Learning to Draw Better

[Elix]

I know for a fact that the better you can draw 2D, the better your 3D creations can get. Problem is, I've never taken an art or drawing class, and I'm a sucker for 3D modeling (even though I'm a web programmer, go figure).

Any online/eBook resources I should check out to conduct my own self-taught drawing?

Books and online resources are mostly rubbish, more important is to practice... EVERY day.

[Dondoko]

I agree with jdonner. Mainly it's just a matter of repetition. Remember to draw what you SEE, not what you 'think you see'. One trick is to ignore all the 'inside' details, and draw your object as if you are tracing around the outside of it. Imagine the object as a solid black silhouette. If you are drawing from a photo, it also helps to turn it upside down, then draw it that way.

An enjoyable and easy way to get into drawing 2D on the computer, may be for you to pick up a copy of Flash (8+ is better), Xara Xtreme Pro, and Expression Design. These three vector art applications are excellent learning (and professional) tools. They also offer friendlier User Interfaces for those just starting to get their feet wet with digital 2D.

Hope that helps!

- Don

[Elix]

Thanks for the info, guys, but I think more specifically is what should I practice? You know, techniques and whatnot?

Though it's a good point of drawing what you see, and not what you think you see.

[Dondoko]

Hi Elix! The best technique you can use is the technique that's best for you.

I know that sounds trite, but it's really true. You're into 3D right? Well I enjoy 3D as well. I have tried 3D Studio Max, Maya, Lightwave, Blender, Modo, and so on.. The list is a half-mile long. Each of these software programs are perfect for someone out there, but I didn't enjoy any of them. Then I found Cinema 4D and Wings 3D. The difference was like night and day for me. Are they better than the other software? No, but they feel better for me. The important thing is that they feel very comfortable when I use them.

So do the same thing for your venture into 2D. Find a technique/toolset that just feels right to you. Only you will know what that is; and only after you experiment around some.

As for me, the hardest thing was drawing human faces and bodies realistically. SO... that's what I spent most my time practicing. Normally I am a digital illustrator and photographer. However all the practice I ever did in those two fields, combined, did not help me to improve as much as it did to concentrate on what I felt weakest in--human drawing.

Maybe that will help you too? If you're interested, the following are a few great resources to get you up and running:

http://drawsketch.about.com/cs/figuredrawing/a/figuredrawing.htm

http://drawinglab.evansville.edu/

http://realcolorwheel.com/human.htm

http://www.angelfire.com/ar/rogerart/

http://www.artyfactory.com/sitebody/sitemap.htm

http://www.rebekahlynn.com/free/tutorial/

http://www.prosketch.com/welcome_folder/sketchpad_folder/drawing101_folder/Drawing101.html

http://www.artgraphica.net/free-art-lessons/portrait-art-free-lesson/portrait-art-free-lesson.htm

http://www.drawingcoach.com/

http://monologues.co.uk/Portraits/Index.html

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Draw-People---How-To-Use-Proportions-When-Drawing-People&id=25358

Now, if you take this route, most of the above tutorials are focused on natural media techniques. Therefore, you may want to pick up one or both of these excellent FREE (powerful!) drawing applications:

http://gimp-win.sourceforge.net/

http://www.download.com/Deep-Paint/3000-2191_4-10398243.html?tag=lst-0-1

Or, if you have a Wacom tablet (opening up exciting new features and techniques in most drawing software) I would recommend TwistedBrush and Corel Painter.

http://www.pixarra.com/

http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite/us/en/Product/1166553885783

But it still all boils down to what you feel most comfortable with. Don't punish yourself with the wrong tools. :) And try to stick with drawing the subjects you feel least confident in.


- Don

[Elix]

Whoa, Don! Thanks a bunch, bro!

[helloween_dark]

Elix, we are on the same boat to draw better :)

Some of my friends here, they could draw animes characters perfectly in minutes, but they didnt go to any art schools :confuse:

One day they told me, "when u can draw a perfect half-circle line with a single scratch, then happy drawing man"
Hahahaaha i dont even understand what does it means, but i just think that drawing a half-circle is the most difficult one.

All the best yah

[frolicy]

i found a very good resource here
- after buying the books, lol -

[code]

http://www.drawspace.com

[code]

maybe that helps a little. i regarded myself as untalented, but with this help i managed to draw something , that even my mate was surprised....

[Guina]

thanks for resposta

[Dondoko]

Hey frolicy, that's a great resource! Seldom is a website good enough that I will take the time to become a member. drawspace(dot)com is stellar! Thanks for sharing your find.


- Don