Post: #1

I searched the forum for some sources or information on drawing but couldn't find any.

Pretty much I've been drawing since I was a kid. Now I would say I draw better than the average person and I genuinly enjoy it. It is one of the few skills I excell at. With this known I want to improve my skills and perfect my ability maybe even monetize this skill when I get good enough.

Now like any other skill drawing is about experimenting, specifically with the effect of lines, shades, creating the illusion of depth, etc. So the best way to get better is simply to draw anything and everything.

But, what I want to know is if anybody knows any good resources like books, youtube channels, etc. in the art of drawing? I am thinking along the lines of how to's and sources that offer good information that will improve or supplement my drawing skills.

Do any of you guys draw, paint, create?

Thanks!

Post: #2

Drawing on the Right Side of the Mind is a good book. I believe she also has another one that incorporates the use of colors as well.

Post: #3

(05-13-2014 02:56 AM)OMYG Wrote:  I searched the forum for some sources or information on drawing but couldn't find any.

Pretty much I've been drawing since I was a kid. Now I would say I draw better than the average person and I genuinly enjoy it. It is one of the few skills I excell at. With this known I want to improve my skills and perfect my ability maybe even monetize this skill when I get good enough.

Now like any other skill drawing is about experimenting, specifically with the effect of lines, shades, creating the illusion of depth, etc. So the best way to get better is simply to draw anything and everything.

But, what I want to know is if anybody knows any good resources like books, youtube channels, etc. in the art of drawing? I am thinking along the lines of how to's and sources that offer good information that will improve or supplement my drawing skills.

Do any of you guys draw, paint, create?

Thanks!

I actually draw as well and I have been drawing as long as I could read (about 5 years of age). I now actually try to draw with my left hand as well as my right just to engage both hemispheres of my brain.

I'm not too bad of a drawer but I would like to get better. Maybe we can use this thread and upload some sketches.

Nice to see a fellow artist on board. Bienvenue!

Post: #4

When I was young I liked it but stopped doing it. Now some month ago I started lightly. It´s an intresting thing. After drawing I get the feeling that I look at things very different. Also it´s cool for learning like maps etc. But it takes a lot of time and the motivation sinks some time. Did you folks try drawing porn? It´s very special. It´s like touching a girl for real.

Post: #5

I have been into some type of art all of my life.

Even at a really young age, I would take painting classes.

I was also lucky that I got into a gifted art school that I attended part of the day and the other half I would attend my regular high school.

One of my degrees is in art as well.

The reason I mentioned this, I do think the class environment will help in many ways.

You are surrounded by people with different talents and thus different styles. The feedback in classes are invaluable. I know some of the people had a problem letting go of their egos but I found it helped my art immensely.

I would look into community college classes or something along those lines.

The classes helped me really push past my comfort zone and allowed me to really experiment.

Post: #6

(05-13-2014 10:02 AM)worldwidetraveler Wrote:  I have been into some type of art all of my life.

Even at a really young age, I would take painting classes.

I was also lucky that I got into a gifted art school that I attended part of the day and the other half I would attend my regular high school.

One of my degrees is in art as well.

The reason I mentioned this, I do think the class environment will help in many ways.

You are surrounded by people with different talents and thus different styles. The feedback in classes are invaluable. I know some of the people had a problem letting go of their egos but I found it helped my art immensely.

I would look into community college classes or something along those lines.

The classes helped me really push past my comfort zone and allowed me to really experiment.

how much were the classes? I am wondering if there is something that can be done as an adult?

Post: #7

(05-13-2014 10:08 AM)Moma Wrote:  how much were the classes? I am wondering if there is something that can be done as an adult?

The painting classes were so long ago I couldn't tell you. I'm talking before I could even drive here. A long ass time ago. hah Maybe some art stores, in your area, will have classes as well.

Something to check out.

The gifted school was paid via taxes like public high school. I had to submit a portfolio in order to be accepted.

College was the same as any class. That was why I mentioned community college because classes should be cheaper than 4 year colleges.

A big community college where I grew up would have even cheaper classes for non degrees during the summer time. I think they were trying to bring in retirees or something like that.

I would just look into the regular night classes with college aged girls in them. I wouldn't worry about age when taking college courses. There is a huge mix of ages nowadays.

Post: #8

(05-13-2014 08:44 AM)tarquin Wrote:  Drawing on the Right Side of the Mind is a good book. I believe she also has another one that incorporates the use of colors as well.

