Ok, would you guys be open to helping me this way?

[FlameDragon]

You guys have given pretty good advice to me. Would you guys like to help me see it in action? Like, may I post a photo and my drawing of it, and then you guys do a drawing of the photo as well so as to show me what I need to be doing?

[drd]

I don't know how much help I can be, but it will give me practice as well, so sure. I always like a reason to draw, because then I don't have to force myself to, lol.

[Seedling]

Seriously, don't copy a photo. And if you do, don't expect anyone here to help you to become better at copying photos, because it's a poor way to learn.

Work from life instead, or from your imagination. Post your work in the sketchbook, critique, or sketches threads for feedback.

[Wasker]

I agree with Seedling, however, if there are no friends, mirrors, lifedrawing classes or outdoor enviroments available to you, I'd say photos are the second best thing.

[FlameDragon]

I drew from my imagination and got told on here not to do so. While I do go to lifedrawing, it's not like I can afford to go every single day or week. Eventually there will be a point where I can no longer afford to go and then what? Thats why I also draw from photos, since on deviantart there's tons of people who want to do poses for me.

[Seedling]

Flame: try the link in my sig called "Concept Art 101" for ideas on how to use life-drawing to improve your drawings from imagination.

[FlameDragon]

Thanks

[Anuran]

Thanks for commenting on my sketchbook FlameDragon, I wish I had more in the way of tips to share with you. I am positive that the info Seedling, Elwell and others have shared with you is likely to be more helpful than what I know. I replied to someone else this morning with just about all the advice I have right now on figure drawing. Check it out:

"I've been digging into anatomy studies almost exclusively this summer. Here's some of the resources that I have really gotten alot of mileage out of:

Betty Edwards "The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain"
That book is great for reminding yourself that your brain will try to redefine what your eyes are really telling you.

Tony Ryder's "The Artist's Complete Guide to Figure Drawing"
This book helped revolutionize the way I approach drawing the figure. It outlines a methodology for figure drawing.

From what I have been able to determine, there are three helpful approaches to measuring for proportion: comparative, relational and sight-size. Do a search on any of those and you will find a wealth of info. I am also studying from the "Structure of Man" DVDs by Riven Phoenix and Loomis (they use comparative measuring) you can find some downloadable resources on TSOFA in their resources and references section.

Finally, Dude I am a student not an expert. If you can share any resources, advice or discoveries with me PLEASE do so. I'm just searchin' for answers...hope some of that helps you.
L8r,
Dave"