Learning the art of art

[Pixelsoldier]

Hey everyone i'm only 13 but am really eager to learn how to draw and eventually come up with art even half as good as what I've seen here. We dont get taught art really well in my new school so I've decided that if I want to start getting good i'll have to so it hardcore on my own. I a total beginner so I was wondering what books there are out there that could help me? could anyone make a list.

[Seedling]

Hi Pixel! Try out the Concept Art 101 link in my sig. Also, have a look around the mentoring section. (I'll be starting a classroom in there soon.) Cheers, and welcome!

[Pixelsoldier]

thx seeling i'll do that but are you sure it isn't too much for a beginner? I mean I need to be starting from real basics. Should i start with concept 101??

[Seedling]

Hi Pixel. All of the above is perfectly good for beginners. Cheers!

[StupidIsAsStupidDoes]

If you're just starting out, I'd suggest buying a book on basic figure drawing. DO NOT buy an anatomy book (ie one that strips the figure down to the skeleton and muscles), because although it is useful information, it will not help you learn to draw.

There are many books available that teach figure drawing. Which ever one you choose, make sure it talks about gesture, contour, proportion, tone, modelling, structure, foreshortening, and form. It's hard to put exactly what I mean into words, but it should help you visualize the figure in space, instead of just rendering, drawing from photos, etc.


One of the most famous instructional books is The Natural Way to Draw. It's a bit dated though, so you might want something a little more recent. Dynamic Figure drawing by Burne Hogarth is my favourite. There are countless others, so shop around. Just make sure it teaches you the core skills, and isn't too involved with rendering or anatomy.

That said, see if there's an art school near you that offers life drawing sessions to the public. Keep a sketchbook, and post it here for criticism.

Hope this helps.