Here's a post I read about the book mentioned above:

http://thelastpsychiatrist.com/2011/10/h..._to_d.html

The concept of drawing what you actually see vs. using symbols is intriguing.

It's something I plan on looking into further.

Post: #9

I used to hand draw animations for college. Cel painting was great, very fun style of painting. As for drawing take some figure drawing classes. Its weird at first looking at a nude person (usually quite ugly, but every now and then a good looking chick) and drawing them in 30 second up to 20 minute intervals. Its best to draw large scale too on a giant pad like 18"x24" with charcoal or conte chalk. I can offer up some anatomy books that have helped me if your interested.

Walter Foster was my favorite before art school for instruction.

Post: #10

(05-13-2014 09:52 AM)Bill Wrote:  Did you folks try drawing porn? It´s very special. It´s like touching a girl for real.

I actually have drawn porn, specifically girls and their curves and what not. There's something about it since you can create what the girl looks like, your an ass man draw a big donkey ass on her, like big boobs draw the biggest pair on her.

(05-13-2014 09:30 AM)Moma Wrote:  Maybe we can use this thread and upload some sketches.

Good idea that would be cool.

Post: #11

Classes are OK if you already have a latent artistic side, but just steady practice is more important.

I minored in art in school (fig. drawing classes, photog, etc.) but I couldn't imaging majoring in it. I just like the DIY approach, with helpful tips from people along the way.

I monetized it by using it as a trade within an existing field of business (graphic design/advertising).

You should get a deviant art gallery and show off some of your stuff.

http://deviantart.com/

http://lordsomber.deviantart.com/gallery/

Post: #12

(05-14-2014 05:19 PM)Sombro Wrote:  I just like the DIY approach, with helpful tips from people along the way.

Where do you get these people with helpful tips? As for college, the higher the classes the more freedom you get when working on your own art. You also get tips from Professors and other students. My graphic design teacher was awesome. He was offered a job at Playboy but turned it down due to religious beliefs. That guy really helped my design work in a big way and I was in some type of art class probably 6+ years before college. I always believe you can learn something from everyone.

The DIY is ok, but the magic happens when you look at different sources and get inspired. You can do that on your own but a class environment allows for open communication which can help quite a bit. Learning never stops no matter how experienced you think you are.

Post: #13

If you go the higher education route, just stay long enough for the fundamentals, 2 years max. Photoshop skills will serve you well too. Although most art colleges should have continuing education you could take which would be a lot cheaper.

An art environment is a great place to learn. They give you a set of parameters and you work within that. Its actually quite difficult when there is no limitations, in terms of creativity.

Post: #14

(05-14-2014 06:42 PM)worldwidetraveler Wrote:  

(05-14-2014 05:19 PM)Sombro Wrote:  I just like the DIY approach, with helpful tips from people along the way.

Where do you get these people with helpful tips? As for college, the higher the classes the more freedom you get when working on your own art. You also get tips from Professors and other students. My graphic design teacher was awesome. He was offered a job at Playboy but turned it down due to religious beliefs. That guy really helped my design work in a big way and I was in some type of art class probably 6+ years before college. I always believe you can learn something from everyone.

The DIY is ok, but the magic happens when you look at different sources and get inspired. You can do that on your own but a class environment allows for open communication which can help quite a bit. Learning never stops no matter how experienced you think you are.

Very true. Don't get me wrong -- classes are good. They are the foundation. The other 90% I've learned I taught myself, but I would never give up the foundation I got from school.
After I graduated I hung around the art building, computer labs & library furthering my learning. This wasn't a plan at the time -- I was genuinely curious. I live in a university town, so maybe it's easier that resources are abundant when one is curious. Education doesn't stop after school.

The people who help are just the ones you work alongside with (or under) after school. They don't necessarily have to have the same vocation as you, but if they are impressed with your work ethic (even if you are green), they put in the good word.
Basic networking. Word-of-mouth is the best advertising there is.

Post: #15

"The other 90% I've learned I taught myself,"

This right here, never in my life have I received instruction or classes on how to draw. I think I draw decently for someone that has never been taught.

By the way, yesterday was the first day I got instructed for the first time and it was youtube.

