What did I learn?
I have done very little drawing since my grade 9 Art class, so that is over 7 years that I have forgotten all the basics of art. Two very basic things that I had forgotten to do was hold the pencil softly and that everything starts with straight lines that are manipulated. The biggest thing is that everything starts with lines and basic shapes.
What resources did I use and What do I want to learn next?
I started watching a YouTube video called Basic practice to improve your drawing skill. It truly helped with with the skills that I talked about above along with the process of looking at objects as little pieces rather than overthinking the entire object.
In the following weeks I would like to continue to work on drawing individual objects and by the end put multiple objects together to make a scene. Other skills and techniques that I am interested in learning in the next little while include drawing other 3-dimensional shapes and also drawing from different perspectives.
Some videos that may help me get to my goal include:
Learn To Draw #01 – Sketching Basics + Materials
PERSPECTIVE DRAWING 01 – THE BASICS – Horizon Line, Vanishing Points 1,2 & 3
Reflection from Video
The video was a little boring to start with but even though a warm up like the one posted below does not look like much it does help with the pressure of the pencil and the ease of the shapes. It was a good refresher on 3-D shapes and the process of making them look a little crisper. I also like that at the end he gave examples of objects that can be made form basic lines and shapes. Below I posted a picture of the sketches that I did after the warm up. I am going to start next week by trying these again because I need to work on the book and desk. Then I plan on digging deeper using one of other videos that I linked above to continue my progress.
Hello Cody!
This is such a cool project idea. I will have to follow along closely and try to pick up some tips and tricks from you so I can improve my own drawing skills. I am also going to be an elementary teacher and I can already imagine myself saying “I’m not an artist” before having to draw something on the board! It seems like this week was a good starting point for you and you are figuring out what you like and dislike while learning online. You have a good plan for the next couple week that I look forward to checking in on!
Hello Cody!
This learning project looks like it is going to be great! I am also not an artist, hence my interest towards math education, but I found myself in many situations throughout my internship drawing different diagrams on the board to support students in solving problems. I am excited to see the technique you explore and learn throughout the semester and look forward to picking up some of the tricks as well!
Youtube is a great resource to access and it looks like you have a good plan for your project!
Hi Cody,
I think that it’s great that you’re setting out specific goals. This is really helpful in keeping track of your progress and concentrateing on doing one task at a time. And I agree with you that learning the basics of something can be boring, but I know that after mastering the basics the fun such stuff can begin.
Hi, these are great warmups! I draw myself, however, I do not consider myself a professional at all. I am mostly self-taught and enjoy doing it in my free time and for my own benefit. Look into shading, it is pretty awesome for adding depth to your drawings. Also, faces are hard, even for me. I have a book that is called “You will be able to draw a face by the end of this book” haha. It has yet to be opened because it intimidates me. Good work and good luck with your adventure!