I am VERY TERRIBLE at drawing. Is something wrong with me?

Question

I'm in the 9th grade and I am very terrible at drawing. I can't follow in Art class (1) and usually (always) have the worst drawing in the class and constant remarks by the teacher tell me how much I suck. Is something wrong?

Answer 1

I agree that there is nothing wrong with you. Personally, I learn a lot of things slower than other people. I took a beginning dance class once, and I was terrible at it. I was the worst person in the class. I took the exact same beginner's class over again, and I was much better the second time around, because I'd had a lot more practice. My advice is to give yourself time to learn, and to focus on what you enjoy about drawing. If you enjoy the simple act of making the marks on the page, or of observing closely whatever you are trying to draw, or any aspect of the process of drawing, then don't give up, because if you devote time and effort, you can get better. You might surprise yourself.

I agree with the person who said art is about learning to SEE. Learn to see shapes and lines and light and dark, not just objects. That will help you.

I also agree with the person who recommended finding some books that will teach you how to draw. There are a lot of different books that take a lot of different approaches. Maybe your teacher's teaching style doesn't suit you well - and maybe you can find a book that takes a different approach that works better for you. Personally I'm learning from Drawing for the Absolute and Utter Beginner, and I find it very helpful.

Also, don't try to learn everything at once. Don't try to be a spectacular artist right away. Just focus on making progress, even just a tiny little bit at a time. If your teacher criticizes ten things in your picture, try focusing on only one small thing that you think you might be able to do differently if you spent some time on it. Ask for pointers and tips and try to show your teacher that you're trying to use their advice. Artists are sometimes big on giving criticism, because they see it as a learning tool. It's like writing a rough draft of a paper for your English teacher. You turn in a rought draft, and the teacher marks it all over with red ink, but then lets you fix the things they marked and turn in a better final draft. The teacher may think that they are trying to give you a chance to improve. Don't take criticism as the final say; use it as a starting point for a second draft. Even if you don't get to turn in your second draft, the practice will help you get better and your efforts will begin to show in future drawings.

Most of all, don't assume that because you can't draw YET, that you NEVER can. As long as you can improve at any tiny thing, then you can always get better. Just give yourself time, and focus on enjoying yourself.

Answer 2

First of all hon, relax....just enjoy yourself. Try to be neat.
Also, mess with the teachers' mind some. Try asking your teacher what their favorite tips are to become better.
In fact, you could take your sketch pad and pencils with you where ever you go. Draw what you see. What makes you happy or sad. Show them to your teacher and ask for the teachers' opinion. Practice, practice, practice...it only makes better. Not perfect. I think if you can discover a way to unwind and just have fun with drawing; that you'll do a much better job of it. A lot of times the block is fear of imperfection. You have plenty of time to get better if that is what YOU want to do.

Try making basic shapes that you turn into objects. Example...ovals and circles will make a variety of animals.
Try to see the overall shape instead of what you are trying to do.
A leaf might actually be an oval shape or a triangle. Then you add the details. Use bold strokes instead of sketching in bits. Don't press down too hard so that you can easily and cleanly erase.

If your teacher still has an attitude try to remember that this too shall pass and maybe next year you'll have a better teacher. Also you could possibly sign up for beginning art classes at places like your local recreation center. Go to the library and check out books on drawing for beginners.

I feel that if you put some effort into drawing on your own and for pleasure, then show the teacher what you have done...that you will overcome a lot of the problem.

Art should make you happy hon. Not frustrated and sad. If you never feel anything but frustrated and embarrassed then it's time to find another hobby.

Good luck to you.

Answer 3

Some people can't draw. Thankfully, art is not solely drawing, but painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media, writing, musicianship, etc. I've learned there are some tricks to learning how to draw better, but if you've got no talent for drawing, then you've got no talent for drawing. I'm sure you have other talents that far exceed the ability to draw.