For those interested in learning some good techniques and basics check this out its pretty much an online course if you apply yourself:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3uEtdDvK6Xo...Y9Fbw_d2ws

Now I understand game pioneers like Roosh and others, I pretty much found or learned all the techniques explained in the video by experimenting and trial and error until what I was imagining finally matched what was on the paper. This guy pretty much lays it out there for you and tells you saving you time of experimentation and trial and error. So it teaches basics and also more advanced techniques.

Diggin' it so far.

Post: #16

If you don't already have one setup a Fiverr account. There's a million and one artists and drawers on there but if you can get some sales get good reviews and hit a level sales actually start rolling in. Only downside is $5 isnt enough for something you really put some time into but maybe sketches.

Not sure if you just draw for fun or have some art background and knowledge as well and can discuss proper technique or whater setup a blog and monetize it, get some affiliate programs for pencil companies and stuff like that.

I'm all about trying to turn a hobby into a business or moneymaker. If you enjoy drawing why not experiment with a few ideas and see if you can make some money.

I used to draw a little but havn't really in years. Heres a couple though...

https://www.youtube.com/user/MyDrawingTutorial

https://www.youtube.com/user/howtodrawhd

Post: #17

This is quite an excellent tutorial on negative space. Which is simply the space around an object. However it makes what you see more 2d so much more easy to draw complicated objects like wiring and clothing. The woman does look like Linda West. I would spend a lot of time learning this. Check out a ton of videos on youtube and of course draw far more doing negative space exercises.

Post: #18

Hey OMYG
I actually majored in fine art and took classes with some animators who would go on to work for the major film studios and networks.

Here are some excellent resources I have used to better my drawing abilities:

You Can Draw in 30 Days by Mark Kistler

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain

Glenn Vilpuu's Anatomy

Structure of Man by Riven Phoenix

Creative Illustrationby Andrew Looms


With that in mind t is something you just have to practce at constantly. Also don't be afraid to trace the works of artists that inspire you/ are well renowned. Here is my personal list of artists I like who I have copied from:

Winsor Mccay
Heinrich Klay
Norman Rockwell
Frank Frazetta
Alan Lee and John Howe(both were art directors on Lord of the Rings movies)
Alex Ross
Moebius
Dave McKean
Al Hirschfeld
Gary Baseman
Lane Smith
Gerard Scarfe
Mary Grandpre
Josh "Shag" Agle
Akira Toriyama
Osamu Tezuka
Katsuhiro Otomo
Hayao Miyazaki
Tyrus Wong
Mary Blair
Genndy Tartatovsky
Don Bluth
Bill Plympton
Frederic Back
Ralph Eggleston
Lou Romano
John Kriscfalusi

Post: #19

As a kid, I would try and recreate my favorite comic book heroes. As I got older, I really got into Frank Frazetta and Boris Vallejo. I would save up money just to get Frank's books. I wore those pages out drawing from them and trying to duplicate the pictures. I think I even painted a few of them.

Post: #20

Have you spent any time studying and drawing anatomy and proportions in depth?

Post: #21

I like to draw. My parents put me and my brother in all these art classes as kids. I stopped for many years but recently bought a sketchpad to get back into it.

@OP- how hard was it to train yourself to draw with the non-dominant hand? That's very impressive! When I even try to write my name with my left hand it looks like I had an epileptic seizure during an earthquake.

Post: #22

(05-25-2014 02:54 PM)kbell Wrote:  Have you spent any time studying and drawing anatomy and proportions in depth?

Yes, I have always drawn people from my early days of copying comics and other books to college figure drawing classes. It was a natural fit for me.

Post: #23

Loomis has some fun comic proportions you can work with. I think Davinci has one as well. Freedom of Teach has some great anatomy models to work from. I bought the female one, which has been invaluable for digital sculpting.

Post: #24

I like to draw but more on the realm of calligraphy. You know script and all that. Until recent that I wanted to experiment with drawing people and shapes in which the book by mark kistler kind of helped. ts really for noobies so if you want to start drawing itll help alot with things like shapes and shadows.

Post: #25

I've been drawing most of my life, but only recently did I start taking it seriously. The best way to improve is to study the fundamentals like, anatomy, perspective, composition, color and light theory.

For anatomy: Most of Andrew Loomis' books and George Bridgman
Perspective: Lots of information on that through google
Color and Light Theory: Check out James Gourney's book
Composition: Also, lots of information on google.

Really though, the best way to get better is to draw from life as much as possible. Still life and figure drawing is key.