Where to start?

[RogerT]

New here, first post, etc. I've browsed for a bit, and I really like what I see, so I guess you could say I'm inspired, hah. I'm currently a grade 12 student taking AP Art, so I'm not entirely lost on the subject, but I'd like to do drawing and stuff outside of school. I've always wanted to do this sort of stuff, I just never really engaged it, and now I don't really know where to start. It seems that anatomy is a very important aspect to learn, but I'm not sure if I really want to tackle that right away. Not that I would never learn how to do it properly, but I'd like to start somewhere else, if possible. I'm open to suggestions, which is why I'm here, I guess. :yum:

I would also like to eventually learn how to use Photoshop effectively and pick up a graphics tablet in the near future. Nothing too fancy, as I don't plan on pursuing a career in the arts. So yeah, any advice or tips would be great, anything you want to say, etc.

PS I was linked to a thread on here a while ago about a guy who wasn't great at drawing, but did a sketch a day nonetheless and eventually became quite skilled. I can't find it any more, and if anyone could help me find it, that'd be great!

[Elwell]

New here, first post, etc. I've browsed for a bit, and I really like what I see, so I guess you could say I'm inspired, hah. I'm currently a grade 12 student taking AP Art, so I'm not entirely lost on the subject, but I'd like to do drawing and stuff outside of school. I've always wanted to do this sort of stuff, I just never really engaged it, and now I don't really know where to start. It seems that anatomy is a very important aspect to learn, but I'm not sure if I really want to tackle that right away. Not that I would never learn how to do it properly, but I'd like to start somewhere else, if possible. I'm open to suggestions, which is why I'm here, I guess. :yum:

If you don't already, start drawing from observation. Betty Edwards' Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain has good introductory exercises.

[RogerT]

Betty Edwards, eh? Are there any other essential books I should look into getting? I think I'm doing my AP Art Concentration mostly in acrylic paint, so I'm also open to anything that pertains to that.

[Serra]

Anatomy and Color Theory are important. So is perspective.

I really like "The New Artist's Handbook" by Ray Campbell Smith. I know you are not new per se but if you ever want to experiment with mediums outside of acrylics that's the book to reference!

--Serra