The Art of the Copyist

Discover the pleasure of sustained looking alongside contemporary artist Jas Knight as he copies Diego Velázquez’s “Juan de Pareja” (1650) in our galleries. You can see Jas’s completed painting on our Perspectives page: www.metmuseum.org/Perspective...
Learn more about The Met's Copyist Program: www.metmuseum.org/events/prog...
Learn more about the exhibition Juan de Pareja, Afro-Hispanic Painter: www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions...
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© 2023 The Metropolitan Museum of Art

[@narutoqweavatar]

I'm an artist, or at least I studied art in college. And there is something about copying another work of art that somehow makes you feel connected to the original artist. He articulated that feeling perfectly.

[@Karina-er7mx]

Yes! I feel that way when I copy flowers animals, nature in general. I feel connected to the creator the greatest artist of all.

[@anthonydion2749]

i tought his points were valid for musicians as well

[@BelindaShort]

@@Karina-er7mx Evolution and nature are amazing creators

[@pocahontasseguinart7099]

That’s stupid , I Don’t want stupid people coping my art. I don’t belive in going to College to be a artist just for Monday AB’s get shut down . Van Gogh does not copy peoples work and I don’t either . For some one that’s born with a condition called microcephaly struggle academically which is one of the readings why I don’t go to college that’s me , going to college for art and copying is stupid and wrong . 😑 pathetic!! I’ve been painting sence I was a infant. I tought my self to draw and paint my own heart and way . I became a artist after my mother pulled me out of school at 10th grade . Docters when I was born the year 1995 January 18th told my mother I could never learn to talk and try to be functional but look I prove them wrong and became a artist and I post on KZbin and I’m using the account now. I’ve been struggling all my life people don’t understand and been bullied even still now and my real dad abandoned me because what I was born with and yet that drawing is in my KZbin channel that’s the rabbit and people still ignore me on social media . I do not want people coping my art . His dumb people can be Doing that or go to college doing that . Glad my art has the copyright symbol 5:54

[@finwefingolfin7113]

"You haven't really seen a painting until you have copied it. "... so true

[@MrDaraghkinch]

I am a jazz musician; I know nothing about painting. When he said "You haven't begun to see a painting until you've copied it." It instantly chimed with me. Transcription is the musical equivalent. When I have transcribed (with utmost attention to detail) the solos of Charlie Parker, or Oscar Pettiford et al., I have found myself transported through time, and experienced affinity that can never be taught by any other means. It is a very profound experience.

[@Heart2HeartBooks]

I can't paint but am also a Jazz Musician and I consider myself an artist except I paint with notes and phrases.

[@metmuseum]

Incredible-thanks for sharing!

[@teapot2186]

Such a joy to watch someone with such deep talent, knowledge and obvious love and passion for what they do. I learned so much in 5 minutes, I could have watched an hour.

[@glee_again2594]

Agree…this artist is so fascinating to me and his process and replicas are so breathtaking. Could watch for longer too!

[@kofiperry19]

He has a channel on youtube with hours of content

[@scottlondon8382]

@@kofiperry19 what’s it called,”?

[@williamshakespeare9815]

When someone has a passion for something they can make you feel it.

[@michaelmcdonagh5104]

Beautiful!

[@leldonlove8781]

Your ability to articulate your thoughts and paint a picture for us mentally is art in itself bro. Well done

[@rawqween]

agreed

[@SeanStClair-cr9jl]

This video is a little masterpiece

[@eringertsen1851]

I've always been fascinated by this painting but could never put into words why. And this copyist did it! How the painting is softly out of focus except for his eyes, just like when you are talking to someone. Bravo for your words, art and music 👏

[@LS-kg6my]

Artists are so under appreciated in today’s world. This man is quiet treasure hiding in plane sight

[@the_jolly_bunny]

There are artists everywhere involved in all kind of industries: Fashion, Films, literature...etc

[@SL-sd3sg]

@@eg-g we all have our own opinions. If some of us believe is a treasure, then it is so, to us.

[@g76agi]

@@eg-g is gold not a treasure because there is a lot of it?

[@LS-kg6my]

@@eg-g sweetie, go spew petty toxicity someplace else... and maybe ask yourself why bitterness and jealousy stops you from celebrating the acheivements of other artists. That contemplation may just open a window onto your grinchy little heart oh and PS its "curb" not "curve"

[@LS-kg6my]

@@the_jolly_bunny you did notice the plural in "artists" right?

