honored that you would take the time to reply. You've made my day. I've already checked out your website and your work is magnificent.

[@StefanBaumann]

@@chris_zanetti_manga_art Here is my text feel free to contact me 415-606-9074

[@BlockchainDaddy]

Great content!

[@BiruteNomedaStankuniene]

Great video

[@donnaryan71]

So does painting while I have you on KZbin in the background count? :) Seriously, I often find listening to you whilst I paint soothing and reassuring and can get me going when I don't want to.

[@StefanBaumann]

you always want to be listening to me in the background

[@donnaryan71]

Oh, undoubtedly! :)

[@jimameluxen7990]

Donna Ryan of a

[@johannebeerbaum1546]

Maybe it was best that I wasn't allowed a formal art education...it has taken a lifetime to get where I am but far from where I want to be. My patchwork of workshops over the years has been not too extensive to confuse me, but helpful to get a basis of technical knowledge. I would say my small group of fellow artists has been a wonderful coaching mechanism for all of us because of our disparate experience.

[@chrissymurray1643]

Great video as always

[@StefanBaumann]

+Chrissy Murray Thanks

[@giedriuskazlauskas8964]

Thank you very much... I was looking at you and i saw how you described me... Im wasting my time in social media....

[@ALASKASCHOICEMUSICVIDEOS]

Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.

[@StefanBaumann]

The best advice I got today

[@bimalnair]

Dayum!! Your content is so damn priceless!! Every video that you've put out is gold! This one here sits at the top of that pile. Amazing!! 🙏🏻 Thanks a million for sharing these classes and conversations! ❤️

[@StefanBaumann]

Thanks for the kind words I would love to see your work

[@bimalnair]

@@StefanBaumann I'm stoked to see your reply. I've mailed and shared whatever little I have. Once again, extremely grateful for your teachings and your attention!

[@eledelosoriogiddings5069]

Lols' 😅 i agree with you with the color recipe book. I bought one and I've used it once, that's it! 😅

[@StefanBaumann]

See I told you

[@eledelosoriogiddings5069]

I just want to thank you for all the videos you have here. I learned so much from them. I love painting portraits and I'm putting up my own pallette colors. I watched one of your videos about the two colors for skintones. After watching that video, I immediately went to the art store, bought the colors and try. I was skeptical at first mixing the colors but then it was really beautiful! Those colors are now in my pallette. Thank you!

[@sharinye6026]

Well said, thank you :)

[@anonymousfellowindian]

Thanks

[@NatanEstivalletPaintings]

You're absolutely right Mr. Baumann, these kind of book are useless. I think they take away the painter's pleasure and creativity of finding out a color, their relations to each other and so on. Besides that (I know the book), it gives you a general name (like "burnt sienna"), and these names doesn't tell nothing about the real pigment you have inside your tube, it's transparency, its strength, its tone (hmmm, burnt sienna is made of so many different pigments: PR 101, PBr 7, PR101 + PBk6....). I love your videos and thank you very much for your advice!

[@StefanBaumann]

+Natan Estivallet Natan Thanks for adding your insight

[@martaescobar7625]

Kudos......keeping it real:)

[@mattg5978]

What is the name of the musician playing the outro song to your videos ? Thanks

[@StefanBaumann]

Ron Venosa

[@mattg5978]

@@StefanBaumann thanks

[@alfalasi_art]

i did bought this book and i never used it, like mr stefan said it is confusing, i never used it

[@SirManDudeGuy1]

+Ahmed Alfalasi I have it as well but I rarely use it for clarifying color choices.

[@braddarnell2498]

I have painted 10000 paintings in my mind while at work. Does this count?

[@monadavisstudio]

I have a painter block....... I know: Just do it...... Sigh. I paint all days in my mind but it is like I've been afraid to put it down. I'm afraid to not get the " main focus".

[@StefanBaumann]

If you are interested in having me as your personal art coach, let’s talk. For each person I coach, I prearrange a set aside time every Saturday morning, and it is up to the student to call me at that time for their personal coaching session. Each coaching call is 30 minutes. Students send me a photo of the painting that they worked on during the week (from an image that I selected for them to paint). Students do their best to complete my request. I review their painting and offer comments that address what is successful about the painting and what is missing or could be improved. I also look at other work that they may have done during the week. Some students want to become professional artists and I offer advice about how to setup websites and face book sites, and help them create their artist’s mission statement. The focus of the weekly session is determined by what each student requires to get to the next level. Students can also text me during the week to me ask quick questions about their paintings. It’s like having a personal coach in your pocket 24/7! The fee for this service is $100.00 a month and students pay via credit card. If you want to discuss this opportunity to work me as your personal art coach, let’s talk about it on the phone since that is where our coaching calls will take place. My phone number is 415-606-9074. Please feel free to call me if you would like more information about how personal coaching might work for you. - Stefan Baumann

[@JSolhoff]

Thanks ! Very helpful. ( Now i know i'm not the only one. lol ) :-)

[@StefanBaumann]

+J Solhoff Thanks

[@chrisgriffith1573]

One I can say about the internet is the fact that I can learn a lot of technique, and that was the one thing all my stupid "coach" teachers didn't teach me while I was in art school. Good coach or not, techniques add up, and applied science of paint is good for life, no matter how I decide to use it. I can work out how to use that knowledge in time, but now, 30 years after graduation with honors, I still think my teachers were idiots because only one or two of them taught me anything I can say that I "use" today. If I need a life coach, I don't goto an art teacher.

[@magichand72]

Darn I shoulda paid attention to Steven 5 years ago......Under a pile of art magazines and web sites...Back to my daily drawing...even if I draw kids with FANGS!

[@Polecat54941]

you talk a lot of sense and how many cold cups of coffee do you endure in your studio?

[@malkamichaelabarshishat8689]

i am totally self taught, busy mom, drowning in online tutorials, comparing myself, feeling blocked, feeling uneducated and yet not liking being told what to do...and someone sends me your video...Thank YOU..for bringing me back to the ground without even knowing it...I just do things because it feels right and now you confirmed for me that it's the right thing to do :) Blessings!! malkamichaela.wix.com/artist

[@jennifertaylor2893]

I would much rather have a coach than a teacher. I have had enough teachers who clubbed me over the head that is was their way or no way.

[@younzanraj1270]

Painting develop when you paint ...think...and give time ...no need to learn from anybody...did venchi learn art from anyone ? Never. If you depend on class you your creativity will die..

[@BlackOreoCookie]

Finally someone who GETS me. Thank you.

[@StefanBaumann]

I got you, lol

[@BlackOreoCookie]

Seriously! I've had the same anxiety you talked about (in the doodle book videos), and I've asked so many artists, amateurs and professionals, and they (mostly the pros) act like that fear doesn't exist. They just say things like ''you just gotta be positive'' or ''you just have to let go and motivate yourself'', which leaves me totally deprived and hopeless. I've gotten a burnout from constantly practicing art to the point where my skill was growing but my love and passion was shrinking, and I didnt understand why. Since watching your doodle book videos I've been doodling more in 3 days than i had in the past 5 months. I ripped some paged out, scraped it over the floor, crumpled up some pages (I HATE wrinkles in paper), and even used it as a footstool, and now my sketchbook doesn't have any intrinsic value to me anymore, I sketch (doodle) like crazy in it. Thank you soooo much!!