My first post... a knight

[Carlo_Julian]

Howdy folks.

This is my first post here. I feel embarassed to post here since, compared to everyone else here, my skills are super weak! However, I feel that only through showing others my work and listening to your critiques can I ever get better.

Well anywho, here's the knight.
http://individual.utoronto.ca/carlo_julian/knight.jpg

Carlo

[whoreable]

I dont think anyone has replied, they didnt because of the remark about him farting (kinda funny but typical) and the face he kinda looks like that one swordsman from Final Fantasy 10. The arm has some anatomical problems, i would try and stretch out the body, hes so skinny and sideways its just asking for a bad pose. Face looks ok, work on anatomy.

[Carlo_Julian]

Here's another pic I did... much faster then the previous one. I used myself and a mirror as reference.
http://individual.utoronto.ca/carlo_julian/knives.jpg
Problems I have with it:
-nipple placement is wrong, I think
-upper blade is in wrong position, the edge should be facing toward the viewer
-waist way too narrow, and I forgot to show part of the hind leg
- hair needs more highlight

I find it difficult to draw and shade with the pencil I'm currently using, which is just one of those super sharp, clicky kinds -the one you load the lead into seperately. Is there a standard type of pencil to use? Also, I can't get a really dark black shade with my current pencil.

[antihero]

Hey Carlo-Julian

Your drawings don't look all too bad. I'd even say that your shading and anatomy is quite good (well, i don't know for how long you're allready drawing so it's hard to say... ;) ). But either way, there's still a lot to learn.

Concerning your question about the pencil:
Use a normal pencil to shade your figures. Mechanical (the one you use) pencils are ok for doin' outlines but if it comes to shading, "normal" pencils just do better, because you can also use the side of the lead to draw.
I personally like to 4B or softer (6B, 7B, etc.) but that's a personal choice. Try some and find out out, which one fits you best. If you need more information, use the search-function in this community.

Even if it maybe sounds like i'm a pro, i'm none. Maybe even "noober" than you... ;)

antihero

[Carlo_Julian]

Thank you both for your replies. Quite helpful. I am very new to art and don't know much about proper technique, terminology, equipment, tools etc. I was actually kinda surprised at how my drawings turned out because when I was younger my drawings were never that good.

I was wondering... when trying to learn how to draw anatomy, is it better to draw from photos of people, or draw from real life?

[antihero]

Drawing from real life is in my opinion better, because you need to "understand" what you draw. When copying a photo you can "simply" copy what you see. Well... not a good explanaition, but you'll hopefully get the point. Anyways. Drawing from photo reference is still good, and probably a thousand times better than not drawin at all... :)

antihero

[AmishCommy]

ole!

fisrt, if you want to learn how to draw people, go out and draw people. Learn anatomy. lean what the muscles look like and how they act. but best of all is drawing from life. get some friends to pose for you, draw your relatives when they are sleeping (on the couch or something, not at night in their beds, that would be creepy.)

Draw still lifes to train your hand-eye coordination. Draw whatever you can get your hands on. even if it seems boring.

Also use a simple #2 pencil. you can get all sorts of tones and values with just that. thry the other ones. but the best is still the #2. also dont be afraid to try diferent materials.

Most overpriced sketch books you get at art stores suck. their paper is poo. You want paper that feels smooth. even textured paper has to fell somewhat smooth. if the paper is grainy, especialy after you erase, don't use it. you can get som pricy books with good paer. i use the cheepo sketchbooks you get at borders. or computer paper is good for doodles and practice. dont expect to frame drawings done on computer paper.

also, (this is a personal preference) when i draw, i dont use erasers. they are a waste of time. if i mess up i get a new piece of paper and start over. that's the best practice, and it keeps you from wasting time trying to perfet one thing in the drawing while neglecting others. I've killed so may trees doing this. boy do i suck.

[Carlo_Julian]

Thanks AMish.