[@SalemHill]

I remember as a teenager back in 1971 watching the nightly news when the Met acquired this painting. I was transfixed. Getting married six years later, I went out and purchased a framed print of it to hang in the living room of our one bedroom apartment.

[@galedribble9535]

It’s a nice piece. My first time seeing it right now in this video I need to see it in person

[@SweetieTarian]

@@galedribble9535 me too

[@hensonlaura]

It's gorgeous!

[@SalemHill]

@@galedribble9535 Be sure to notice how his eyes follow you as you walk pass.

[@NoahBility]

Big love for Jas. I've had the honor of sitting for him and having some of the most stimulating conversations Incredible human, mind, and artist

[@geraldinenolan6312]

Wow... that is an honour.

[@UbiquitousBooks]

Wow, Jas Knight has such a beautiful way of talking about art.

[@metmuseum]

Agreed!

[@caileanparis9998]

its terrifying drawing/painting in public, let alone when you're surrounded by the work of one of the greatest painters ever. When I visited Florence I was drawing copies of statues in piazza della signora and I quickly became a tourist attraction lol.

[@kool4209]

then youre just insecure..... why are you afraid of ppl?

[@Koresos.]

@@kool4209Awe… It‘s called awe.

[@philaman1972]

This man is a genius! Please give us more stories like this!

[@metmuseum]

More soon!

[@Hijinx44]

I could listen to him talk about art for days. Such a talented wealth of knowledge

[@chiefbeardo2610]

I literally don't show my art to people because it's too intimate for me so when he said that he literally gets to interact with Diego's brain that hit me hard.

[@josephpetrino1741]

Love watching all the artists that paint at The Met. I'd love to talk with this guy.

[@penmuni3833]

Please don't. Your egotistic self appropriation is a detterent to our concentration.

[@sadisticwinter8354]

@@penmuni3833 i don't think they meant literally interrupt them. Just talk to the guy at one point.

[@quikwidit6967]

Wow, their brain is on the canvas and we are interacting with them. That's a pretty amazing way to put it. Very cool

[@johnscott9979]

This was perfect! A fusion of art and this talented young man's music & thoughtful interpretations of exceptional artistry. Could have watched a much longer version : )

[@metmuseum]

Thanks for watching!

[@joannasavage2001]

Really enjoyed listening to Knight's description of his process and the painting. Would like to hear more from him. Thanks, MET!

[@kofiperry19]

He has a youtube channel

[@jacobuswoolfeart]

when you do a copy like this I find anyway that it really lets you 'see' the work in a way you wouldn't if you weren't copying it.

[@issamrosenthal694]

Such beauty and grace is given to his works, copies or not. It makes the eye feel so good. I'd like to see more. This artist has incredible talent. God bless him. I wish him much happiness in his practice. He really makes us dream. Amazing.

[@valsainking]

This was magical. As an artist, I am mesmerized by the degree of likeness you were able to achieve and the effortlessness with which you were able to pull it off. Bravo, my friend! One of the things that I have always particularly loved about this Velázquez portrait is the amazing focus devoted to the face, contrasting with the almost 'impressionistic' look of the collar and garments, making the face of the sitter stand out in a way that demands your gaze, especially those piercing eyes. Velázquez clearly foreshadowed the techniques of the Impressionists.

[@meredith7236]

Omg he is wonderful

[@jimmylamar9118]

Seeing someone else inspired to paint really does inspire you to want to go back and do your best God bless both of us to stay inspired and do our best

[@johannahill4466]

this is a fantastic video; great interview, great footage and to hear jas' music in the background... stellar

[@Lighthouse1852]

Wonderful painting, wonderful painter. Thanks for chatting with us.

[@Dnightartist]

BRAVO, BRAVO!!!!!

[@abhazutshi7003]

I want his whole art set ( easel and bags and all) and his thinking about art! 😌💗

[@paytonreid5077]

This dude is awesome.

[@longhaulblue]

Shades of Bill Evans in Mr. Knight's playing. Charming video introduction to a very talented man. Thank you.

[@AlejandroPRGH]

One of my favourite paintings, not least because there are not many people with the family name Pareja. I'm an oldish man and i remember when the painting was auctioned, in 1971, breaking a world record with the price. You did a great job.

[@Julierue]

What a lovely way to start your day. Lovely vid. Thanks.

[@brucekalter4206]

This is FANTASTIC!!! Thank you so much for sharing this. I loved this copyist's commentary, analysis & talent!

