I'm comfortable with a pencil but not with a tablet please help.

[TristanFletcher]

Today I tried to paint a picture from a reference of a bed, with a crumpled blanket on-top. I failed horrendously. I couldn't even block in any of the major forms without it looking like crap. If I were to draw the same picture but on paper I could do a lot better. Does anybody have any tips/help for me that could balance the comfortability with the tablet? Please look at my sketchbook and tell me how I can make a smooth transfer. Thanks for the help in advance. And sorry if any of my frustration shows through in this post.

[nevermindjoker]

Usually it takes practice on using tablet, like what you have done with paper. What I mean is since you draw a lot on paper that's why you're good at it since you are changing tools you need to practice on those tools to get even. when you use oil, you also need to practice. so it's like learning to play on guitar when your use to playing on a piano

[Shorinji_Knight]

You do good pencil work. It took me awhile to get comfortable with a tablet. I think that it just takes time. I still find its much easier to draw with pencil than with my wacom.

[Medelo]

#1 Practice, a lot.

#2 It sounds weird but try not to imagine moving your hand on the tablet surface. It's really not like traditional media at all. With the tablet, when you just focus on the image you're drawing (on the monitor) instead of the surface you're drawing on, your brain will learn to compensate. It's like dis-attaching the actual surface from the image. So focus on the point of your cursor on the screen and almost imagine you're moving it with your mind instead of your hand.

[QueenGwenevere]

Yep, it's mostly practice. It takes a while to get used to drawing indirectly.

Also go into your Wacom settings and fiddle with them until they feel comfortable for you with whatever system and software you're using (if you use Photoshop you'll probably have to adjust your settings from the default to make the tablet cooperate...)

[arenhaus]

Yes, it requires practice. Focus on the cursor, not on the hand or the stylus.

[Maidith]

If you practice a hour every day, expect to be handling the tablet with ease in about 3-4 weeks.

[TristanFletcher]

Great answers everybody. I really like the concept of focusing on the cursor and not the hand because I was doing the exact opposite. I'll be devoting atleast an hour everyday.

[ConnyNordlund]

My first tablet took me a week to master, give it some time.
Practice doing strokes all day and you'll manage.