What do you all recommend for a beginner drawing book/DVD?

[ChillWillGraphix]

Hi gang,

So I have been re-reading Richard Williams' book, "The Animator's Survival Kit" and he mentions to learn how to draw. 3D is only a hobby for me, but I have never been any good at drawing. Now that I am old enough to care enough to do something about that, I was wondering what resources you recommend for picking up some drawing skills? I have taken a Visual Arts Foundations class, so know the basics, but the course did not involve much drawing. I would really like to get some ability with drawing so I figured that I would turn to you all and find out what resources worked for you. I have some anatomy books, but I would prefer to find some great DVD's to look at and see the whole process (vice the snap shots that you get in a book). Thank you very much in advance - any pointers/references/resources will be greatly appreciated!!!


Later - Mike

[bLawless]

For basics, 'How To Draw' books by Disney. They are simple and are great for learning to draw with circles and gesture lines.

Then the advanced 'Dynamic Anatomy'. That shows every muscle's artistic shape. Bone, muscle, cartilage, all working together in the human figure.


514E246QPVL._SS500_.jpg Dynamic.Anatomy.jpg

[puzzle]

Find a Figure Drawing class at the cheapest community college near you and enroll in it. Drawing from life is the best way to learn to draw, and the human figure has everything. If you can learn to draw a figure you can pretty much do it all.
Good Luck
p.s. you might be able to find some figure drawing groups in the community where you live, go to a local gallery or museum and ask, might be free or you just show up and chip in on a model.

[mkk316]

Find anything you can from Glen Villpuu, the man is a master. And practice, practice, practice.

[Patton]

Try this.

http://www.artcone.com/forum/andrew_loomis_books_downloads-t1772.html

[petekasim]

If you only get one book on drawing, make it this one.

Anatomical reference is important, but totally useless without sharply honed observational ability. This book teaches you to SEE things as they really are, and has transformed people's abilities from drawing crude stick-figures to highly rendered lifelike portraits.

Ignore it at your own peril!

drawingontherightsideofthebrain.jpg

Oh, and the Andrew Loomis PDF's are probably the best guides to figure drawing I have personally ever encountered.

[Santis]

Petekasim is rigth, you should choose Drawing on the rigth side of the brain.
Its the best book i have ever red, in all categories, its interesting because it deals with alot of human psychology and really makes you understand why you "cant" draw. After that you can buy more advanced books on drawing and coloring, but start out with this one and you will get a great foundation! :)

[ChillWillGraphix]

Thank you all for the killer advice. I already have a bunch of anatomy books, but I just ordered "The New Drawing On The Right Side of the Brain" book and work book. I had a left over gift card from Xmas anyway ;-) I'm looking forward to getting going with finally learning to draw. Thank you again for all of the great advice. Feel free to keep it flowin' if any of you have anything to pass on that has not been posted yet :-)


Later - Mike