what do you think is the best way to start studying art?

[Madame360]

When I started drawing a while ago( need to post sketchbook soon) all I did was portraits but now I take it more seriously because I want to major in art, I went back to studying art. I went back to the elements and principles, started looking more into anatomy and trying to understand light. So I was just curious ,what is the best way ( in your opinion) is to study art? or how did you start your art study?

and tips are welcome

[Star Eater]

As I mentioned in your critique thread, life drawing.
Drawing everything around you. Simple shapes,
complex shapes, etc. In doing so you will strengthen
everything from observation, to rendering to values.

Don't overthink it, just get drawing, show us your studies
and we will help you measure your progress.

Thats my advice anyway. Books and such are secondary
to practical application. I told you which books I recommend
but most importantly just draw.

[Ohaeri]

When I started drawing a while ago( need to post sketchbook soon) all I did was portraits but now I take it more seriously because I want to major in art, I went back to studying art. I went back to the elements and principles, started looking more into anatomy and trying to understand light. So I was just curious ,what is the best way ( in your opinion) is to study art? or how did you start your art study?

and tips are welcome

I hesitate to answer this question because I know a lot of people look for the magical way of starting that will make everything easy (TM) and it becomes a reason for delaying.

Practically, begin wherever you like. Paint or draw whatever you want until you get to something that gives you trouble. Then learn about that subject.

The best way to learn art is by doing.

[QueenGwenevere]

How to start:
1. Pick up a pencil...
2. Draw.

And after you've drawn for a while, you can proceed to the advanced stage:
1. Pick up a pencil...
2. Think very hard...
3. Draw.

(Sorry, Feynman!)

But no, really, if you're just starting or restarting after a long hiatus, the best way to get the ball rolling is to simply draw a lot. A LOT. Any kind of observational drawing makes for the best practice - drawing lots of things from life, especially. Anything. People, plants, buildings, your lunch, your socks, draw everything.

And as you draw, think about what you're doing, keep an eye out for mistakes, try to figure out what you're doing that could be better and try making it better. Do things over if you make mistakes. Experiment. If something isn't working, try something else.

Be thinking while you draw. Look at things, and think about why things look like they do. If you see things in your drawings that don't look right, think about WHY they don't look right, and try to fix them. Or draw them again. And again. And again.

Also, challenge yourself constantly. Are you always drawing the same kinds of things? Draw something different! Are you always drawing something the same way, or always following the same steps? Try a different way! Is there something you avoid drawing? Something that you think will be too hard to draw? Draw it! Try different media now and then, too, you never know what you'll fall in love with until you try it...

[I-Bomb]

my method

1. Study
2. Draw At Least 100 objects
3. Study some more
4. Eat
5. Draw some more on photoshop or sketchbooks

It may sound boring but I'm telling you there no short cuts if there was we would have told you already
plus I listen to some music while drawing it helps you visualize ideas. drawing with no music can drive me crazy sometimes

[JeffX99]

The only way to learn art is by doing.

Minor correction

[Charlie D]

Good book with a DVD



good blogs

http://artandinfluence.blogspot.co.u...wing%20process


http://gurneyjourney.blogspot.co.uk/...000-posts.html

(Utopiales Painting Series is maybe a good starting point.)


All the best.