Some tricks to drawing better:
--instead of drawing the object, draw the space around the object (called negative space technique)
--try placing the object upside down (if you can), then draw it right-side up. This forces you to pay more attention to detail.

It could also be your teacher. If your teacher assumes that you'll know a technique simply by being told what the technique is, they're not a very good teacher. Most people learn better by doing than by hearing or seeing. Perhaps you can ask for help from a student who seems to understand what the teacher's trying to say, rather than simply relying on the teacher's instruction.

Answer 4

Nah, there's nothing wrong with you.

My personal philosphy is that anyone can draw, and that the skill has very little to do with motor functions and 99% to do with how you process what you see mentally.

Someone passed a theory onto me that everyone has symbols in their mind for just about every object they see. Those symbols "fill in the blanks" when the brain quickly processes everything they eye takes in (the brain is built for speed, sometimes you aren't actually "seeing" something your brain tells you is there - it has it's own visual shorthand). Those symbols are what get in the way when some individuals deemed 'bad at art' attempt to actualize the scene on the paper.

Think of computer animation. For example, If you saw the Matrix sequel movies, you could probably pick out every frame where the figure was completely produced by computer animation (disregarding the unreal action movements of course). You might not be able to tell the reasons "why" you know it's not 'real', but your subconscious brain knows every little detail missing that makes it 'unreal'.

Foreshortening is a technique that illustrates how drawing something that shouldn't be representatation actually makes it look "real" in the proper perspective.

Drawing is simply breaking down all the miniscule parts and re-assembling them on the page. Sometimes you simply must force, or fool, your own brain into reproducing the object properly.

Think about the actual shape and lighting on the object when drawing, not the name of the object you are trying to draw.

Answer 5

Some people can draw, and some people cannot. Some people draw better than others.

When I was five my teacher told my parents I probably had a learning disability because my art work was so crap. But I could out read any of the other kids and was better at math. Needless to say I had no learning disability. I joined MENSA at 18 and work as an audiologist earning more than than that retarded teacher ever did in their life.

Sadly some teachers get so caught up in their specific subject they just don't understand why other people don't get it. They forget that they probably went into that field because they enjoyed it and were good at it.

There are thousands of jobs you can do that don't require you to be good at art. Just accept that it is not your subject, and soon it will be all over and behind you. In a few years, you'll never need to draw again. Good luck.

Answer 6

No, not with you. Your teacher should not tell you that you suck. There are other forms of art besides drawing, maybe you don't "suck" at one of these. Another thing, maybe if you are having trouble learning how to draw, it's because you don't have a very good teacher, or the right kind of teacher. If you really want to improve, you will with practice. If not, don't sweat it.

Answer 7

first of all the teacher shouldn't be picking on you because you're not a good artist. Second of all, we can't all have the facility to draw or paint. Just as some people cannot sing. Therefore don't become discouraged. There are things that can be taught to you to make you better, but you need patience and education. Not an ****** teacher and people putting you down. you may never be picasso, but you can be an everyday artist. Plus you have plenty of time to develop skills. just take your time.

Answer 8

You may not be able to draw but you have an eye for good art and that is more than most people. The fact that you do not like your work shows you know what good art should look like...you just need help to fix it. Isn't that what art class is for?

Answer 9

nope---I always sucked at drawing too...& I still can't draw! (im 25) Actually, everyone in my family is VERY artistic, even my 5 year old can draw better than I can! Don't worry, some people just don't have that talent...but I'm sure there are plenty of other things you are good at. & that sucks your teacher is being snotty about it...Maybe you should ask for some pointers??
Good Luck!

Answer 10

The only thing that's wrong here is a teacher that makes a student feel like they suck. I say "revel in your suckieness, celebrate it and display it, suck proudly sweetie!" Seriously, it's not you that has the problem, art is an expression, your expression, your teacher (?) should understand that fist as an art teacher and secondly as an adult. Hang in there kid 9th grade won't last forever. -sigh- Sincerely. a very agitate Joann