How could I improve my drawing skills?

Question

I do a lot of flash animations and things like that, however I feel my drawing ability is very limited.

I try to draw things seriously, and most the time I end up doing more characatures than serious drawings...

How could I improve this? Is drawing skillfully a natural gift? or can it be learnt and developed?

Answer 1

Like most anything, the more you practice, the better you get through experiance. There is certainly a natural "gift" element to drawing for sure, but even one of limited ability can definately develop into a very good artist over time.

There are many books than can help with the drawing of people, simple methods of construction and balance. Have a look through a few then get friends or familly to sit for you, even if its just while they sit and watch the Tv ... I find it most rewarding once the basics start to come.

Answer 2

You know the answer to this question is about a book long don't you?

Being an artist myself and having taught for many years in my opinion there is only one resource for those wishing to improve there drawing skills, Betty Edwards; Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. All your questions will be answered with some excellent activities and observation techniques.

Research it first and read a little more, it's a very well known book, then get a cheap second hand version from abe books.

Answer 3

The best way to improve your drawing is to draw, draw, draw!
Get yourself a nice drawing pad (or better yet the black journal types they sell) and promise to draw every day. Set aside a time for it. Try drawing from real life. Explore different types of drawing, such as contour drawing. If you can only doodle that day, then just doodle. Just try to fill a page each day. It is your book and they are very fun to look back on.

One other thing I would do is go to the library and get the book Drawing on the Right side of the Brain. This book is perfect for people who are not confident in their drawing ability. It will definitely help you.

If time permits, sign up for a local art class. Most communities offer them through adult education or private art studios.
Good luck!

Answer 4

Firstly do not feel that you are not good. Anything comes with practice. When i draw something , I also end up in the same position that you end up in. i.e i draw caricatures or cartoons. It is then that you add more features to the drawing and then try to make it more life like or 'serious' as you put it. when You draw a cartoon , it may end up having a round face or a funny nose. But atleast you got your anatomy right. the hands ,feet features , expressions are in the right places. From then on go slowly and transform them slowly into realisitic figures. It may be easy for me to write this. but I assure you. It takes a bit of practice. But once you get it right it becomes second nature. Another neat trick is to start with stick figures. then on add hands , legs and other parts of the body. But you need to look at your self in the mirror for the pose to be right. Then it becomes very simple.
Hope you have a bright future.

Answer 5

Hi
People often find their talents in a particular area of drawing, such as animation or a particular genre of portraiture or figure drawing. The most common now is Manga, since they consider this to be of their generation. Since they have this fixation of image they often revert to it when attempting other forms of drawing. This is not unusual in young developing minds, since we have a considerable number of influences hitting on us everyday, its easier to revert to something we know we are good at! Less influences, easier to work. Using self portraits as an example, look at the work of Albrecht Durer, especially his self portrait at age 13! Its all a matter of getting people to look and see! Educating or teaching the eye to see and analyse. I have spent considerable time working with people who say they can't draw and have spent a number of years researching the subject. If you are serious about improving then I would suggest that you read the following by a colleague of mine.' Drawing on the right side of the brain' by Betty Edwards. but get the latest edition ISBN 0-00-711645-4. Either go to a library or I think its available from Amazon £15.00. Hope it helps. The techniques described for adults does work and I have used them in research for a number of years with really good results. Enjoy!

Answer 6

there are some good books on drawing the figure, so many that it would take up a long time to write them. look in your local library for a book on drawing the human figure. as for tracing don't do that everyone can draw. only takes a bit of practise, art can be learn ed of course like ever thing else. only artists have the eye and have the gift at no effort just like some can play snooker well they also have to practise to develop and learn.

Answer 7

Simple answer. Practice.

YBH - (yes, but how?)

Pick a photo or picture you like.
Use tracing paper and trace it.
Trace it 3 or 4 time. Then get a white piece if paper and draw it.

Tracing is NOT cheating. You're developing eye-hand coodination.

All of the previous answers, I pretty much agree wih - except one. One person said you either have it or you don't and you can't learn it. I DISAGREE TOTALLY !

Talent helps, but technique draws. and you CAN learn technique.

Don't give up !

Answer 8

Being a master of drawing portraits is simple with assistance from Realistic Pencil Portrait Mastery guide from here https://tr.im/qe38S .
With Realistic Pencil Portrait Mastery guide you'll got that called Session Mind Routes and each of the session is sold with what're named “Process” or “Mind” maps. These are essentially outline summaries of that which was covered in all the lessons.
With Realistic Pencil Portrait Mastery you may also get 100 Large Resolution Guide Pictures because if you are likely to practice your face pulling, you then are going to need research pictures. This bonus includes 100 high quality dark and bright photos comprised of 70 looks and 30 facial features. Very helpful!

Answer 9

The Betty Edwards stuff is awful. The pursuit of new tricks or fancy sketchbooks is a waste of time. And so I have a somewhat different answer. I've been actively drawing for 48 years. My suggestion to you is to love the craft itself in all its forms. That's it. Look at all kinds of drawing, try all kinds of drawing, go outdoors and spend HOURS just drawing one tree. The other thing is to question why you want your drwing to be realistic or ccaricatured (or whatever). The best draughtsman appreciate and express themselves comfortably many ways. Also try hypnosis. It will teach you to relax, relax, relax and stop trying to force a result. Or some zen yoga. Good luck. The biggest impediment I have seen in other striving artists is when they think "just one way." Stop trying to be one thing and instead CONNECT with the very act of trace, contour, crosshatch and expand your horizons. I've spent months in one botanical garden or outside the Tate Museum just drawing and redrawing one column. Have you tried that kind of focus? :-) Namaste.

Answer 10

Sit down and practice. It sounds like you need to go back to the drawing board (sorry. It's the phrase.) and focus on drawing what you SEE. And be disciplined about it also. Try using different media, like charcoal, conte crayons, pastels, inks, as well as soft pencils. Also, don't be afraid to go large, it' a good way to go. I also suggest going to a still life/portraiture/life-drawing class once a week to get tips from a professional regularly.