[@metmuseum]

Thank you for watching!

[@ebutuoy6463]

This guy is really good….it was a pleasure to watch him work.

[@craigmaxwell1961]

such a joy watching and Jas knight is such a talented artist.

[@bilqiscampbell219]

He's so renaissance ❤

[@pollymellen7503]

Oh wow ❤ tremendous facility of the mind!

[@betsya7054]

Enjoyable and inspiring 🎉

[@jeffreyprice2982]

Sir, you ARE a genius. Your work is remarkable. Well done.

[@allgirlsthrowup4147]

He needs to put his music out on platforms!!!!

[@ImQuiteGay]

Wow this man is so extremely talented and creative. He can play the piano by ear, he can replicate and create his own great works of art, this man is amazing.

[@loisjohnson7272]

I’m an artist too, I have never really tried doing , just what you are doing, and I love your work, I usually just do Mother Nature painting, ocean, swamp,trees, country dirt roads, etc,,but you have given me an interesting idea and I am going to be brave and try some of your type of painting, wish me luck ❤ Nurse who loves to paint in North Carolina,

[@freebird8993]

Wow, this video is such a joy!

[@oppositeofh8]

it's true. you are encountering the artist, all these centuries later. you can almost sense DV standing behind JK, watching the familiar journey. DV can't interact but he can see JK making decisions & discoveries he made so long ago. i think JK would earn an approving nod & smile from the old master.

[@aurorarain1265]

Jas Knight…wow what a multi talented guy

[@gerardcolonna7835]

très beau travail ! Bravo !

[@polygonalmasonary]

I ALWAYS do creative work with Al Stewart music playing in the background. The music resonates with my brain, it really does have a drug like relaxing, or as he said 'Euphoric' quality.

[@ricardoescobar1166]

Im a musician and this is the type of content that is inspiring yet useful and you could apply it in music. Great job on the video and the artist too

[@JR-ze1fv]

You did a fantastic job.

[@teabells]

Jaaaaaaaaaaasss!!!!!!! Such a genius! Appreciate you bro and love seeing all the beautiful work you’ve been doing!! 💓💓💓💓💓

[@jultolentino7515]

Enjoy your work sir,keep on learning.alhamdulilla

[@jorgedangelo3331]

Hola! excelente!

[@sergenicolas5287]

Bon travail de ta part.

[@JoeNielsen44]

Never thought I'd enjoy something like this but I really did! Very impressed!

[@lisaoloughlin6476]

this is way that is taught in Europe and in the salons of other artist throughout history. They way a person learned to paint and draw was to copy at their studios and also at the museum. And they still do in Europe this is quite standard.

[@canobenitez]

would love to study there! there are no painting academies in south america worth their salt.

[@lauradalugaaifd1294]

Come to Detroit

[@lauradalugaaifd1294]

This is the way they teach here in Detroit at the atelier

[@canobenitez]

@@lauradalugaaifd1294 I'll think about it! Is there some kind of sponsorship for people with fewer resources?

[@conservativemovement]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@Anfangxs]

Very thoughtful words in a very sleek format - a pleasure to watch.

[@galegrazutis964]

What do you charge to copy apeice please

[@robmcafe]

Great work I can see both Jas and Diego in the new work, like a conversation on the one face.

[@Major00Tom]

Luminous dude.

[@andyvitale6071]

Mans a true artist would love to see his work . Stay hungry and let the vision flow.

[@pabloperezdors2878]

Great copyist! And 👀 Pullins

[@creative2716]

Respect for your talents.

[@ib.2995]

Fantastic

[@skeezix8156]

I’ve gone through my phases with art I’d copy out of sheer admiration, or at least try and copy I should say. From da Vinci to Basquiat, you take a little something from them all along the way and make it your own. Your work is incredible

[@Auriflamme]

Why copy Basquiat? His work is so personal to him, and relatively simple from a technical standpoint. I'm not putting him down by the way, I just don't see how another artist grows by copying someone so idiosyncratic as Basquiat.

[@amoameera]

😯 whoa!!! He's amazing, so talented

[@andrewblack7852]

Every cook imitates something they found delicious. Every musician imitates the music they love best, and every painter imitates the best paintings. All is directly derived from nature. There is nothing new except change.

[@rebeccamd7903]

I watched you paint and I realized the subtle difference you did with your man versus Velasquez. Such a beautiful job!

