Alex Ross Talks Painting & Comics pt. 1

Alex Ross discusses photo references, sketching, his creative process and thoughts on being a comic book creator.
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[@mr.nobody9697]

His work has a 1950s look with a modern feel. He is truly unique. Sublime.

[@murthadao]

VERY VERY SUBLIME. WONDERFUL!

[@mistermood4164]

that's a great way to put his work is has a modern art-deco aesthetic

[@babygerald4645]

You are one of my heroes, Mr. Ross. I've bought comics I don't usually read because your work was on the covers. Thanks so much for sharing your work and process.

[@TheObsessedGardener]

Totally agree.

[@jtcob8486]

I think this is the first comment Alex ever hearted.

[@BobSmith-sl9sm]

For some reason I always thought Alex Ross was old when he appeared on the scene in the 90's. His art seemed so mature and classical compared to his contemporaries of the time. He's actually still fairly young.

[@RNSEntertainmentChannel]

An Alex Ross video longer than 1 minute is like Christmas come early lol

[@ashtonchane6126]

RNS Entertainment amen

[@mindseye451]

RNS Entertainment I know how feel man!

[@masterpizza4871]

So true RNS Entertainment. I was in awe watching the video and kept thinking "please make a full length Alex Ross documentary, please please please".

[@cuntohaire]

This is the first video I've watched in a while because it's longer. And chock-full of insight! This is what I want from now on!

[@Gilla12341]

yes, thank you for creating longer videos!

[@jnever9768]

Love that his “imperfect” sketches are better than 90% of comic art these days

[@Jiboby]

I wouldn’t even call that a sketch. I would call it a masterpiece.

[@kanerobertson7930]

This is something people don't talk about enough. so many comics right now have really lifeless artwork in them. it's like they just looked at a disney storyboard and threw it in procreate. couple of days later, you have a new issue of venom.

[@badbot3029]

different artists have different styles

[@コズミックまこ]

badbot style is one thing but quality is the problem with comic art these days. They always seem rushed.

[@badbot3029]

@@コズミックまこ maybe because publishers are forcing their hands

[@amicableenmity9820]

I love that you use references and aren't afraid to say so. I know too many people who think it's "cheating". I'm pretty sure the Renaissance painters cheated too lol.

[@nothanks4063]

you mean you but an actual piece of fruit in a basket, then looked at it while painting?!

[@phxcppdvlazi]

Who do you know who thinks it's "cheating"? Drawing from figures and references is pretty standard in any kind of fine art that isn't finger painting on pinecones. No one who aspires to improve their drawing or painting skills is "afraid" to say they use references. That's the normal thing to do. How are you going to get better if you don't know what your subject looks like?!? I can online imagine people who don't draw or paint say those kinds of things.

[@LowellLucasJr.]

@@phxcppdvlazi there's alot of artists with egos that say using reffrence is cheating. Frazetta a few times has bragged he didn't use references on his art. For proof, look at his painting with fire documentary.

[@BEER-OTFG]

Amicable Enmity the problem is what people define as reference if i make pictures of a model for example and use it as comic reference that is definitely not cheating by any means since its a reference and no trace/swipe however if you swipe/trace other peoples work for what they‘ve spent countless of time on it then there is a big difference

[@jnever9768]

I have def seen comic fans treat references as bad and cheating

[@MrKevin486]

Kingdom Come is still one of my all time favorite comics. The artwork is just awesome.

[@kr6productions]

it's bloody amazing

[@VZAAGE]

Love the video, Alex. Can we get one that focuses on just you drawing and painting?

[@MeasAgun]

+1, but anything from you is welcome anyway!!! :)

[@jerometenorio7221]

So did you get one? I heard it is so hard to get Alex Ross on anything.

[@PaKePo]

Like an ASMR video. Videos of people painting relax me a lot

[@patatitopo7631]

I wish so much

[@bradyjohn7799]

I realize I'm quite randomly asking but does anyone know a good place to stream newly released tv shows online ?

[@ezzong]

Watching Alex paint so calmly reminds me of his late uncle, Bob.

[@jemagu6]

No way.... is he really related to Bob Ross? I never knew.

[@ezzong]

@@jemagu6 just kidding, but maybe somewhere down the line idk

[@jemagu6]

@@ezzong Lol... that would be awesome if they were related

[@trickybread2007]

I wouldn’t be surprised if they were related

[@revolutionday1]

Way to go, jackass.....

