Help on Sketching Basics

[Thorgerson]

Hi,

Can anyone point me into the right direction on where to find good information on how to do learn basic sketching techniques? I want to visualise ideas about a sci-fi story I am writing, but whereas I find that my basic skills are just about adequate to get somewhere near, I seem to lack any sort of organised technique.

I remember from art lessons at school how to get persepctive right, but there must be stacks of other techniques out there that might help making the difference between a random scribble and a meaningful sketch.

I realise that artistic skill like the one displayed by most members of this forum takes years ot develop, so I am mostly interested in doing storyboard-like sketches (I hope nobody sees this as some kind of sacrilege) of technical objects and landscapes.

So, can anyone proivde links or suggestions of good books on the subject?

Thanks a lot!

[Seedling]

Well, before you'll be able to draw from imagination well, you'll need to practice drawing from life. There aren't any shortcuts to drawing from imagination.

Check out the link in my sig called "Concept Art 101" for ideas on how to learn.

[Thorgerson]

Ah, awseome, thanks! Did not think there was an easy way, but the tutorials look like a great way to start off.

Interesting CV you have there, I myself am a draughtsman/CAD engineer by trade but am trying to get back to the roots, so to speak.