I have been painting every day for the past two or three weeks. I enrolled in a couple of online courses, both of which I have totally enjoyed. However, my poor drawing skills keep flying in my face. Yes, I can render things realistically quite often, but all too frequently I tumble when it comes to proportion of multiple objects together, and a lack of ability to convey perspective.
So, after doing a bit of research, I decided to get myself some help. Not online course here, but a jan-yoo-wine book. Ebook, admittedly, but nonetheless, a book. The book is called Keys to Drawing by Bert Dodson. I have other books on the basics of drawing, perspective, pen-and-ink, the right side of the brain. I just wanted something that starts out with basics and straight-forward writing. I think this will be a good choice to rediscover drawing.
I am not going to get into this book in depth here online, but I am planning to follow it and see how my skills evolve. I need to renew my knowledge, and baby steps and exercises are the key. I plan to continue to paint every day, too, so I will be a little nutso I expect – but who isn’t without people to socialize with in person or being able to go for a hike? This seems like a perfect time.
Thus, with no further ado, here are my beginning exercises from Keys to Drawing: Contour drawings of my feet and left hand.
Yeah, I really do have a big gap between my great and second toes!
The first exercise was feet – I did three but did not include the first. Dodson says, “Look, hold, draw.” Look at whatever you are drawing, observe the curves and angles, and put them down. Spend more time looking at the subject matter to see if you are getting the lines correct, not if you have a good drawing. (Ah, monkey mind!) As I progressed, things got better and I began to look at relationships of this to that, and things began to improve.
And that, she said, is what I want to do.
Ink, Yarn & Beer 
Once in a while, we have to get back to basics. That’s why I like to help new photographers. You remember things you forgot and sometimes things click in your mind that didn’t before! I think your sketches are great! I’m jealous since I can’t even draw a straight line!
Thanks, Anne! I understand the part of teaching and learning in the process. But, I think you really could draw if you wanted to – but if the motivation isn’t there, it’s not important. On the other hand, you sure do great photography!
Thanks -N-! Yes, photography is my thing. I’m not truly a creative artist, but I can see opportunity and make something from it. I’m a good non-fiction writer, and have the ability to see the story where others may not. But I’m not a fiction writer who can create a story and create characters, etc. One day I might try to paint from a picture, but I do love holding the camera in my hand knowing that how I approach the scene will change the image. Maybe I’m not motivated to paint! I’m having too much fun shooting! I do admire your ability to create with paint and brush.
Very good start I think!
Your hand drawing is quite good. I also realized that I needed to practice drawing in order to improve all my artwork. On-line courses have definitely helped me. I subscribe to Bluprint.com
Thanks, Laura Kate! I was rather pleased with the hand – warmed up by then! I have used Bluprint for sewing and some art classes, but don’t have a subscription – got in when they were Craftsy. I seldom do classes as I get sidetracked too easily to usually make them worth the cost. Lately I have – but house arrest and retirement seem to make them more do-able!
Thanks, Fraggy!
I am more motivated to paint than take pictures, but getting out of the house motivates me to take pictures as there is so much to see!!