Circles

[SigonWulf]

Does anyone have problems drawing simple circles?

I'm currently reading through Andrew Loomis "Drawing the Head and Hands" and I've realized that I can't draw a simple circle to save my life.

[Elwell]

Practice.
Draw lightly and refine.
Draw several "ghost circles" without touching pencil to paper before the actual one.
Draw your circle, then rotate the paper 180º to correct it.

[SigonWulf]

I think I mess up when I start on the other half of the circle.

I start from the top going counter clockwise and when I make it to the bottom, its like my hand wigs out.

[DavePalumbo]

yeah, I suck at circles too. Also hearts. That's why we have erasers :)

(and compasses)

[SigonWulf]

Well Dave seeing how good you are and knowing that your no good with circles either, gives me hope.

[drd]

Yeah, knowing how to draw circles isn't a very needed skill.

[Elwell]

Drawing ellipses, however, is very important.

[chaosrocks]

oh goddess.... ellipses
yikes
ovoids...
circular stuff in perspective...not only elipses but CORRECT ellipses... my downfall too

[2100]

when I was little, my grandma made me draw circles with markers every day. Now I'm very good at it!

[HunterKiller_]

when I was little, my grandma made me draw circles with markers every day. Now I'm very good at it!

Lucky bastard.

What can I contribute that somebody hasn't already said... Ah yes, draw them quickly. Visualize how big you want it, then complete the circle with one fluid stroke, or more, but without taking the pencil off the surface.

Another mental technique I use (usually for large circle) is to just focus on swinging my arm in a circular motion, rather than focusing on what's on the paper.