How do artists improve their drawing skills?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Blahness
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
The discussion revolves around the challenges of learning to draw in an art class, particularly for someone with no prior experience. The individual expresses frustration with their struggles in achieving basic drawing skills such as straight lines and proper proportions, leading to a low grade in the class. Despite the difficulties, they are committed to practicing and improving. Participants in the conversation offer various tips, including using photography as a reference for still-life drawings and experimenting with different drawing tools to enhance control. They also discuss the importance of practice and the idea that while some may have natural talent, others can develop their skills over time. The conversation touches on the use of measuring devices and techniques in realistic art, with some arguing that these methods are common among successful artists. Overall, the thread highlights the learning process in art and the balance between innate ability and dedicated practice.
  • #31
GeoMike said:
Phenomenal artwork zooby. If you don't mind me asking, how do you handle smudging when working with pencils? I have a horrible time with this when I work on portraits. I'll get something exactly how I want it only to smudge it a bit later when I'm working on something else. It is annoying as all hell, because I can never "repair" it back to the way I originally had it. :mad:

-GeoMike-
Easy: I lay a piece of paper over the part of the drawing where I'm going to rest my drawing hand to work. Nothing special, just a piece of printer paper.

When smudges happen, repairs can be done, but it is frustrating to have to do them. I fiddle with all kinds of erasers, cutting them to different shapes with an X-acto knife, and also use the kneeded eraser, which you can pinch into shape.

Glad you like the drawings!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
Zooby: Brilliant. Honestly, I don't have the determination, and based on what you say, the physical time to make beauty like you've done, but I'm going to try to make it look... more.

I only get in-class time, which is a problem, but... meh.

(I also have horrible handwriting, and Doctor Grandma has prescribed me 4 Handwriting books. Woo.)
 
  • #33
zoobyshoe said:
Easy: I lay a piece of paper over the part of the drawing where I'm going to rest my drawing hand to work. Nothing special, just a piece of printer paper.

Damn, I was hoping you had some super-secret method. I guess I'm just a big klutz, I've used paper but I always end up accidentally moving the paper while I have pressure on it -- then I have a large fuzzy smudge. :-p

-GeoMike-
 
  • #34
Ok, I just got back from Zooby's thread, and... just WOW!

Do you have a website or something?
 
  • #35
Blahness said:
Zooby: Brilliant. Honestly, I don't have the determination, and based on what you say, the physical time to make beauty like you've done, but I'm going to try to make it look... more.

I only get in-class time, which is a problem, but... meh.

(I also have horrible handwriting, and Doctor Grandma has prescribed me 4 Handwriting books. Woo.)
As for drawing well quickly, our DaveCP30 (or whatever those numbers after his name are) is the person to talk to. He draws great stuff freehand and even from memory rather quickly.

Projectors and grids are for when you want strict, realistic proportions. That isn't always desirable because the altered way an artist renders something without these strict controls is often better, more interesting and personal, than when the proportions are photorealistic. Dave's art is a case in point: he's got a personal style I really enjoy.
 
  • #36
GeoMike said:
Damn, I was hoping you had some super-secret method. I guess I'm just a big klutz, I've used paper but I always end up accidentally moving the paper while I have pressure on it -- then I have a large fuzzy smudge. :-p

-GeoMike-
Hmmm. I've never had any particular trouble with the paper moving and smudging things. I suppose I unconsciously watch out for this or something. Hard to say.

JasonRox said:
Ok, I just got back from Zooby's thread, and... just WOW!

Do you have a website or something?
Thanks, Jason. I'm glad you lke the stuff. No, I have no website. That thread is my main public show.
 

Similar threads

My Grade 11 Math mark is eating me alive. What do I do?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
1K
Job Skills [Career] - What kind of life does a career in physics entail?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
How Do I Draw 6x6 Tiles in 1-Point Perspective?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Admissions How Can I Improve My Chances of Getting into a PhD Program in Engineering?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Programs Take a 5th year to do more research?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
What do you think of the "Don't get good grades" advice?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
Engineering How do I draw the Bode diagram of this transfer function?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Other How Can I Improve My REU Personal Statement?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
7K
How can I improve my grades in physics II with effective studying techniques?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Do grades matter for PhD? How can I study better?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K