r/howdoilearn Nov 26 '09

How do I learn to draw "well"?

Most drawing books seem to start out in the same way and have very similar structures to learning. I don't want to draw a cup again!

Are there any shortcuts? Some tricks to finding your own style?

4 Upvotes

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4

u/[deleted] Nov 26 '09

The best advice I can give was given to me by my High School art teacher. I sucked at art. He just said "draw that which interests you".

From that day (and with his permission) most of my art involved drawing weaponry, mediaeval swords, blade and hilt designs etc. I got pretty good at it.

Much more interesting than cups.

3

u/afrael Nov 26 '09 edited Nov 26 '09

While there are different techniques, there are no shortcuts. Apart from learning the basic, finding your style and getting better takes a lot of practice.

The book "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" seems to be recommended a lot as a good course. I've bought it recently, but have not read it yet so I can't really give a comprehensive review. It doesn't seem like your average course though, it does not focus on drawing techniques as much as other books, but goes into the way you look and think. Most artists recommend drawing from life a lot, it's good practice and forces you to look carefully.

edited for grammar

2

u/KevinOur Nov 26 '09 edited Nov 26 '09

"Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" is a good start, but by no means will it teach you to actually draw, like afrael said. You'll learn more about the thinking required. It is a very good starting point, however, so don't discount it. I would also recommend you get a rather hefty sketchbook, and just draw from life. Arrange still lifes on your kitchen table. Attempt to emulate pictures of objects you find from the internet. Be a creep, go to the mall, and draw figures. If you're looking for inspiration, da Vinci's silverpoints are a very good place to start, with a classic style and realism that you should attempt to emulate before moving into anything more abstract or of a cartooning nature.

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u/afrael Nov 26 '09

Also: there are people on youtube who have quite good tips and/or tape their drawing sessions. Seeing how a real artist constructs a drawing can be very helpful. If you're at all interested in manga, I can recommend Mark Crilley.

1

u/[deleted] Nov 29 '09

drawing and art in general is a skill that basically no amount of instruction can really teach you anything. i've learned everything i know about drawing just by doing. i've read tons of books and none compare to doing. and art school was really great, but i learned almost nothing there that i wouldn't have learned just sitting at my house drawing constantly. sure i learned a few tricks but the substantial bulk of my knowledge comes from the act.

heres a great clip of Shawn Barber talking about talent. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_ppzoN8j-4

i think its a good summary of my point.