Good post advice from Scrapper and Damon.
Drawing problems indicate a lack of understanding in the basic
structure of the object you are attempting to draw. However,
that is only the tip of the "iceberg" in drawing. Beginners
need to realize that they have to learn to "know" how to draw
the object's basic structure. Understanding a 3-D structure
rendered to a 2-D surface is a challenging task.
Start by studying the basic structure of an object in
relationship to basic geometric shapes. By geometric shapes I
mean the line, the circle, the sphere, the square, the cube,
the cylinder, the cone, etc. Look for these shapes in the object.
(Kinda like finding hidden objects in a picture.) Master these
shapes the best you can.
For beginners, don't worry about shading, hatching, or
crosshatching. Just practice the general outline of the
object. But be aware you are not learning how to tackle the
drawing. You are simply learning how to lay down basic
character structure on paper..
Reference guides: For some reason you can always start a good
argument over what kind of references a person should have at
his/her finger tips. Look for two types: 1) Those that
demonstrate structure, as in, anatomy books; and, 2) Those
that show processes or methods in how to approach your drawing
as you put the pieces together; perhaps, starting your drawing
with what is known as a Line of Action. Line Of Action is useful
for drawing proportions, slants, angles, and determining the action
of the character. [Quick note: You do not have to use Line Of
Action in a drawing. Most artist art schooled learn that approach.
(Jim, I believe, doesn't use it, and his characters turn out just
fine.)
Real life photos are ok, however, don't let the detail in them
overwhelm you, or distract you from what you are studying; if
it's a muzzle structure, don't worry about fur color.) Also,
obtain a Barbie doll and animal dolls. Use as models. Place a
mirror next to your drawing station. All these items will help
you study drawing. [For serious, (or even the unserious),
students in the 21st century, obtain a 3-D software drawing
program.]
After basic character structures, the next big skill challenge
for new students is getting the different geometric shapes to
flow smoothly together to form your object; i.e., how all those
lines come together to make a character; like a skunk; in those
proper proportions, curves and angles. Learning this skill
frustrates folks to no end. It's normal.
Try the following and see if it helps:
Find a real life photo with the subject you want to study,
i.e., a muzzle, eye, how a paw connects to a leg, how a leg
connects to a body.
Scan photo into a computer and make a negative of the image.
(Not grey scale. That just removes colors.) Depending on the
photo the result will give you various grey to black scale
background with white contour lines. (Flesh will be various
shades of grey.) The white lines will show how the objects
basic contour lines flow into one another. Study the lines
and practice drawing them. Observe where a line starts and
where it ends; how many lines are needed to render a
structure recognizable. Study how the lines flow/connect
the various body structures to one another; head to neck,
neck to shoulder, shoulder to arm, arm to wrist, wrist to
hand. Some photos will work better than others. Experiment
what suits you..
Print the image and place it in your sketchbook/notebook
for future reference. Practice tip: Take a 3x5 card, cut
a hole in it, (one or two inches), and place it over the
image area of the structure you want to practice drawing.
This will help reduce any distraction from the other parts
of the object. (Your eye won't wander.) Draw with tracing,
or thin, paper. Then place your tracing on top of the hole
to see how close you are in accuracy. Practice until you
get a close match.
That's my two-cent. And we haven't even gotten into shading,
hatching, crosshatching, or inking.
See how much fun learning how to draw can be....cough.
aspirin anyone?
Received on Thu May 22 2008 - 22:38:44 CDT