I was a painter and a draftsman decades before I even considered picking up a camera. I've spend many hours sitting drawing and painting from models, so I’m as comfortable with a pencil or conte crayon or a brush as I am a camera. The one thing that I believe gives me an edge over photographers who haven't had my background is 1) I was taught to _really_ look. Most photographers put their eye to the viewfinder, make minor adjustments to the position and press the shutter. Done. That's not enough time to really "get" the picture. I remember my drawing teacher once asked me what was going on on the other side of the models's head. I said, "I don't know. I can't see it." She replied, "Then get up and go look." For a photographer if you don't see it, it isn't important. For a draftsman, knowing what happens on a hidden side can inform what you can see because a draftsman draws as much from knowledge as what can be seen. 2) Adjusting values, enhancing lines and shapes, emphasizing certain colors can exert a strong influence on how a viewer perceives an image. These qualities the photographer leaves for the camera. Painters have to learn these tricks to create the illusion of three dimensional space in two dimensions. Scale is another important factor. Most photographers shoot for online viewing. Scale those images up and they might work, but likely they would not. Seeing "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte," by Seurat hanging on the wall in the Chicago Art Institute after viewing a postcard sized version in a book was like a kick in the stomach. The painting is about 10 feet wide and 7 high. Gregory Crewdson understands the difference. Many of his prints are painting sized. Almost everything a painter knows can be applied in post-processing except the qualities of pigments. Sometimes just a tiny amount of one pigment can make the richness of another pigment shimmer. That you can't do digitally. But the rest is something that can be learned and applied. When people ask me how they can improve their photos I tell them, "Draw." They look at me like I’m crazy, but improve how you look and learn the tricks the all painters and draftsmen know to enhance your photos in post-processing. Nobody knows or cares about what the original image looked like. All a viewer has to rely on is your photo.
You make some fantastic points here, Glen. And you are so right about scale, and the experience of it. Some of the most amazing experiences paintings and photographs have to offer is in that relationship where you are carried away by the magnitude. It also takes courage to create and present work that must withstand the scrutiny of such scale. I’ve heard large prints dismissed as a gimmick and I just don’t think those people have stood in front of a truly amazing piece, or perhaps given themselves over to it. I love discovering new photographers on Instagram, but it’s not at all the same as the one on one experience with an amazing work of art in person. One is created to be appreciated for a small moment of fleeting attention, while the other demands the full attention of artist and viewer. One hides defects as well as attention to detail while the other magnifies both qualities. Thanks for the insightful comment, it really got me thinking!!
Very well said thank you for sharing, I started both passions at the same time. I have put more time into my photography and I would like to spend more time focusing on creating more paintings. This comment to got me thinking on different levels no pun intended lol🎉🎉🎉
One difference is photographers often try to control and subdue reds in skin tones whereas painters happily capture red noses and cheeks and back lit glowing ears.
Greetings Vinny! Love your videos, please keep making them. I have learned so much from watching you and picking up the books you suggest. I am currently reading Photography, The Definitive Visual History and the History of Modern Art. My skills as an artist and photographer has grown and continue to improve because of your generosity.
Thank you so much for taking the time to tell me that, Juliana. As it happens, I was having a bit of a funk yesterday and your comment really brightened my day :). It means a lot to me to know that my videos are still reaching people and I can’t wait to return to making them!
Glad to hear it! Thanks for taking the time to let me know. Knowing my videos are still helping people really makes my day. I miss making them and can’t wait to get back to it!
Great video and awesome points. I'm a trained painter who NEEDS to use photography so it's helpful to think about the connection. BTW: like the beer features on your channel, and how you break up the points with time stamps in the description. Both add even more depth to your content. Nice video and nice channel !!
Thank you! I’ve tried since the beginning to find ways to keep it loose and honest to who I am so it’s like a conversation...even though it’s mostly just me talking 🤔. It’s ok though, I think (hope) I’m a pretty good listener IRL haha. Gotta keep things balanced so nobody takes me too seriously. Oh and about the notes-I can’t count the times I wished people did that in longer videos. So, I try to be the channel I’d watch and do the little things I’d appreciate as a viewer. Even though not too many people click them I find it worthwhile.
