I want to draw!

[Newbie_Herbie]

Very simple and I don't really have big dreams but to draw well, and maybe paint but that comes later. I'm starting with Betty Edwards but I feel very frusterated and I just feel like quitting every time I try to do one of the assignments and fail then read how she says "well I bet you are surprised at the good results". Do you guys have any recommendations for books a newbie should start with?

Thanks in advance!

ps

I've heard drawing comics the marvel way would be a good start??

[JARhead]

I learned off of Drawing Comics the Marvel Way. But it dosent cover everything.

I heard Drawing on the Left side of the brain was a good book, but Ive never looked at it.

Well in the end all it comes down to is pratice and knowing what you are doing wrong and the ability to fix it. Post some of you work in the WIP section of these here forums, and people will help you out on what you need to learn.

Probly not a vary good helpful post, but I hope it was.

PS I want to draw as well

[Qitsune]

I actually like drawing on the right side of the brain (I like the coutour drawing things, they end up making pretty study paintings), but you should definately altern with more 'fun' drawing if you don't want to get pissed and abandon. Maybe cartoonish stuff, maybe loomis, maybe painting. I know there are recommended things to work on to improve, but never forget to have fun, drawing shouldn't feel like a chore.

[Marko Djurdjevic]

What about the search button?


M

[MainEvent]

Yeah im in the same boat as you, ive been reading that book for a while but have recently stopped. I think I might actually start reading it again tonight though because I really want to learn to draw better.

[Luthien Rogue]

I'm starting with Betty Edwards but I feel very frusterated and I just feel like quitting every time I try to do one of the assignments and fail then read how she says "well I bet you are surprised at the good results".

Is it bad that I laughed at this?

I don't really like those "How-to" books--although I admit Lee Hammond's books taught me a lot when I was younger. You can learn about composition, colour theory, basic techniques etc on the internet by searching Google. After that, it's good to carry a sketchbook with you and draw in your free time--even just little doodles. Learn anatomy and such before trying to stylize.

1. Don't give up on a picture. Many people stop at a certain point when they could definitely keep working on it and improve it.
2. Don't rush your picture; if you find yourself doing so, stop, take a break, and come back when you're ready to slow down and give it more attention.

[PeggyChung]

when in doubt, try loomis. the marval one is fine but they dont show you the underlayers of the human body. here
and if you need inspiration, try searching for mindcandyman's sketchbook, shows his progress. BUt yeah, as the others ahve said above, have fun, and carry a sketchbook/paper around you all the time, you may get ideas or see something you want to draw. goodluck

[dogfood]

It's tough to give specific advice without much to go on, but just because Betty Edwards doesn't do it for you doesn't mean you need to give up. There are a mulititude of good books with detailed exercises and regimented methods (Marko's search button is the key to this effort). One generalization I feel is going to hit 90% of the time with those starting out is to practice drawing lines. Fill 10 pages until you don't have the thousand-stroke line, where you sketch over the same stretch of territory for several minutes, hunting for the perfect expression. Look at everything like you're going to draw it. Check the angles and distances with your eye and get the relationships. Try not to drool.

[Robert.B]

marko i just read your interview on cgch, and one thing that theye didnt ask was how long you have been drawing?




MY SKETCH DOOKIES AND PATHETIC TURD MOUND

[waronmars]

the part most newbs seem to forget is that you have to physically pick up a pencil and push it against paper.

[dogfood]

I've been doing that, but it just rolls around. Maybe I'm using the wrong side of the paper. Could you point me to a good tutorial, War?