learn to draw

I’ve made good progress on this goal. I have taken two community education drawing classes, which have taught me a lot. I have been drawing on my own pretty consistently as well. I’ve been drawing mostly from life as well as Loomis studies. I have been actively updating my online sketchbook on conceptart.org

Today I just had my first figure drawing class!

Got two books which cover figure drawing for beginners. So I’ve been learning facial proportions, and how to draw eyes. Drew a bunch of spheres and cubes tonight. Drew a lizard from a photo, more hands and perspective studies.

I had planned on drawing a friend lying down and viewing them from a position which caused foreshortening but my ‘model’ was not available. So I started drawing my hand with the intention of doing a 3/4 view self portrait after that. I drew my hand for about 40 minutes then I had run out of energy and decided to call it a night. I feel good that I drew at least something of substance, practicing seeing.

Drew my first figure drawing last night (from life). Didn’t turn out too great but it is my first so that is to be expected. Bought some more pencils. Got a 3B, 4B and 5B to add to the 2H, HB and 2B I already had. Also got some charcoal sticks and a pocket sized sketch book.

Played around with the charcoal a bit.

Also, looked into a drawing class offered by the local art college for adult beginners. The next classes start in January so I may do that then.

I got the book “Keys to Drawing” by Bert Dodson from the library. I have started reading and doing the exercises. My specific goal is to go through this book and do every exercise.

Also found an excellent forum at for concept artists online. I have been reading a lot of forum posts there about how beginners can learn. The above book was recommended and seems to be a good start.

The exercises so far involve drawing things from life with emphasis on studying the subject before drawing it.

I’m pretty much a geek in the sense I work with computers and tech all day. I love what I do. My profession requires logical thinking and problem solving.

But there’s this other part of me that is fascinated by art. I’ve realized that I SUCK at drawing; really it’s true, not trying to be modest! I decided I wanted to try it out for awhile to see if I can get decent. As long as the process is enjoyable and challenging (sure is!) then I may stick with it.

I’ve been sketching in a sketchbook for the last few days and it has been fun. I have sketched various items from real life and also doing lessons from a website I discoverd.

This winter, if I’m still into it, I’m going to look into taking a beginners drawing class which is offered by a local fine arts college. Also I have a friend who is an artist and teaches art who is interested in sketching together and has given me some tips.