Intense pro teaching for an amateur

[Blinnx]

Hey guys, I'm currently studying 3d studio max (3d application for modelling and animation), and I'm trying to improve my drawing skills, but unfortunately they are close to dire. I really really need to improve my drawing skills as soon as I can, and I'm wondering if any of you know any good tutorials online or in books for beginners that I could check out? I've taken into consideration that art skills are only something that can be picked up over time, but I'm highly dedicated to my work, and I'm prepared to commit a huge amount of time to learning if I can just get good at it! Anyway if anyone can help, please let me know! Thanks

[Wacom Knight]

funny, I'm exactly the opposite, my Maya skills are dire and I'm LAZY with a capitol "E" , but my art skills are fine. Do searches on Andrew Loomis or even check out Gnomon's Fend Zhu concept art DVDs.

http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/videos/FZH_01.html

[RefrigeratorCo]

Find a school around your area with an art program. They will probably host figure drawing sessions for a few bucks a peice.

Figure drawing is like steroids for your drawing skills. You will realy think you suck/feel crappy the first few weeks (I've been doing it a while and when I get back into it I go through this too) but just hang in there. When you improve, and you will if you do it regularly, it will feel realy good.