Hi Vinny, Loving your videos, especially the ones that cover photography from a painterly point of view. Keep it up! All the best from Cape Town, South Africa
Thank you for the kind words, Marius! Hope you’re having a great day in beautiful Cape Town. It’s on my list of places to visit one day if I have the chance, looks amazing from what I’ve seen.
Excellent essay, loved it! I like to think about every element in my viewfinder as "if I were painting this scene, would it be there?" That helps me keep out extraneous elements.
Funny story. I'm more of a drawing type, and sometimes I look into photography just as some photographers might look at paintings. I'm not a painter, but I definitely see the connection between light and shadow, composition and structure when it comes to drawing, painting and photo. Color might be the only exception, but even so, with a good understanding of lighting, color theory is easier to understand and incorporate, something I'm personally working on. Keep it up mate. Cheers!
Nymzo you nailed it-there are so many common themes and overlap. They both start with an idea and end on a two dimensional visual medium...what happens between is the expanse we all wind through! This series was born out of that observation and also themes I hear in each community that the others aren’t thinking about as often. This series will go through drawing on its way full circle back to painting so you’ll probably have a lot to say about that one too 🤔
hey Vinny! great video! I have a question that I'm kinda struggling with, which I would love to see or hear your answer in a future video maybe. I see you have multiple passions/talents, music/photography/video/drawing etc. and my question is how do you manage all of them. do you get overwhelmed with being passionate about more than one thing and how do you answer the question "what do you do?" looking forward to your next video! cheers
The short answer is yes, I’ve spent most of my time bouncing around between passions and never committing to anything for more than a few years. This channel was sort of born of that, knowing I’m not a master at any creative medium but I know a good amount of many I could share. Also video is a medium where I can still dabble in design, music and art so those skills don’t totally die. Maybe I can get that out of my system with TH-cam and focus the rest of my time more narrowly...or so I’ve been thinking so far. This year I have plans to try to refine my work and focus in, and I want to document that process so people can see some practical ideas on how to approach the problem of wanting to do it all. But it is certainly overwhelming! I will definitely have some videos on that throughout the year as it’s a major focus for me personally. I may not have the answer but I will share my insights! I’d be a hypocrite to say I know how to choose, haha 🍻
Insightful and informative. I am going to check on Florent Farges. One small suggestion - the background music felt a little too loud/overpowering. In a couple of spots I could not follow you and had to go back and listen carefully. I am waiting for more creative crossovers
Thank you for the feedback, I’ll try it a little lower next time. It’s hard to know across systems how it will be, I just use a 20db difference. I’ll experiment watching it on different systems. Thank you for letting me know!
Vinny Le Pes something is just slightly off with the audio. Did you have a lav and maybe one of the camera angle tracks left on? Sorry not critical at all, love the video!
No worries, I appreciate you letting me know. There are two mics so it is possible but I thought I had fixed it, there was originally a section that was off a few frames. I’ll listen back when I have a moment later and see if I need to adjust for the future. Thanks again for pointing it out so I can look into it!
My house, my choice. And it’s easier than messing with my hair. And I like hats. And I was too poor for cotillion so I didn’t learn to GAF. I have my reasons. Why not? I’m alone so there’s no one I’m being rude to 😏
I was a painter and a draftsman decades before I even considered picking up a camera. I've spend many hours sitting drawing and painting from models, so I’m as comfortable with a pencil or conte crayon or a brush as I am a camera. The one thing that I believe gives me an edge over photographers who haven't had my background is 1) I was taught to _really_ look. Most photographers put their eye to the viewfinder, make minor adjustments to the position and press the shutter. Done. That's not enough time to really "get" the picture. I remember my drawing teacher once asked me what was going on on the other side of the models's head. I said, "I don't know. I can't see it." She replied, "Then get up and go look." For a photographer if you don't see it, it isn't important. For a draftsman, knowing what happens on a hidden side can inform what you can see because a draftsman draws as much from knowledge as what can be seen. 2) Adjusting values, enhancing lines and shapes, emphasizing certain colors can exert a strong influence on how a viewer perceives an image. These qualities the photographer leaves for the camera. Painters have to learn these tricks to create the illusion of three dimensional space in two dimensions.
