Cesar Santos Latest DVD is out!
The DVD that I have been waiting for since the Cesar Santos Portrait drawing is now available. “Secrets of Figure Drawing with Cesar Santos.” I have had the DVD since the day it came out and have just finished it due to my busy schedule. It has so much information that it probably should be watched a little at a time as I have been doing.
Cesar is a master artist; the contemporary portrait/figure artist that I look up to the most. This DVD really delivers so much knowledge on the figure that it makes you want to study anatomy on the same level that Cesar has. He does recommend books for study that he studied when he attended Angel Academy in Florence. One book Cesar refers to is “Artistic Anatomy” by Paul Richer which I find is very helpful and have started learning from it.
While you are watching Cesar draw, you know he is a master. Cesar knows all the anatomy of the figure and uses correct names but it is not overboard, Cesar is way too cool for that, he simply states the part as he is drawing. You do understand that it is important to draw from life and use the correct names of the bones and muscles.
Cesar starts the DVD by showing how to photograph the model and then proceeds to draw from a model that he photographed. (There is also a little bit about the ethics of using photographs in the video).
He then does a quick sketch of the model to get the feel of the lines and the placement on the page. Next, Cesar does a contour drawing of the model. His precision is outstanding! He uses Nitram Charcoal. – the same type he used at Angel Academy. He uses B for the block in and HB for the rest of it (I think, it does not actually tell you when he is using which charcoal stick). I had the Nitram Charcoal and I bought the Nitram Sharpening Bloc which I love. Cesar has made his own sharpening block, but for the price; I think it is worthwhile to buy it.
When Cesar starts laying down tonal values, he brings the model to life. He is so articulate and meticulous in his drawing and shading. When you look at the model’s right knee in the drawing, it has a life of its own. The hands, feet, head, they could all be little masterpiece paintings in themselves. I often times tell my students that each part of your drawing should stand on it’s own, well, Cesar is the master at that!
The interview with Eric Rhoads is awesome. It is a casual interview but that is what Eric is so good at; he asks good questions and the artist feels at ease talking with him. (I have watched many of his interviews). I learned so much about Cesar but also his thinking process and I think everyone should definitely watch this, he is a true master and a true inspiration!!.
Other materials Cesar uses are sponges to soften, kneaded eraser, stumps, soft and bristle brushes to achieve the softness or hardness and tone quality in the drawing. I am only half way through the DVD but I highly recommend it. Get this DVD!!
You can watch the trailer and buy the “Secrets of Figure Drawing by Cesar Santos DVD” here (which I do not get compensation for from Streamline Art Videos) – I just want everyone to know how good the DVD is!
I hope this helps someone else on their journey
Sharon A. Morley APS-ME
November 29, 2017
