Desperately need advice/tips. (beginner artist)

[LikeACat]

Ok, so basically, this is my situation, I've had a passion for the arts since I can remember. I've dabbled in a variety of fields and am quite trained in music, specifically guitar. However, when it comes to drawing and painting...i've often felt intimidated, This has led me to grow untrained in a field, I've always had a passion for, but felt I would never have any talent.

Anyways this past summer, I've decided to grow past these fears and I have begun my studies in art. I have been self-teaching myself through a few websites, Drawspace.com specifically, and some books...I'm currently working through "Kimon Nicholaides - The Natural Way To Draw".

Although my technique is nowhere near where I want to be, I have improved since first starting out and it has only inspired me to work harder and to learn and absorb as much as I can during every waking moment..much like I did when first starting out on the guitar.

There is no doubt in my mind that I will not be able to learn, I'm just aware it will take time.... however, recently I've decided to give as much attention as I can to the development of my art skills and rather hastily, I decided to drop out of my jazz program during the first week of my third year.

So this is where I need some advice/help/tips..... I am conditioned to vigourous practice routines and instead of applying all of my time to music, I've decided to focus on art. I teach guitar part-time and have 8-10 hours a day/7 days a week to really buckle down and learn.

So basically, I just need some guidance from more experienced/advanced artists on the best ways to develop my eye/coordination/skill.. I have alot of time as well as the motive and passion.

I'm not 100% sure on what I need exactly... but I will call myself a complete beginner and I am looking for books you recommend, tips for seeing, exercises, websites and perhaps classes...however, i am not too sure what to look for in a class...the ones I've been too didn't prove to be very helpful..however I'm keeping an open mind.

Any advice/recommendations would be appreciated more than you could ever know.

Thanks.

-Stephen

[alesoun]

You could try the mentoring threads, or start a sketchbook on here. It's a grat place for help and advice.

[Seedling]

Also try the Concept Art 101 link in my sig.

By the way, the practice habits of a musician can be used to similar effect in art. :) You’re at a good starting point.

[FactorZero]

Dude, this sounds just like me. I started playing bass 4 years ago. At that time I started to fall behind in my art and focus on music(kinda wish I hadn't). I'm now at the point where I'm at an advanced level in music and i'm happy where I'm at, but In realized my art has progress nearly as much as I'd like. Now I'm desperately trying to improve rapidly.

Long story short, I would suggest making a sketchbook. It seems like the best way to get consistent comments and critiques on your work, as long as you post consistently.

[wickeddiana]

You are definitely doing the right thing by dedicating your time to your passion. Most people don't have that kind of displine.
I would suggest taking figure drawing classes. That will really help you see things in different way. Focus on the basics first: Perspective, Anatomy, Color threoy, Rendering.

It also really depends on where you want to go. Do you want to be a painter, illustrator, concept artist? Do you want to work with paint? Pen and ink? Once you have a better idea of where you want to specilize, you will be able to narrow down what you need to practice and get better at.

[Seedling]

You are definitely doing the right thing by dedicating your time to your passion. Most people don't have that kind of displine.
I would suggest taking figure drawing classes. That will really help you see things in different way. Focus on the basics first: Perspective, Anatomy, Color threoy, Rendering.

It also really depends on where you want to go. Do you want to be a painter, illustrator, concept artist? Do you want to work with paint? Pen and ink? Once you have a better idea of where you want to specilize, you will be able to narrow down what you need to practice and get better at.

I agree with the first part and disagree with the latter. Specializating is *not* something anyone should do until after they have learned the basics. Concept art is a form of illustration, as is painting, if the painting isn't just paint splatters.

[Mark Bot]

Focus on the basics first: Perspective, Anatomy, Color threoy, Rendering.

i'd have to agree with that more than anything else. Once you have a solid understanding of the basics it's much easier to apply them to more advanced techniques than going at it the other way around.

But most of all, like with music. Practice, practice, practice .... then practice some more. But try to vary what you're practicing enough to keep everything interesting, everyone knows it's no fun drawing ellipses for 12 hours:xpld:

[Icon]

Regardless of what you want to do with art, whether its illustration, concept art or whatever, you'll need to study your basics.

1. http://fineart.sk/index.php?cat=1 Here is a ton of Andrew Loomis books, that will help you with all sorts of things. I suggest reading them in the following order
1. Successful drawing
2. Figure Drawing for all it's worth
3. Drawing the head and hands
4. Creative Illustration (my personal favorite!)

2. Make sure you apply what you learn! Don't just read it, practice it!

3. Observe, learn and draw! Take the time to truly look at things, and really understand why they behave the way they behave. Why does light reflect in a certain way when it hits a white mantle, or why does a certain part of skin folds the way it does, and so on. Then practice it, until it becomes a part of you.

4. Go to a coffee shop, or a bookstore and sketch people, your surroundings, everything.


I've met people who have a strong discipline matched with a never ending passion, go from beginner to amazing professionals. SO don't get discouraged, and learn as much as you can!

Good luck. :P

Extra reads:
1. Constructive anatomy, Bridgeman
2. Color Harmony in Your paintings, Margaret Kessler

[wickeddiana]

I agree with the first part and disagree with the latter. Specializating is *not* something anyone should do until after they have learned the basics. Concept art is a form of illustration, as is painting, if the painting isn't just paint splatters.


I didn't mean to specilize right away. Thats something to do after every method has been explored. I did mention to focus on the basics first. But it does help to have an idea of what you want to do, not necessarly to start specilizing, but to focus on some plan of study. That way its not completely overwhelming.

[LikeACat]

Wow, thanks for all the replies.

Wicked Diana: thanks for the advice on taking figure drawing classes, I have been studying anatomy relentlessly already (It's what I began with), and perhaps drawing models from real life will help me more than drawing from photographs.

I'm not exactly too sure where I'm headed career-wise, like I've already stated.. I'm still working towards becoming an established musician but eventually I would like to do art full-time. I was leaning towards the game industry or tattooing eventually....I would also like to become a skilled painter though.

Icon: thanks for that link, I'm actually going to get started on reading through those books tonight...as in 5 min lol.

I have a long ways to go in all areas of my drawing but I was wondering if anyone knew any resources that could teach me the concept of shading/lighting/etc.

Thanks again.

[wickeddiana]

I have a long ways to go in all areas of my drawing but I was wondering if anyone knew any resources that could teach me the concept of shading/lighting/etc.


An excellent source would be Old Master drawings. They have great ideas for shading and lighting. You can find books online or in bookstores. Study those and you can't go wrong.

[Dave_]

I'd wish i had your disipline :(. the guitar is taking a lot of my time, ah well, it works for me.

anyway, the best advice would just be to draw draw and draw. Lot of people say that lifedrawing gives you a bigger visual library, but it just bores me, so i do 'master' studies (modern stuff).

not mutch more this beginner can give you. Good luck and have lots of fun drawing :)