Question about what paper I should use...

[ruben_g_ramos]

Ok, ever since I came to this site I've tried to imrove my artwork, primarily, my anatomy aspect. Ever since I've tried to transition from how I used to draw to this more realistic type of drawing style, I cannot draw ANYTHING. Everytime I sit down with my sketchpad and pencils I ending scratching out whatever I'm drawing, or ripping pages out, etc...

I guess my question is, how long does it you usually take you (someone) to sketch something? Something simplistic. Because, I think I'm just not taking my time, but I see all these images that were drawn fairly quickly and they look amazing.

Anyways, I need help, I've got to be doing something wrong, because I've been getting nowhere whatsoever for the past three or four weeks.

Bottom

[lithunica]

I think most of it is in the way you were trained to draw (either by yourself or the teacher) If you are interested in learning the figure drawing I would highly recommend Glen Vilppu's DVD's http://www.vilppustudio.com/ they are probably the best drawing videos I have ever watched ( in my experience in the classes you should be able to sketch somewhere from one to five minutes, but again thats just a simple action sketch)

[FlipMcgee]

because I've been getting nowhere whatsoever for the past three or four weeks.

:teeth:

If you keep at it (drawing daily, taking life drawings, learning continually, have an active sketchbook habit, etc.) you'll see huge improvements in say....2-3 years.

No joke.

So if you can't quite draw at the level you want right now try not to be discouraged easily 'cuz your skills will only improve if you're persistent.



.

[HunterKiller_]

your skills will only improve if you're persistent.

That's pretty much it.

[Farvus]

Measure improvement in years or at least months and it will be fine.

[nemomarlin]

I will bet anything that you will improve if you spend some times(does not have to be long, 30 minutes is good) every day drawing.

[thespirals]

a figure drawing class or two could be really beneficial for you, because you get experience ranging from both 30 second gesture sketches to using the whole class time for one drawing. If you don't have time to take a class, you could do this on your own. Get a timer and if you don't have a model handy, a nude photography magazine or some porn will work. Set up the photo in front of you and start out timing your sketches for 30 seconds, get as much out of the pose as you can in 30 seconds, don't think too hard, just do it. flip through the magazine for every 30 second pose. after that, move up to 1 minute, then 5 minutes, then 10, 20, 30 minutes.....just keep practicing this for awhile and sketching will become much easier for you.

[ruben_g_ramos]

I really wish I could find a class, but I think the only class available to me is at a college, which I'm working on.

But, I will definately devote time, each day, to drawing.

New Question:
In my other thread I asked which kind of paper should I use for sketching? The kind that I have is really coarse, is that ok or should I use smooth paper? I have all the different types of pencils (even though, I don't honestly know how to use them correctly).