Where to turn to?

[Rove]

Hi all,

So here I am, closing in on the age of 40. I've been working for more then 2 decades and never actually drew anything after I graduated waaaaay back. Sure I drew some things when I was on the phone with someone, I scribbled sketches here and there but not many and certainly not often.

Zbrushcentral and Conceptart caught my attention a couple months ago. Since then I feel the urge to draw. Sadly I have no time to go to any art school to learn how to draw. I bought a bunch of books to get some insight. I know there are online universities but hey, they cost a bundle! And frankly I'm not in a position where I have time to go to art school, daytime or nighttime. Even if I would be able to I probably wouldn't even be able to afford classes.

I would love to get some hints and/or tips as to where to turn to so that I can get some more insight in drawing. As with all arts there are people with talent and I noticed many people on these forums sure have talent. I think I can sum it all up by saying I want to be able to get my thoughts/dreams onto a piece of paper in a way that I can actually see form and figure instead of just some primitive circles and lines.

[Elwell]

What books have you gotten?

[Seedling]

Try the links in my sig called "Classroom for All" and "Concept Art 101". Cheers! :)

[Rabid]

Do you have any figure drawing classes or organizations near you? It is always good to get involved in those since it gives you a chain reaction to books, galleries, and inspiration from other artists...

[Rove]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to check out the links in your sig for sure Seedling ;).

What books have you gotten?

I got
- "Anatomy Drawing School" by Andras Szunyoghy.
- "Anatomy and Figure Drawing" by Louise Gordon.

and two books from Burne Hogarth:
"Dynamic Figure Drawing" and "Dynamic Anatomy"

These should already help me well on my way.

[CCThrom]

Sounds like you're looking at figure drawing as a way to begin... not a bad place to start. See if there's an arts council near you, they often have classes which won't break your budget.

If you're looking for something a little more drawing-generic to supplement the anatomy books, maybe try "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" by Betty Edwards or "Freehand Drawing - Self Taught" by Arthur Guptill.

[Rove]

Oh yes, I'm highly interested in organic form. Human, animal or even imaginary organic forms.

[deepbluehue]

Get yourself a nice sketchbook, not too big so you can take it around with you. One thing you learn when you take life drawing classes is how to draw gestures and quick sketch. You can take your sketchbook with you when you go out for lunch, get coffee, are watching t.v., at the mall, or any chance you can get to draw from life. Don't try to make finished drawings, it's not the point, you want to see people interacting and being natural so you can grab the essence of the moment. Look at the quick sketches of Rembrandt and see how much of a story he is able to tell with just a few gestural drawings. If you can also study anatomy it will help your gesture drawings.

[Arshes Nei]

Get yourself a copy of Art & Fear while you're at it. (Yeah I have to repetitive in mentioning that).