For an absolute beginner

[Convergence 83]

Hey guys Convergence here, formerly known as Golden Shield. For those lurkers out there, I don't judge, might know that I have tried drawing ponies before. However, I had some very poor results. That combined with the sole fact that I was actually trying to draw ponies in the first place (I was new to the fandom at that time), wounded my confidence greatly. I quit drawing and actually never looked back for about a year.

 

Until recently, for whatever reason, I have gotten a strong urge to try drawing again. Learning from my mistakes last time, I think my problem was that I was simply trying to draw something. I never took the time to learn the basic tools, and frustrated myself when I failed to draw anything decent. What a shocker, right? Now instead, I am going about this with a different attitude, I am not learning to draw to create something great, but to merely try to learn a skill. Consequently, I have delved into many online guides, and I have found that most agree on one thing: just to get comfortable using a pencil. Drawing straight lines, curved lines, shapes, patterns, symbols and simple designs. To sketch anything and everything around you, and to do it quickly. Look at your result, try to see what looks "wrong" about it, try to draw it better the next time and throw the original aside. So I guess in other words: practice, practice, practice.

 

So that is where I am at now, filling pages with different designs and shapes while trying to keep a loose, light and comfortable grip on my pencil. And actually, in a couple of days I actually have seen some minor, but noticeable results. Namely, I can draw circles a little more accurately and much more quickly. It may not seem like much, but to me, I think that is a major achievement. It is a 'first step'.  I guess my question is this, are there any good/essential resources you can think of for a beginner sketcher/drawer? Furthermore, as a guy who said that "I simply cannot draw," or "I have absolutely no artistic talent," for 20 years of his life, I kind of want to share my journey of learning the basics to eventually grappling more advanced mechanics. Would you guys think it would be a good idea for me to start a thread dedicated to the practices I am using to gain the fundamentals on drawing, or is that more appropriate somewhere else. The thing is, I don't really want to do this by myself; I want to share my journey.   

[Rogue Ruffian 72]

You're not doing this by yourself - I've told myself I can't draw for 30 plus years, and have started trying to learn manga, and it is taking a heart-breaking long time, but I am seeing some improvement.

 

You have the perfect attitude - you are learning a skill, just like any other. Drawing is not like getting you're letter to Hogwarts, anyone can learn to do it. It's a skill, not sorcery.

 

The best resource I can give you for a beginner is this - everything! Look at all kinds of art books and different styles. Every couple of months I buy a new "How to draw" book (thank heaven for Barnes and Noble coupons and eBay!), not because they are great (some are horrible) but they all give me inspiration to keep going. Never pigeonhole yourself, and never cut yourself off creatively. Keep immersed in art, and keep practicing little by little, and let me know how it's coming along.

[El Duderino 879]

Sounds like you are approaching this the right way. Learning shapes. Getting comfortable with the pencil. That's good.

 

I don't know I you have already, but I would recommend actually getting some drawing pencils and paper. It won't make you better at drawing, but they are a little more comfortable to use.

 

I've never seriously tried to learn how to draw, but growing up around artists, I have a lot of natural talent. Natural talent only goes so far. It really doesn't matter if you have any natural talent as long as you make an effort.

 

Good luck on your journey. 

[Minty Beam 46]

i am confident in my art, i believe i can draw beautifully, my confidence is what drives me to higher quality! Your art is your own, be proud of it dammit! If you can claim your creations are beautiful you may never get better, be confident and your skills will increase in strength!

 

eh, sorry, I'm watchin anime atm and got caught up in the moment

[PacificGreen 1,163]

One thing I like to do is carry a drawing journal with me and sketch whenever I get an idea. Granted, it's a composition book and not an actual drawing pad, but it still helps a lot.

 

When I draw ponies, I almost always use a reference, such as a specific deviantART image or just Google Images in general. 

 

If you're bored (and have no Internet connection), try drawing some objects around you. I once did this when I was in another country and had no data on my phone (and was kinda embarrassed to draw ponies around my family), so I just started drawing a tree, a broom, and a barrel, and I was kinda surprised with how it turned out.

 

As for resources, my favorites are, in no particular order, (1) YouTube video tutorials (2) deviantART tutorials, and (3) books from my library. They're all free (assuming you have access to a computer), so I would take advantage of as many of those as you can.

 

If you'd like to share your artistic journey, maybe try starting a blog on this site or on another site, and link us to it!

[twiia 1,843]

Have you ever read art books before? Sometimes it can be helpful. I remember my first attempt drawing ponies. I just went ahead and drew, didn't turn out real well. Now I use the steps in the books to guide me, and my stuff improves.