Alex Ross Art's Sal Abbinanti Interview at Comic Con 2009

Christopher Moonlight's interview with Alex Ross' art manager, Sal Abbinanti, in response to those who think that Ross is only good at copying photographs. www.alexrossart.com www.moonlightartmagazine.blogspot.com Special thanks to Heidi MacDonald at http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Alex Ross
• Moonlight Art Magazine
• Sal Abbinanti
• Atomica
• Christopher Moonlight
• DC Comics

[renocabeno]

To say "any artist of any skill level can copy photos" is like saying "any athlete of any skill level can make a basket" ... it doesn't make you Michael Jordan. He uses photos (that he often takes himself) to create a hyper realism that you couldn't get without them. Almost every "realistic" painter does it. Alex's skill, when it comes to his sense of light and color, his design, and the overall execution of each piece, is unparalleled. Using reference is a tool, not a cheat.

[moonlightartmagazine]

@renocabeno

Well said, but some people just don't want to hear it. Somehow there are non artists out their that think they know more about art than the artists do. Go figure.

[rushringsfanatic]

Cool, I'm the 1st to comment! Alex Ross is an INCREDIBLE artist! Yes he uses referance i.e Photo's...sooo what? I see that same level of skill, and Technical ability in Boris Vellejo, Julie, Fred Fields etc, etc. I think he gets so much slack because ,as MANY artists who use referance, he takes it to that rare HOLYCRAP! level. If all you do is find fault, maybe you should check your own skills first. It's called Jealousy!!!

[carboxylheron]

eh people who make those statements about the art are just jealous.

[attffgg]

lol...capitain marvel interview!

i don't get all the bullshit "he is less for using reference" i see everywhere when talking about ross's work.

between a mediocre tracing over a photo and making something on the level of kingdom come there is a lifelong study and very hard work gap that people who doesn't draw criticize in ignorance.

those who do draw...well you know it doesn't work like that! you know the trade...that use of reference is a tool as valid as a pencil.

[mikemofanboy]

How is reference cheating. When we look at something immediately that becomes our reference when we decide to draw it. To say that reference is cheating is putting a stamp on your forehead saying "Dickface".I am a "young artist" and I one day wish I can draw half as good as Alex. This just goes to show how jealous other artist are of his skill.

[davycrocketful]

1..it takes skill to copy a photo reff good..not any skill lvl can do that.

1.. alex has a certain style..that marks him out..yes its photo realistic in style..

3..his composition is striking..good..

4,,those comments are not true..

[hendos1990]

the guy is an awsome artist i cant belive people get so worked up because he uses refewrence photographs some really strange people in the world:s

[zeroheero]

As a fellow artist I feel he is an outstanding artist, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

[ATENakaATON]

Alex Ross is overrated, however his drawing abilities are severely underrated. His ability to draw accurately and his shadows shade and depth is incredible, however his layouts are only average, nothing spectacular, and his colors are only decent. Boris Vallejo has amazing color usage and I always think of Quitely as having some great layouts.

[ComicBookGo]

"This is how it would be if they were real" is pretty dam right. Isn't that SAD that to get an actual movie of these characters we have to go to AlexRoss instead of Hollywood? As for the ignorant speaking of Ross, they obviously think it's real easy to draw. They've never heard of what drawing means, because they don't see the kick ass drawing that the painting is coloring. HIS drawing. Professional line work. DUH fool. The photo material enhances his coloring work (paints). DUH. Use the brain

[SpectralViral]

Lol Such a thick chicago accent.