New here, new to drawing... here's my plan, please comment

[sgtplunder]

Hi There,

I am new to conceptart.org and to drawing in general. I have been sketching a couple hours a night (more or less) for the last 2 weeks and believe I really like it, but want to become better.

Here are my thoughts as to how I am going to progress myself based off what I have read.

My Goals:

Realistic/Semi-realistic art/cartooning.

Skeletal structures.

I am practicing drawing skeletal structures until I feel that I have gotten the hang of it. So far, I have spent 3 nights on sketching skulls I find on the Internet and have noticed an improvement, but I do find them difficult. I plan on putting extra work on the parts that I find a pain, until I sort it out.

I am told that this is critical to understanding the way the body moves and works (makes sense as well).

Muscles + skin

I can see why muscles are important in drawing.

Backgrounds.

Please let me know if you think I am not approaching this properly. It's the way I think I am supposed

[sgtplunder]

Just a quick add-on, so I do not only become used to drawing what I see in a picture, I am considering drawing one from a picture and then reversing the image in my mind and drawing that.

[Ellingsworth]

Sound good so far man, don't just limit your self to using photos, draw from life as much as you can. That will be the most important thing right now and help you learn faster. Set up some fruit on a table and sketch it, also see if you can get into some life drawing classes, for some figure drawing. Good luck! :)

[Rummity]

hey, your plan sounds good. But i would say, don't limit yourself. Never say, eh im not gonna draw that. You should learn how to draw anything and everything,even if you hate it. For the majority of my artistic life i drew solely from imagination, but maybe 2 years ago i discovered the wonders of life drawing and observational work. Now (im 16 and still learning) i draw whatever i can and usually draw everyday, some days more than others, but i still try and draw everyday. Your plan sounds good and hey you only get better : )

[Seedling]

Try to get away from the photographs. Got a school anywhere nearby that has a plastic skeleton in a classroom somewhere?

Try the "Concept Art 101" link in my sig, too.

[sgtplunder]

Thanks for the feedback folks.

Yeah, I need to move away from photographs otherwise they will become a crutch. Life drawings will be interesting, at some point, when I get more evolved with my ability, I want to take a course.

I'm not sure if there is a school near by with a plastic skeleton, but that is a great idea. I'm just wondering if that is a possibility but it would be great, sadly, I think I am becoming addicted to drawing bones.

I am starting to break out of skulls and drawing spinal columns. I found myself watching publicly available dissection videos from a University website to understand how muscles and bones are connected together.

[sgtplunder]

I've started to branch out from bones, tonight.

Erasers, Pencil sharpeners (electric), USB flash keys, bottles, bottle in front of a glass, empty Sharpie package and part of a table.

The variety is kind of nice. Thanks again.

[Hai]

Sounds good. Maybe you should start a sketchbook here on CA.org?

[Dile_]

Start a sketchbook :) I am really curious now about your progression : )

[sgtplunder]

Sounds good. Maybe you should start a sketchbook here on CA.org?

I'm thinking about it... but my sketching feels like I am very novice (which I am!), kind of embarassed about posting something that may not be up to the quality of the board.

[Kahl]

Trust me, everyone here would much rather see the art of someone who knows they need to learn and are willing to accept help, than those people who think they know it all and don't want anything but praise. It adds to the community feeling, ya know?

[Jazz]

sgtplunder, Kahl's right! We who put up anything on CA started off at different levels. It doesn't hurt AT ALL, but really helps I think, if you show some stuff! :D :D I'd love to see your progress!

[Magic Man]

Thanks for the feedback folks.

Yeah, I need to move away from photographs otherwise they will become a crutch.

Just so you know, there is no reason why you can't rely on photographs, hell, Norman Rockwell, Alex Ross, Sorayama and many of the best artists out there heavily rely on top quality photo reference.

Thought I'd let you know its no crime, lest you discard an important tool.

Whatever helps you make better art, you use, simple as that.

m

[Costau D]

Just so you know, there is no reason why you can't rely on photographs, hell, Norman Rockwell, Alex Ross, Sorayama and many of the best artists out there heavily rely on top quality photo reference.

Thought I'd let you know its no crime, lest you discard an important tool.

Whatever helps you make better art, you use, simple as that.

m

Isnt it reccomended though for practice you don't use photos. I mean for projects and tight deadlines sure, but when trying to build up skills it's always best it seems to draw from life and force yourself to think. I'm taught how to draw from an animators perspective though so I know it can be a little different between illustrators and animators.

My obsession is being able to get ideas down quickly and before i forget them in as much detail as possible. But, I also need to learn to have the eye and patience of an illustrator. It's hard.

Btw, is it REALLY necessary to get so deep into anatomy that it lingers on medical study? Can't that hinder your creative thinking? Remember to draw from your imagination too.

[wickeddiana]

I think its totally okay to use photo reference as long as you are also getting living drawing experience as well. Take a life drawing class (or two) and draw from photos and anatomy books when you are at home while applying the skills you learned.
Its not always possible to get to a life drawing class every day. Thats why photo reference can be an alternative for when you don't have a model in front of you.