is it too late for me?

[killer_gym_sox]

I loved art long before I can last remember... I see all these great artists and it inspires me to pick up a pencil but when i do nothing comes out. Its a block that never ends. Ive been trying to practice drawing people for many years and thats almost all I ever draw. People tell me to draw from life and draw what you see but progression is ever so slow. Im 22 years old and I had my first child 12 days ago. Im afraid that now that I have this responsibility learning how to improve my art is forever screwed. I cant afford college or anything. Im also afraid that since I am spending my time drawing nothing but people I will suck at drawing everything else! I hate my art most of the time. Every time I try to start I picture some really cool image in my head but have no means to portray it on paper and it frustrates me to no end... Ill see a cool pose and I cant even draw the underlined structures right. Ive watched so many online videos and read some books and everyone has their own damn way of doing anatomy figures and i think my brain needs to be flushed. I dont draw everyday like I used to.. Cant remember last time i picked up a pencil because im so irritated with my art. I dont want to give up because i love it too much but i need some advice.

[Seedling]

Learning illustrative arts is like learning a musical instrument: it takes daily practice over a long period of time to see improvement. But learning illustrative arts is *not* like playing a sport: there is no age at which you peak. You’re never too old to learn art.

Your biggest challenge will be making time to practice every day. You could do like I’m doing: an hour every morning before work. It’ll take a while at this pace, but it’s a pace that can be realistically maintained.

If you want assignment ideas, try the “Concept Art 101” link in my sig.

Congrats on the new baby! I’m sure your whole life must feel in turmoil right now, but things should settle down for you eventually.

[killer_gym_sox]

thanks.. I guess i also forgot how fun drawing should be for me and I was too stressed about my end results. Im sure with time I will get better but I cant unless I practice. Im my own road block in becoming succuessful

[Jason Rainville]

Just set some time aside to draw from reference every day. For me it's after work and supper and before I work out. Studies I feel are (usually) less stressful, as the end result is a bit less personally important than a piece you want to see finished and polished. Rather than get frustrated I try to think "Well it looks like crap, but I probably learned something and if I keep it up it'll get better"

good luck :D

[sgtplunder]

I'm 33 and just started drawing about 3 or so weeks ago. The only time I consider you to be too old to learn how, is when your heart stops to beat.