[@EnzoDraws]

As an amateur artist who spends weeks stressing over tiny things about thumbnails and is very insecure about the composition phase of a work, this is very enlightening and helpful. Reminds me that I'm not delivering this to my grumpy perfectionist clone, I'm delivering this to regular people who apparently like what I paint. Also KZbin WHAT ARE YOU DOING? HOW COME ONLY NOW I FIND OUT ALEX FREAKING ROSS HAS A CHANNEL? I SHOULD'VE WATCHED THESE VIDEOS AGES AGO, SERIOUSLY STOP RECOMMENDING ME JIMMY KIMMEL VIDEOS. Thank you.

[@HRDK-SKLETRMUMMR-MEGTRN]

EXACTLY!!!! 👌😵✌

[@steelbat54]

Sir, you are a phenomenal talent.. I’m glad I’m part of a hobby that I can appreciate your work on a regular basis..

[@siner2442]

I never get tired of hearing him talk about art… it’s like he’s saying what’s in my brain.

[@TheObsessedGardener]

I agree with so many. You're a legend. Please keep doing everything you do and SHARING. I love seeing this content from brilliant talent and hard workers. I can't wait to dig more into your previous videos.

[@nc1901]

I used to draw a lot when I was younger. In highschool. After that though i stopped. Felt discouraged. But now im beginning to get that inspiration lately. Watching this is kind of giving me that little push. Thanks for sharing your work Alex.

[@realmaximouse]

I always felt like I was cheating using reference but now I know a legend like you does it I feel better 😊

[@cartooncaleb24]

Alex Ross, you are without a doubt one of the greatest artists (not just for comic books) of our time.

[@strangeconstruct7751]

Not really. At best he's above average skillwise. On Critical discourse on art, that i don't know. I've never seen works from him on other platform. But definitely a good comic illustrator.

[@henryramirez5582]

This man was bless and i met him in person very humble . Nice guy

[@sXeblues]

Love getting a longer video, delving that much further into the thoughts and talents of this phenomenal artist!

[@rolan5948]

The level of realism and detail he puts into some of covers are damn near unbelievable. I sometimes wonder how much isn’t done by him after he’s submitted his work and how much of the finishing touches he doesn’t do makes the picture. If he illustrates and colours in everything then we’re looking at him spending more than 4 days on one cover

[@vampazilla2622]

Wow. I am impressed with his ideologies on comic book creations. I love his candid approach. And Alex, your art is OUTSTANDING as always!

[@Cyne116]

He has a channel on KZbin?!! How did I not know this until now!

[@igorschmidlapp6987]

Alex Ross' work has amazed me from first sight. I only wish that I could afford to own some of it (but, I can't afford DaVinci, either). Such talent has a corresponding value. I'm glad that Alex is here to be able to reap the rewards of his mastery of his medium. I would love to see formal public gallery/art museum exhibitions of Alex Ross...

[@LatinMessiah]

I could listen to this man talk about his creative thought process and professional experiences all day long.

[@Nugtroen]

No Wacom or digital fancy hi-tech gadgets... wow he is absolutely a true analog traditional comic painter...what a legend

[@flip1sba]

Every artist uses photo reference especially if their work is realistic or semi-realistic. Every artist.

[@dinoleo3804]

Not me.

[@goochipoochie]

@@dinoleo3804 but you are also not an artist

[@YaleStewartArt]

This is what I'm talking about. Nice hefty chunk of content that really does a solid dive into the process.

[@tjvirus]

His work to me is immaculate and inspiring! I also love Jim Lee and Todd Mcfarlane! Eric Larson rocks too!!

[@rafindeed]

Alex ross, please, do a master class.

[@robertricobaldi7781]

Very inspirational and insightful , thank you for sharing. I'm an airbrush artist and I can't tell you how many times I've been ask to airbrush your work onto a shirt or wall mural. I love your rendition of Superman! Thank you, Ross.

[@TimBengsch]

I Love your Comic Kingdom Come and Batman War on Crime

[@artcreativz1861]

Absolutely right!! Photo reference a great resource that has improved my work tremendously, I also think improvisation is integral to avoid becoming a 'human photocopier'...subbed!

[@ryanchalmers5296]

Loving the longer videos!

[@DavidBaldo]

Your discipline, inspire us to try extract the best in art, in life !

[@ccgcoordinator6518]

Hi Alex! So happy you are making these videos, especially this longer more in depth video. :-)

[@JLSComics]

This is fantastic! I’m looking forward to many more videos in this series. Alex Ross is the best there is in the game!

[@smoovoperata3242]

Always loved this guy's style. Incredible work 👍

[@cristhiangarcia7806]

What a talent.. truly amazing! Great work mr. Ross.

