Curse

carbajac · Nov 04, 2009, 07:45 AM // 07:45

Way back in high school, the art teacher was trying to get IB Art started, but she had to generate enough interest in the topic for there to be successful class. I told her I wouldn't mind taking it but that I was a terrible at art. She said that that was fine. Drawing, painting, pottery, etc., like many things, is a skill that can be taught. Your creativity and style is what makes your art unique. So, regardless of if you were born with an innate talent for drawing doesn't mean you can't give some of these guys here a little competition.

Tzu · Nov 04, 2009, 07:32 PM // 19:32

Here's my progress, if anyone's interested...

oldest thing I can find, pen and markers, nothing digital. 2004-2005...

just beginning to go digital. mostly photobucket + burn (didnt know about the dodge tool before early this year) also, "lens flare makes everything better" >.>' early 2007...
no tablet.

first ever commission done, here in nolani. Probably one of the best I did at the time. Lineart and digital colour, early 2008. No tablet.

no tablet still, but it doesnt make a lot of difference when all you're doing in PS is block-colouring in between the lineart and burning the shadows. august 2008.

tablet aquired! Now what happens if I try to avoid drawing lineart? D8
... I fail, that's what. April this year.

hmms, guess I'll return to drawing lineart with a pen and paper, then colouring in PS with my new tablet...
june this year.

I open a freebie-thread here in nolani, and draw like mad for 2-3 days.
I do everything in PS, and just ignore all rules Ive ever obeyed about colouring within lines, amount of detail required to make a drawing look good, etc. july this year, probably.

more drawing in photoshop only, getting to grips with my tablet,
my life is pretty much falling apart around me at this point, theres freedom and escape in drawing. late july this year.

Life is pretty ***** but I find ways to make it through. september.

right now.

Verene · Nov 04, 2009, 08:02 PM // 20:02

Your progress is insane, Tzu. It's awesome.

I would put some samples of my progress, but pretty much all of my drawings/sketches from before two years ago were destroyed when our house flooded >.<

Duranin · Nov 04, 2009, 08:38 PM // 20:38

It's sorta difficult to trace down my older art since they're hidden pretty well on dA, here's the best I can come up with. Some dates may be wrong.

My largest improvements were when I was younger. I had more time to draw and my art changed rapidly.

Oooold drawing from one of my first sketchbooks! I was probably 5-7 years old.

2005 (Photoshop 7 & no tablet.)

Early/////Mid/////Late 2006 (The year I got my tablet.)

2007

2008, Early 2009
I started using SAI in August.

Feb 2009.

April 2009.

May - July 2009...

August Chibi Fad

Last commission???

Fall semester 2009 - largely experimental phase.

KiyaKoreena · Nov 04, 2009, 10:28 PM // 22:28

I think art (like anything) can be learned with enough practice but feel certain dispositions (whether genetic or situational) will gravitate to art and find it easier to create or become outstanding at it.

Personal example: I've got the ideas, I know I could be better if I applied myself, yet find myself holding back from improving (I can think of half a dozen excuses for this behavior but that is off topic and beside the point). I like drawing/painting sometimes but I am a horrible self critic and keep talking myself out of doing anything to improve. I always compared my stuff to others (my mom, my sister, one of my friends) and berated myself until I gave up. Eventually I do try again, different subjects, different mediums, trying different styles, and keep hoping I will find something that I feel is good enough and that I enjoy enough to try improving on.

Currently for drawing/painting I'm playing around in photoshop with a tablet because it's my latest toy.

<-- Took general art, photography, graphic design every year I could in public school. High marks every time. I really miss the easy access to all the supplies.

Duranin · Nov 04, 2009, 10:36 PM // 22:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by KiyaKoreena

I've got the ideas, I know I could be better if I applied myself, yet find myself holding back from improving (I can think of half a dozen excuses for this behavior but that is off topic and beside the point). I like drawing/painting sometimes but I am a horrible self critic and keep talking myself out of doing anything to improve. I always compared my stuff to others (my mom, my sister, one of my friends) and berated myself until I gave up.

This.

/1234

BlueXIV · Nov 04, 2009, 11:05 PM // 23:05

Loool progress pictures. I'm at college, so I don't have that many of my early crap with me, but luckily for you guys, I found an old sketchbook from middleschool 8D.

I'll scan a few in for you guys to laugh at.

Editting post once my scanner stops being mean.

CagedinSanity · Nov 05, 2009, 12:24 AM // 00:24

I know I am just a humble stick figure artist, but I feel the compulsion to answer these things as well.
Though, I do abstract stuff as well. But none of it is GW related so I haven't shown it here.

Were you guys born with a talent for drawing or did you start off terrible and gradually improved? In other words, is drawing an inherited or learned trait?
To the last part of the question, art can be both inherant AND learned. Art Schools aren't just there for the pros.
And for me, I've pretty much stayed the same my entire life. My art isn't going to get much better than it is now.

What tips do you have for someone like me that is interested in creating his own masterpieces.
I'm not the best person to ask this, especially since you seem to be going for more realistic art. I do stick figures (good ones, mind you) and abstract.

What mediums do you guys use. Pencil and paper, digital, etc.
Pencil/Gel Pens (Gels are really good for filling in), and Paint.NET.

Building on the last questions, what programs do you guys use in retouching your art. I have photo shop because I need it for the website creation but what else do you recommend?
Paint.NET is a cross between normal Paint and Adobe/Photoshop.
But if you're looking for more realistic stuff, get yourself a tablet. They're expensive as hell though.

Do you have any good websites/programs that you find to helpful in improving art skills?
See above.

On second that, that wasn't very much help at all. Sorry for wasting your time.

Pugs Not Drugs · Nov 06, 2009, 10:16 PM // 22:16

Thanks to all you guys for your great advice