I dont really know how this happened...

[kirschdude1]

Well I was just sitting here on my computer tonight and it just suddenly struck me that starting to draw might be fun (lol). What I need is just a place to start, some sources maybe. Also what stuff should I buy ( I think sketching sounds the most interesting to me). Are there books I should read? Websites to vist. How did you guys start, I know almost nothing about art but yet all of a sudden I have a craving to learn.

Is it as simple as picking up a pencil and some paper and start to draw, or should I go buy a sketch book and a set of pencils from the local craft store? I just dont know where to begin.

Thanks for the input
-Noah-

[Justin.]

paper + mechanical pencils + dedication = everything you need.

To start with;
Drawing from life (things you see) is the best way to improve your skills.
Drawing from photos can be helpful, but do not even come close to "life drawing" because
-(A) Your eyes are millions of times more potent than any camera, drawing what a camera sees is limiting yourself (except in cases of motion like things running, jumping etc),
-(B) because a photo already has a set composition. You make very little creative decision when you draw from a photo, -ESPECIALLY someone else's.
in short; photos can be a good supplement, but are far from the best.

Drawing from your imagination;
Some books help instruct you on how to visualize form without reference or model- many beginners start with "Bridgman's Complete guide to drawing from life", or many of the books authored by Andrew Loomis, a famous illustrator from the late 30's/40's (at least that's when his books were published).

As far as rules go, there are none. Keep an open mind and discover what anyone has to offer you; that isn't to say some advice shouldn't be taken with a grain of salt. No art is inferior to other art in terms of purpose- much is to be learned from Modernism, Abstract, Impressionism, etc.

As well as people drawing skills, it is healthy to develop a set of Industrial design skills. A good reference point for this is Scott Robertson, he has some DVD's that go over all necessary techniques to build an industrial design skillset, you just have to be disciplined enough to really push yourself with them. The ability to truly accurately draw anything in perspective (without guessing) is a time consuming effort, but the rewards are endless!

There are many many threads here that will be of use to you as you begin your journey... there are threads with links to threads that will help you, just gotta look for em!

keep at it!

[kirschdude1]

Thanks Justin!

So I have been reading since I posted this and I have discovered that I will prolly buy a sketch pad and some pencils from my local art store and start drawing when inspiration strikes!

I have also noticed that there are differnt "hardnesses" of pencils, does this really matter, if so what would be the best for basic sketching?

Thanks again
-Noah-

[AgentAlpha]

I think that having HB or/and 2 B pencils for begining will be enough. Also I like a lot the F pencils.

Although I always start my sketches with 3 or 6 H ( from Koh-I-Noor. I say the brand because sometimes two same hardness pencils by two different brands differ- graffite quality may vary ) without putting too much pressure but that's only my personal preference. :)

From personal experience- when I started I have bought all kind of pencils but mostly used 3H/ or 6H/ , B/HB , 6 B and 9 B.

Usually softer pencils scratch the paper less and you can put darker lines with them without too much pressure ( althought pressing too hard with whatever pencil could damage the paper).

It is fun to find out yourself btw. Experimenting is the key. :) Just don't waste too much money for expensive art supplies in the begining. Choose reasonably priced ones with good quality ( some exist :D). You can buy too expensive stuff later. :)

[Ohaeri]

I'd like to add, http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=870

If that's not sufficient to give you confidence, then I recommend reading Art and Fear. If you're from the United States, it will cost about $13 and is well worth the money.

We'd love it if you would start a sketchbook here: http://www.conceptart.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=41 for random drawings, so that we can give you feedback and monitor your progress. Please feel free to link it from in here if you'd like.

Have a look at Loomis's stuff here: http://fineart.sk/index.php?cat=1 or download it; his books are out of print and in the public domain, from what I understand.

I also recommend getting ahold of a compilation of Bridgeman's books on drawing. He has some very excellent advice on anatomy.

Finally, keep this in mind: the more you draw from life, the better you will inevitably get. Don't be afraid of your mistakes; they're just your way of filtering out what you like and don't like. :)