[@Sketchartbymarc1]

To the point: Absolutely beautiful work! Cool insights. And a really interesting perspective on the process!

[@vanexmellejor3288]

when i was a kid, i had this special ability too.. and develop as a teenager. experiencing skitching, painting also various contest in our province.. but when i go to collage i left them off.. focusing for the future. as a seafarer.. but now, after 20 years of living, i regret it... Thank you Legend artist alex ross for reminding me these Ultimate of your's... Godbless

[@cameronreid4630]

Alex Ross is the god of art no doubt, I remember seeing your paintings first in the second spider-man movie and being amazed even as a kid.

[@garyparedes9063]

Este hombre es único,su trabajo tiene un toque único sin comparación,es un crack y la inspiración de muchos artistas, es maravilloso ver cómo es que hace la magia,es magnífico 👏👏

[@biorythmicshifter]

Top shelf work, just absolutely impressive on so many levels…

[@jonathangoode546]

Mr Ross . the Justice league action figures are amazing . they look so realistically​ great .I LOVE YOU YOUR ARTWORK.

[@NERD_MULTIVERSE]

Alex ross you created a Perfect suit of Superman in Kingdom cone

[@elpadrino1128]

Hi Alex! New subscriber here Huge fan! pleaaase keep uploading long informative videos like this

[@ChelissaMoon]

I would pay good money for a painting MasterClass! You working with gouache, yes? I’m new to the medium and I find the colors get muddy when I try to blend. I’m so impressed by tour technique. Your work is so inspiring. Thanks for taking the time to share your perspective and process. 💖

[@QuartaQuartaMusic]

Absolutely loved this video. So interesting getting to hear your personal take.

[@razatiger22]

This guy made the most badass covers for comics ever.

[@miyagi_draws]

How do you not have more subs? You're a legend. Thanks for the vids!

[@LORDBYRONII]

Genius is hard to describe...stop asking “how”...

[@Danny_Lopez_]

Amazing artwork. Great video.

[@RosencrantzxGuildenstern]

It's crazy how actual legends like Alex Ross have KZbin channels like us mere mortals.

[@bigkendallas]

I really love his pencil skills too.

[@marcocolecchia4147]

I like so much his work. Above all the one he did with Captain Marvel during Kingdom Come and Justice

[@Azraelnme3303]

Thank you for everything you do.

[@ElGatoCiego]

The best of all times, period.

[@markturley9542]

I LOVE that Captain Marvel rendering - Classic, yet Contemporary, at the same time! :€)

[@emperorswagruuf]

Wow I didn't know Alex has his own channel, glad I found it.

[@sebastianaoliveira390]

Where is part 2 I'm still waiting for more vídeo about Alex's process of Paint

[@SuperNitroZ64]

Even to this day, I think your version of the Spider-Man costume being rejected was completely injustice.

[@mathmccoyadams5386]

Alex, you are amazing!

[@danielbarrios3576]

The best comicbook artist

[@Manganization]

I think it's more direct to say he's a great illustrator. I don't think his style of art fits comic books at all. That's why he's more commissioned the cover pages than anything. His style of art fits static illustration and motion media. In comic books, it just looks jarring, even if pretty to look at.

[@MrMADman171]

Eunro Well, that definitely has to do with the story he’s illustrating. Ross’ style “grounds” characters, and makes them seem more human. Kingdom Come and Marvels, and Justice all work well because of this. The realistic proportions,poses, and human expressions make the characters instantly relatable. To say he isn’t a good comic book artist, in my opinion, short-changes what comics can be.

[@Manganization]

+MARKERS, I didn't say he isn't a good comic book artist. He's just not a great one, and his artstyle doesn't quite mesh well as it does other media. He's very good with perspective and action flow, but when you start slapping comic bubbles onto his art the contrast is hard to get by. And this is without mentioning how his panel scene sometimes tends to be difficult to follow because of the jarring switch in perspective, and sometimes doesn't flow properly, as they're often treated like individual set-pieces (which he is fantastic at) than an actual play.

[@MrMADman171]

Eunro That’s understandable. Fair criticism.

[@tomerart9544]

Daniel Barrios he's an incredible artist but I prefer Capullo's style and Jim Lee's style over his super realistic style

[@kevinrice6245]

Awesome insights into how a master works! More like this please!

[@jeeperscreatures]

Alex Ross...you`re a friggin legend !!

[@CommieApe]

Kingdom Come and the Amazing Spider Man covers are incredibly beautiful. I have a print of the fantastic four wedding that Alex made too thats dope.

