Advice?

[Davis]

Hi, im new to the forums. I am trying to get back into drawing, now that i have some free time. I took art in high school for 4 years, but im still not very confident in my drawing ability. I have a hard time thinking of my own things to draw or even being able to visualize certain things. Before i go on more, id like to say that im most interested in drawing fantasy things and comic book characters.(Dragons, orcs, X-men...etc) most of the time when i do decide to draw, i have to find something to look at. Basically i copy someone elses artwork. I really want to improve and be an awesome artist. So, i was wondering if i should just keeping copying pictures or should i try to just draw random things to improve my skills? Im 27 now and am really wanting to get serious about art. Please help...

[ryukin]

Greetings.

I can't offer you any solid advice since I'm just a noob myself but I don't think there is anything wrong with copying till you find your own feet. Get comfortable drawing again and when you feel that you're ready, start elaborating, start exploring!

Good luck to you in any and all endeavors.
And welcome to the forums!

EDIT: Gotta agree with JeffX99, it never hurts to review the basics/fundamentals!

[JeffX99]

Hmmm...if you're serious about becoming an accomplished artist (whether as a hobbyist or professional) the best approach is to study the fundamentals, beginning with drawing. Even though you are interested in fantastic themes you need to study from life to be able to depict the fantastic with some level of competence and accuracy. The "standard" approach is to begin with still life to study composition, light/shadow, form, proportion, texture, perspective, etc. Once you have a good handle on drawing the still life you can begin to study the figure. Once you can draw the figure well you can begin to study color through painting the three mainstays of representational art: landscape, stilll life and figure/portrait. Along this path of course you can explore fantasy subjects and characters with what you have learned.

It's not an easy journey, but I believe anyone can do it if they are willing to work hard enough...and it is hard work.

There are three excellent books I would recommend for someone just getting started:

"Drawing Scenery: Landscapes and Seascapes" by Jack Hamm - this is the best book I've seen on composition
"Drawing Essentials" by Deborah Rockman - best book on observational drawing
"Imaginitive Realism" by James Gurney - not so much a "technique" book but a great book on how to be an illustrator of fantastic themes.

Good luck!

[Davis]

Awesome thanks for the advice, i took 4 years of art in high school. So i think maybe i have some of the basic fundamentals down. I'll have to post some things to show you guys once i get a few things done. Im waiting on my art table and stuff to come in before i start drawing for hours

[TASmith]

Work very hard, draw a ton, and post work here every now and then for advice. Don't fall in love with your work right away, and be ready for some harsh crits. It'll all help.