[@wheystedyouth5689]

So beautiful, so happy to have found this

[@CrowSkeleton]

Aah, that copy got so perfect in some shots it was alarming to see the brush come at it...such a skillful and articulate artist is a joy to both watch and listen to.

[@josef-peterroemer5309]

I'm an artist a painter, in the days of Rembrandt and the artists basically learned to paint by copying. This guy here is really doing a fantastic job.

[@glee_again2594]

Speaking of connecting with the brain of another artist, I had been thinking throughout this piece of how fascinating this artist’s brain seems to be. He seems another level of deep intelligence and intrigue.

[@philipB31]

OMG! Your work is amazing and beautiful - never stop being awesome.

[@maigokonekochan]

Copying is the first step to learn the basics and figure out your style. Great work!

[@cloratodepotasa]

I have made copies in the Prado museum. It's not only travel in time but you travel into the solitude and light, and silence inside the contemplating mind of this particular artist. I'm not crazy, but I saw a fly going around the room in the Meninas, and wrote a book about this timeless experience.

[@daphnerodriguez9980]

AMAZING STUNNING THANKS YOU GOODNESS 🌟 DAPHNE COTTON ALWAYS 💜 AWESOME

[@Certified_Art_Teacher]

Velazquez and Caravaggio are my two inspirations from pre 21st century

[@spiritualwonderboy_]

thanks God specially to those inventors who love humanity for their contribution in technology today that our knowledge about everything can expand.

[@Romuloprs1]

Love love love so much

[@rouport]

Not a professional artist, but this reminds me a lot of working on someone else’s code. Like trying to find the mindset of the developer on the other side of all the lines. And then continuing to understand them more and more as you translate their voice into your own code.

[@padrejuan7763]

!!! Greetings from Montréal, Québec, Canada !!! I LOVED the video...GREAT Painter and jazz piano player, what more can you ask for...except staying in good health !!! Keep on rocking my good man !!! Cheers !!!

[@voiceofreason1613]

Multi talented black king ✊🏿❤️. As a Artist myself your work is beautiful and so are you 💯

[@WarriorZ17]

Amazing! Under pressure and painting in a great pace even with everyone looking and taking pictures. Wow!! God bless your patience and talent.

[@luciusisdead]

i’m currently in ap art in highschool and this whole video is super inspiring and beautiful. i really wanna try doing something like this. i’m not too particularly good at painting but this seems like it would help :)

[@aminayusuf2491]

Watching this young talented artist is just amazing.

[@Dirtycowwalloper]

Genius

[@ukestudio3002]

Cool easel .

[@ernestopena9707]

Really love this video.

[@tjoyl369]

Painting a study/copy is such an incredible experience. I've learned more by doing this type of work than any class I've ever taken. Jas Knight is such an awesome painter. Thanks for making this video.

[@mendistudio]

Beautiful work. The portrayed person was Juan Latino, first black man publishing a book in 1563 in Spain and Latin professor at Granada’s University.

[@jus_ai_arts]

Woah, the last part got me thinking he was painting on the original piece😂, the paint came out so alike ❤

[@LM-nh5of]

incredible work

[@AirArtStudiosOfficial]

I’m painting the Mona in it’s current condition, and I have to say I feel like I’m being shown a gift. Like having a lesson with a master

[@Pstanich]

So beautiful. Loved watching him work

[@metmuseum]

Thanks! Us too!

[@adventureswithwonu4467]

what a remarkable human being, so talented artistically and musically

[@eve_______]

I love your comment on the brain and interaction with it, because ultimately all art is a piece of monologue made by the mind, and highest degree of understanding it becomes a dialogue between you and the author disregarding the constraints of time. It is not so much own mastery that determines it, but the intimacy and appreciation or rather speculation on certain intentions of the author that make it possible. Essentially making a part of that author live on despite his mortality.

[@francescoborghini7669]

La possibilità di poter copiare e così studiare da artisti, le opere nei musei è un privilegio d'immenso valore!! In Italia, che io sappia, oggi è del tutto impossibile o quanto meno, non si trova più nessuno che usi praticarlo. Bravo Met!! E bravo anche il pittore!

[@rachelsremedies2602]

Amazing ❤❤❤❤❤

[@angelocerrato2518]

Bravo, you're a genius 👏👏👏

[@KateColors]

I didn't know you could go to a museum and do this. I'm glad Jas was able to copy his favorite painting. His looked great. ❤ Thank you for sharing. Wishing Jas all the best.

[@luisttriolet8876]

I saw so many at the Louvre. It was really cool.