Scale is another important factor. Most photographers shoot for online viewing. Scale those images up and they might work, but likely they would not. Seeing "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte," by Seurat hanging on the wall in the Chicago Art Institute after viewing a postcard sized version in a book was like a kick in the stomach. The painting is about 10 feet wide and 7 high. Gregory Crewdson understands the difference. Many of his prints are painting sized.
Almost everything a painter knows can be applied in post-processing except the qualities of pigments. Sometimes just a tiny amount of one pigment can make the richness of another pigment shimmer. That you can't do digitally. But the rest is something that can be learned and applied. When people ask me how they can improve their photos I tell them, "Draw." They look at me like I’m crazy, but improve how you look and learn the tricks the all painters and draftsmen know to enhance your photos in post-processing. Nobody knows or cares about what the original image looked like. All a viewer has to rely on is your photo.
You make some fantastic points here, Glen. And you are so right about scale, and the experience of it. Some of the most amazing experiences paintings and photographs have to offer is in that relationship where you are carried away by the magnitude. It also takes courage to create and present work that
must withstand the scrutiny of such scale. I’ve heard large prints dismissed as a gimmick and I just don’t think those people have stood in front of a truly amazing piece, or perhaps given themselves over to it. I love discovering new photographers on Instagram, but it’s not at all the same as the one on one experience with an amazing work of art in person. One is created to be appreciated for a small moment of fleeting attention, while the other demands the full attention of artist and viewer. One hides defects as well as attention to detail while the other magnifies both qualities. Thanks for the insightful comment, it really got me thinking!!
Very well said thank you for sharing, I started both passions at the same time. I have put more time into my photography and I would like to spend more time focusing on creating more paintings. This comment to got me thinking on different levels no pun intended lol🎉🎉🎉
Thank you so much for this outstanding series!
Thanks WisaK!! 🍻
Fstoppers bright me here. This was an outstanding video.
Thank you, Gregory!
All your videos are extremely informative and inspirational. I hope you are still on this!
I'll be watching all your videos.
Thank you!
And thank you! I have been away, but I will be back for more. Appreciate the support 🤘
@@VinnyLePes awesome, looking forward to more!
One difference is photographers often try to control and subdue reds in skin tones whereas painters happily capture red noses and cheeks and back lit glowing ears.
That is an excellent distinction!
Greetings Vinny! Love your videos, please keep making them. I have learned so much from watching you and picking up the books you suggest. I am currently reading Photography, The Definitive Visual History and the History of Modern Art. My skills as an artist and photographer has grown and continue to improve because of your generosity.
Thank you so much for taking the time to tell me that, Juliana. As it happens, I was having a bit of a funk yesterday and your comment really brightened my day :). It means a lot to me to know that my videos are still reaching people and I can’t wait to return to making them!
I'm thoroughly enjoying your channel. You definitely bring a happy union between photography and painting.
Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying it, I had a lot of fun putting this series together and trying to think of things in a mixed-media perspective 👌
just found your channel. REAAAAALLY enjoying it! Thanks!
Thanks a lot, Michael! 🍻
Thanks, I enjoy the thoughtful content you provide :-)
Glad to hear it! Thanks for taking the time to let me know. Knowing my videos are still helping people really makes my day. I miss making them and can’t wait to get back to it!
@@VinnyLePes I would certainly appreciate that. I live videos where the presenter takes the time needed for reflection :-)
Great video and awesome points. I'm a trained painter who NEEDS to use photography so it's helpful to think about the connection. BTW: like the beer features on your channel, and how you break up the points with time stamps in the description. Both add even more depth to your content. Nice video and nice channel !!
Thank you! I’ve tried since the beginning to find ways to keep it loose and honest to who I am so it’s like a conversation...even though it’s mostly just me talking 🤔. It’s ok though, I think (hope) I’m a pretty good listener IRL haha. Gotta keep things balanced so nobody takes me too seriously.
Oh and about the notes-I can’t count the times I wished people did that in longer videos. So, I try to be the channel I’d watch and do the little things I’d appreciate as a viewer. Even though not too many people click them I find it worthwhile.
