Getting Started

[pencilx]

Hi,

I got hooked on drawing some months back, and would like to develope my skills further. I read a couple of posts on 'drawing from the mind', and it did struck me how lost I am. Perhaps, like most say, it's kind of skill where observartion and paractice plays a big role. Anyway, I am sourcing for materials that can assist me in this area. I've got a copy of Andrew Loomis' book on figure drawing. Any other reccomendations?

Another thing, what sort of pencils do you use whilst drawing on the go? I use a Staedtler clutch pencil with HB leads, was considering getting 2H, but I thought that it's too light. I buy leads that I constantly use, and I use HB for all initial construction and, oftern up to the final product. The hassel with clutch pencils, just like any other wooden pencils is, sharpening them. I've considered mechanical pencils, like Pentel's Graphgear, but the leads doesn't allow for variation in line widths.

Hope I did post in the appropriate sub-forum.

Regards,
Andrew

[Sems]

it doesnt really matter what brand of what you use, someone can use real cheap crappy pencils and draw a masterpiece, just test out lots of different materials and find what works best for you, everyone draws differently so they will find their materials wont be the same as someone else in the same area, such as someone who draws really heavily will possibly use different paper and pencils compared to someone who doesnt press so hard. Find what you like everyone has different opinions on what's best, as things work best for different people

[peterhurman]

you could do some self portraits, your practising drawing humans and from life at the same time.

as for what pencils to use, its just a matter of preference. although i would say try a softer pencil than 2h. a softer pencil is easier to achieve a better range from light to dark.