[@swizard0922]

Thanks for the video Alex!!! One day when I earn a little more income I will be sure to purchase one of your original drawings. Keep up the great work!!

[@jaime667]

And I was just at that part of Andrew Loomi´s book "Creative Illustration" (which I know is one of your influences btw) Saludos desde Chile.

[@CC021186]

Yes! Longer videos, please!

[@alandrivas7771]

Alex Ross!! Es el Davinci de los comics!! Mi ilustrador favorito!

[@HovektheArtist]

How am i just now finding that my favorite comic artist has a channel Edit: favorite artist

[@Bather12]

Any chance of a studio tour? I'd love to see more of Alex's collections!

[@artifexmom3824]

Wow! That’s awesome artworks.☺️💕👍🏻

[@dinekevinke2268]

I'm digging it! its really inpirational!

[@hazeleyesohhhryyyon2031]

Always mind blowing amazing art..thanks

[@XrosM]

This is actually great advice for any artist.

[@theminotaur8015]

Im a DC guy by far. But, 1 thing DC and Marvel fans can agree on, is Ross is a beast!!!!!

[@raziyakhanum3626]

I want Alex Ross teach us his technique and skills!!!

[@davidfenn522]

You sir are a genius .. Love your work

[@Raccoonosaurus]

This is AWESOME....When does part 2 come out?

[@jhernandez1045]

The Captain America in the middle looks like toxic avenger which is even much cooler if it was

[@denniskelly3110]

One of the absolute best.

[@josefrootgum]

Alex Ross is a living legend.

[@ashwinkumar3069]

Alex ross really nice and good work and u r really unique one. I love u r paintings really

[@kr6productions]

I never knew he did art for Marvel as well, I definitely need to read those works too.

[@juanmanuelrodriguez5492]

That painting of Space Ghost is amazing ..

[@dbateman26]

Your best KZbin video yet

[@frankparker1191]

My favorite comic book artist.

[@0newingedcrow]

This is amazing work. Something that I struggle with when I make my own comics is how to handle the pencils after inking. I prefer to erase them all before moving on to coloring, but does this method with Gouache prevent you from needing to erase the pencils and simultaneously bypass the inking stage?

[@cameronhill9267]

"The Devil Boppin Head" on the desk tho..😅

[@andreluipde]

Passei a pintar em papel depois de ver os trabalhos desse grande artista. É claro que os meus não chegam nem aos pés. Mas fez com que eu desse mais vida aos meu desenhos. Obrigado, Alex Ross

[@cbf1plus868]

This man made my childhood of comic hero books.

[@niallshetty3918]

finally get long ones

[@niallshetty3918]

getting*

[@Pedrof1990]

Well that's what she said.

[@cuachogaidh]

So do you just hang out with a bunch of bodybuilders?

[@jacobstaten2366]

Theoretically you could just post an ad for athletes from your local colleges to pose for like 10-50 minutes of taking pictures if you have everything set up early.

[@seraby7151]

He uses his toy collection for references as well

[@Jiboby]

I am your 69th like

[@upnyourface7119]

I love your Gatchaman Art!!!

[@scott4708]

I love how his paintings have a Norman Rockwell feel to them but with superheroes instead of thanksgiving meals and doctors offices..

[@barryscott9590]

Hey Mr. Ross I don't know if you answer the comments but if our do: What's your favourite currently running story from either DC or Marvel and your favourite from an indie company? Also, what do you think of Geoff John's work on Doomsday Clock and what do you miss most about the Pre-flashpoint era? Btw. Your work is fenomenal and I regard you as the Da Vinci of the modern era. Thank you for all you bring into this world.

[@elliottobelliotnwaobi4779]

"Its jumpin out at me!"😂😂

[@nicolasbouret9417]

Je regarde cette video et je m'apprête justement à acheter une oeuvre d'Alex Ross . C'est un art print qui représente la mort de Wolverine . Tout dans ce dessin m'a donné envie de l'acheter les couleurs , les personnages : wolverine étant accompagné dans une folle scène de bagarre contre son ennemi de toujours Hulk . Et bien sur l'immensité des détails. Depuis que j'ai précommandé ce tableau je m'intéresse a son auteur , le dessinateur. Maintenant je pourrai dire , moi aussi j'ai une oeuvre qui me plait énormément sur un de mes personnages favoris et gros bonus la signature d'un passionné de Marvel et Comics tout comme moi qui parait tout de meme tout petit a coté .

[@jacobstaten2366]

While I don't like the silver age costumes, I deeply respect his talent and process.

[@kirbzillagk]

What paints does he uses, water colours, acrylic etc?