Well done, insightful and informative.
Thank you Bob!
Hi Vinny,
Loving your videos, especially the ones that cover photography from a painterly point of view. Keep it up!
All the best from Cape Town, South Africa
Thank you for the kind words, Marius! Hope you’re having a great day in beautiful Cape Town. It’s on my list of places to visit one day if I have the chance, looks amazing from what I’ve seen.
this was fantastic. bravo!
Thank you! 🍻
Excellent Video and solid insights especially for neophytes. I will recommend you highly. Very good approach.
Thank you Phil!
Excellent essay, loved it! I like to think about every element in my viewfinder as "if I were painting this scene, would it be there?" That helps me keep out extraneous elements.
I bet it also helps slow you down and pull your awareness more fully into the scene
I'm working on the patience part since January. It is so rewarding. Great video!
That’s great. Have you noticed a shift in your work?
Found your channel right now - and I‘ll stay!
Thanks!
Funny story. I'm more of a drawing type, and sometimes I look into photography just as some photographers might look at paintings. I'm not a painter, but I definitely see the connection between light and shadow, composition and structure when it comes to drawing, painting and photo. Color might be the only exception, but even so, with a good understanding of lighting, color theory is easier to understand and incorporate, something I'm personally working on. Keep it up mate. Cheers!
Nymzo you nailed it-there are so many common themes and overlap. They both start with an idea and end on a two dimensional visual medium...what happens between is the expanse we all wind through! This series was born out of that observation and also themes I hear in each community that the others aren’t thinking about as often. This series will go through drawing on its way full circle back to painting so you’ll probably have a lot to say about that one too 🤔
Wonderful, I'm looking forward to seeing more, especially the drawing stuff hehe!
Just dropped the first of two episodes with a drawing angle! th-cam.com/video/9PLSiBiRLXU/w-d-xo.html 🍻
hey Vinny! great video! I have a question that I'm kinda struggling with, which I would love to see or hear your answer in a future video maybe. I see you have multiple passions/talents, music/photography/video/drawing etc. and my question is how do you manage all of them. do you get overwhelmed with being passionate about more than one thing and how do you answer the question "what do you do?" looking forward to your next video! cheers
The short answer is yes, I’ve spent most of my time bouncing around between passions and never committing to anything for more than a few years. This channel was sort of born of that, knowing I’m not a master at any creative medium but I know a good amount of many I could share. Also video is a medium where I can still dabble in design, music and art so those skills don’t totally die. Maybe I can get that out of my system with TH-cam and focus the rest of my time more narrowly...or so I’ve been thinking so far.
This year I have plans to try to refine my work and focus in, and I want to document that process so people can see some practical ideas on how to approach the problem of wanting to do it all. But it is certainly overwhelming! I will definitely have some videos on that throughout the year as it’s a major focus for me personally. I may not have the answer but I will share my insights! I’d be a hypocrite to say I know how to choose, haha
🍻
Insightful and informative. I am going to check on Florent Farges. One small suggestion - the background music felt a little too loud/overpowering. In a couple of spots I could not follow you and had to go back and listen carefully. I am waiting for more creative crossovers
Thank you for the feedback, I’ll try it a little lower next time. It’s hard to know across systems how it will be, I just use a 20db difference. I’ll experiment watching it on different systems. Thank you for letting me know!
Awesome video, very insightful. What happened to your voice audio? Why is it echoing?
I wasn’t aware of that, when does it happen? Thanks for letting me know
Vinny Le Pes something is just slightly off with the audio. Did you have a lav and maybe one of the camera angle tracks left on? Sorry not critical at all, love the video!
No worries, I appreciate you letting me know. There are two mics so it is possible but I thought I had fixed it, there was originally a section that was off a few frames. I’ll listen back when I have a moment later and see if I need to adjust for the future. Thanks again for pointing it out so I can look into it!
Why you wearing a hat indoors?
My house, my choice. And it’s easier than messing with my hair. And I like hats. And I was too poor for cotillion so I didn’t learn to GAF. I have my reasons. Why not? I’m alone so there’s no one I’m being rude to 😏