How to Become a Better Artist
-
Loading... - Abigail Cardoso
- 29 Aug 2022
- 78 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
This general, step-by-step tutorial will provide a comprehensive guide to better your skill as an artist.
I learned these techniques from my own trial-and-error experiences and from other tutorials I have assimilated from during my time as an aspiring artist.
Step 1: Start With Sketches
Begin with the basics. Nobody is able to pick up a pencil, as a beginner, and sketch out an epic, detailed battle scene or alien spaceship fleet.
I recommend starting with no color. Paper and pencil. The basics. If you are planning on progressing into a color artist (whether that be watercolor, oil, acrylic, or digital), I suggest you build a firm foundation with pencil sketches.
Step 2: Get Some Good Pencils
Pick out a wide selection of drawing pencils. You want the full range of b's and h's. The brand that I recommend is Kimberly. Also, get a couple no-wood and a paper blender.
80% of the time, I actually just use a yellow, no. 2. But, you also want a little variety with softness and hardness as you progress.
Step 3: Selecting Paper
Don't be overly picky choosing your paper. Just don't get anything super rough or overly smooth. I've found that 80 lb, 200 series, Strathmore Drawing Paper works excellently.
Step 4: Observe, Observe, Observe
Keep your eyes wide open. Try to see things through an artist's filter. This means, pay attention to the seemingly unimportant instead of focusing on the big picture. Use narrow vision. Observe the way light bounces off a certain substance, or how a muscle in the forearm bulges with the wrist tilts inward. Build a visual library. This will infinitely increase realism in your sketches.
Sometimes, when I am in a busy area, I like to look around and pick out little scenes that look like they could be in a drawing. I visualize how I would sketch them and then I remember.
Also, it is good to bring a small, cheap sketchbook around and do rough sketches of subjects that might be harder to remember.
For instance, lets say you are planning on drawing a furry, mythical, fantasy creature. Go out and look at dogs, lizards, and humming birds. Sketch this information and then use it in your creation process. Read More...
