Very new to drawing, please help me out with this particular picture and in general.

[KaizerKa]

This is the second thing I've drawn (ever) and I'd like some suggestions as to what I'm doing wrong and what I can do to improve (the drawing and in general).

http://sleazyent.com/Images/Arkady/rabbit.jpg


Thanks in advance. :chug:

[blinky]

looks good! could use more hair tho make it look fuzzy.

[F3nix]

Welcome to the forums.

I tell this to most of the artists here especially in the IRC room. Most of us have a bad habit of restroking. Restroking is when you gover one line multiple times, its not intentional, it's impulse. Why do we do it? Becuse we aren't confident in our drawing and fear that a single line won't do and so we try to reestablish the line. Again. And Again. And Again. And you end up with a very fuzzy line. Try to keep your number of lines/strokes to a minimum.

Is this a life drawing? or did you use a photo reference? If you used a photo reference it's always best to include the photo ref along with your post, so we can properly C&C you on what needs to be done and worked on.

As of now, I see that you only need some more practice before you REALLY get the hang of it. Just be loose and don't pressure yourself too much to finish the drawing or make an exact copy.

Do some loose sketches, maybe some thumbnails just to grasp the subject and its form. Once thats established, work on a larger format and go light with your strokes, just to laydown where you plan on making lines. Go in with slightyle darker lines to give the lines definition. Keep your line going in one direction, don't backtrack a line and then go back again, you'll end up "restroking" again.

Although, some may not agree with me, I don't reccommend drawing animals at first, animals can be quite complicated and I only reccommend drawing animals when you have an understanding of their anatomy.

Try still lifes or even figure drawing or self portraits. Apply the same things I said above and do your best. I hope I could help you. Keep drawing. Keep drawing. theres plenty of paper out there and plenty of pencils, keep drawing.

When drawing from observation. Draw what you see. Not What you know. There's a tendency to draw what you want to be there or what you think SHOULd be there, instead keep looking and drawing, more emphasis on looking. Draw only what you see. It's observational drawing, not memory.

Practice makes perfect.G'luck
-Ant

[KaizerKa]

I understand what you mean with restroking, I tend to do that a lot, in this case with the outline of the leg muscle and in the face. I used a photograph in a book, and as it is a 10-pound encyclopedia I don't think it would be prudent to attempt to scan it.

In any case, thanks a bunch, and I'll talk to you on aim later :p

[nikia]

Like F3nix said, and try making shorter strokes, darker where shaded areas come into play.