In a slump. Absolutely need help.

[Wai]

Hey, i know this may be slightly off topic but i figured since this is relevant to learning i might as well post it here. I'm 14 years old and looking to get into art professionally.. Recently ive been doing 'some' anatomy study (not much, just heads and hands. ) Ive got an art assessment up (the teacher's given us free reign to do whatever we like ) and it seems everytime i try to draw anything before i even get to details it turns out rubbish and i thrash the piece, i do this over and over... and when i DO continue past the basic guidelines in the end it looks ...idiotic. I understand this may be the curse of a perfectionist or plain fussiness. The more i draw the more frustrated i get, even when i 'want' to draw. Im in desperate need for help.

[TheGhostOfGilgamesh]

post some of the art you've drawn and hated up here and we can give you some suggestions as to what needs to be fixed. Without a reference, it's kinda hard to help.

[Runteh]

I am 19 and I have been through the same recently mate. So much so that it has compeltely ruined my year. Plus the fate which we call love + life, it has been more than chaotic.

I think I am over it, but here is my advice to you. Even if you cant break through it, keep producing artwork. Dont stop!

Also, you are only 14, so I really wouldnt fret too much. If you keep bashing it out, by the time your my age you will be fantastic :D

Its hard, because some people find easier ways of getting through these blocks.

Any more experienced artists out there who can help him?!?!!?

[Wai]

Thank you guys. Runteh i really appreciate it. It's nice to know im not the only art hobo. I read this thread [forgot the name] where Marko Djurdjevic gives some words of wisdom about how to approach art, by not sweating it out in your room studying analytically, but by going out and appreciating life, by watching people, by noticing how your friends clothes fold, how they're lips move when they speak - helped my self esteem atleast but now im still looking for some help. I'll post some pencil linework shortly.

[MarkHarchar]

Hey Wai,
You are not alone. I am 31 and basically just starting, and I get frustrated as well. I can pass on some suggestions that I have gotten. Keep with the basics. Get really familiar with drawing forms, geometric shapes, anatomical frames and base your projects firmly on the basics. I would bet that any teacher you have that gives you a project would have expectations to see strong fundamentals with some creativity rather than instant masterpieces. Just don't give up. You have time...

[figure2]

it seems everytime i try to draw anything before i even get to details it turns out rubbish and i thrash the piece, i do this over and over... and when i DO continue past the basic guidelines in the end it looks ...idiotic.Wai,

I suppose the downside of being only 14 (at least from your perspective) is that you have not reached a level of artistic maturity where you can produce good work consistently. The upside of being 14 is that you still have a lot of time to learn your craft.

I have a personal theory that experiencing slumps can have a positive effect in that you are being forced to think harder about why the work isn't turning out the way you want. You are (or should be) analysing how you approach your work and if you are paying enough attention to color, value and line. Whether you realize it or not, you are learning during your slumps, even though it may not look like it in the work you are producing.

I agree with TheGhostOfGilgamesh that if you can find a way to post some of your work, the feedback will reap huge benefits. Keep an open mind as you read the comments and be prepared to try some of the suggestions, even ones you strongly disagree with. The way I see it, if you hate the way the work is turning out to begin with, how much worse can you make it? Some of those suggestions may help you fix what you thought was a sure disaster.

Good luck.

[John]

everytime i try to draw anything before i even get to details it turns out rubbish and i thrash the piece, i do this over and over... and when i DO continue past the basic guidelines in the end it looks ...idiotic

Well, i think you've got your answer right there. There's no secret formula, when the framework - the first, basic sketch - is not right, there is no way you'll make it into a great picture. Start sketching lightly, very loose. Don't be afraid to erase. Draw from life is possible. Draw as simple and basic if you can. Avoid curves, in the beginning there's no way you can get those right. Draw straight lines instead, measure, observe.

You'll have to trash many pieces in you lifetime if you decide to pursue art at all. So you better start now, while you're young. There is no point in making a complex statement when you can't control a simple one. Everyone has to make that start.

[Wai]

Yeah i've got my approach straightened out now. Unfortunately I can't post any artwork because my scanner's busted.. Ill try a digital camera and post something for the DSG sometime. I've got a question though, which would be better to use for someone of my skill level- Traditional or Digital? and erm what kind of media for traditional if so? Thanks in advance.

[John]

Pencil, eraser and lots and lots of paper are mandatory. 500 sheet packs of copy paper are pretty cheap.
You may also want to invest in a sketchbook for more involved sketches (good paper), a small sketchbook to carry around with you to draw from life whenever you get a chance (important), a wooden manikin, and a mirror big enough to do self portraits & hand studies. Of course you're free to get all the materials you feel like trying. Water colors, pastel chalks, acrylics, inks ... if you can afford it, experiment and try to find out what works best for you.
If you're starting out, you would be better off investing in a scanner than a graphics tablet, it pays off in the long run to have a foundation in working with traditional materials.
Drawing books, try to find Andrew Loomis books on the internet, they are available as pdf files if you search. Search on the forums or on google, there are many sites / threads about them already.

[figure2]

which would be better to use for someone of my skill level- Traditional or Digital?I agree with Ancient Kitten. Here is some excellent advice I found on The Storyboard Artist's (http://www.thestoryboardartist.com/tutorial.html) site. Pay special attention to the "Improving your drawing" section and develop your skill on paper before you move on to digital.

[Wai]

I've got a scanner [broken], and my graphics tablet is arriving next week. And coincidentally ive got all the materials you suggested =D even the manequin. Ah well erm, i've been wondering what you guys think i should do for my art assessment?

[glarbinator]

Wow. I feel excactly the same as you. :) I'm 14 also, as you may know since you're the only person that posted on my n00bish board. :)

*follows this board*

Sorry I have no advice to give. Heh... I don't know where to start...

[SirGreenSock]

There is a lot of good advice in this thread.
It is important to not get too frustrated with your art, it really doesn't get you anywhere. Have fun with your work, draw or study something you like and are interested in, and the slump will go away soon enough.
If nothing seems to work, walk away from your drawing for a while. Go outside, play some games etc. and come back in a few days when you're feeling refreshed.

As for your art assignment, since it is open-ended, pick a topic (for example, do a couple of still-life drawings/paintings using variety of subjects that interest you such as sports, painting or whatever) that you enjoy and work and play around with it until you find what you want to do.