I want to get better at drawing but, I'm having trouble figuring out how to improve my skill. Everyone says just draw, but I'm finding it hard to actually start. I'm not exactly sure what to draw. For improving skill/technique, do you read books? Or do you learn from your own work, building up experience and sorting out what works and what doesn't? Anyway, here's something I drew tonight, clicky. I think it came out pretty good. The biggest problem is that I use the eraser way too much, lol. You can defintely see it too. Also, the left hand is kind of small and his face looks weird. No shading because I didn't have a clue, lol. Overall though, just this one drawing took me forever, like 3 or 4 hours. So what should I do to get better? I really can't think of what to draw. It's especially hard if I can't see it.

not bad... but shouldn't the legs be a bit longer?

if you need things to draw, just try what's in your room.
that'll have you working on perspective, distance, and relation.

draw from nature. if you´re out of ideas, take a random object on your desk and draw that.

also, "drawing on the right side of the brain" by betty edwards is a fairly useful book.

edit: simultaneous post. :P
if you´re looking for more books, you´ll be needing one on anatomy (I have a huge comparative anatomy book lying around just for reference), something on figure drawing, as well as a bit on light and shadows. there´s also a bunch of "starter" books which are fairly useful and take you through everything from nature studies to portraits. amazon will be able to help.

Nice!
As others have said, draw from nature, photos. Also copying existing drawings is a good way to learn but copy drawings from many different artists. There are many books and tutorials on drawing available but while they provide good tips, drawing requires a huge amount of practice and there is no way around it.

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I remember seeing The Natural Way to Draw in my library's art section. My brother is an amazing artist so we spend a lot of time there. I guess you can say that's why I'm so interested in drawing - I envy him in a way. Though the book is inexpensive, I'll probably check my library again.

My gripe with Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain is that my first impression makes it seem like the author is trying to teach you some sort of trick rather than actual technique. My brother always ridicules people like that.

That's weird, I posted as anon even though I was logged in. *shrug*

Oh well... anyway, here's the link that got cut out.
The Natural Way to Draw

[Edited by - Arkainium on October 29, 2004 12:09:59 PM]

"Drawing on the right side of the brain" is a bit weird it uses pseudo-scientific babble to try to convince the reader that he can draw. Mostly it's there to help people make the first step and draw what they see. It also explains a few of the basic tricks you'll find in all drawing books such as use your pencil to measure the proportions of what you're drawing, look at the negative shapes around the model. It's not bad but it's not better than the other books.

I would heavily recommend studying art from artists whose style you most want to adapt. I grew up drawing Street Fighter and anime characters. I started out tracing them outright by laying paper over them way back in early years, mostly because I was so bored in school [smile] But tracing all of those drawings carved a strategy into my brain. When I want to create something, it's easy to picture the lines in my head before I start.

But then if you don't have a specific style you want, it's probably best to not draw from other artists work. As that would just lead to more of the same style. In this case, it would be much better to create your own style by trying to not look to see how someone else did it. I've already removed that potential from myself. I doubt what I create will ever truly look unique.

if you want to draw anime, search on ebay for art books or groundworks. I used the groundwork of evangelion to learn. Look at however everything goes together and understand why everyline has been placed in that way so when you draw original works it is easier to create them.

I have also used the eraser A WHOLE FREAKEN LOT.

1) Throw out your eraser.
2) Pack a bag with a notebook and pen.
3) Get on your local bus and ride all over town.
4) Draw.