[Erryn]

I'm pretty new to the online digital art scene. I used to draw as a kid, but that was plenty of years ago (and my drawings sucked anyway : ) I've been inspired by many of the pieces of art I have seen on not only these forums but various other sites.

I'd like to get back into painting and drawing again, but it's a little bit dissenheartening sitting down with a clear picture in mind to draw, but not having it come out right. So I have a few questions I was hoping people here could help me with. First of all, any general tips on sketching shapes, people, animals etc. Are there any anatomy books I should check out, and general drawing books that I might find helpful?

The other question was, is it worth jumping in and getting myself a Wacom Graphire to start with, or seeing as I'm not happy with my pencil sketches, then would it be of any use? Should I bypass pencil sketches altogether and go right for the Wacom, or should I try and do both simultaneously?

Thanks in advance, hopefully with everyone's help I'll have something worth posting here in the not too distant future : )

[samdragon]

You can do a search on this forum for "art books" or "painting books"
You'll find plenty of info.
and welcome...
Oh yeah. check out www.budplant.com for some books to get you started.
off the top of my head..

"how to draw the human figure" by louise Gordon, anything by Bridgeman, or Loomis.
That should get you started

[Erryn]

Thanks for the advice : )
I'll keep a lookout for the books you mention. Hopefully somewhere in this town has them, otherwise I'll just get them off amazon

Thanks once again

[Matt Elder]

G'day Erryn and welcome to the forum. I love seeing new members being aussie's (even if you do live on THAT side of the country). Anyhow, one thing is for sure, DON'T buy a wacom as it will not help you draw. Drawing on pencil and paper is far easier/better than digitally. I find the tablet is fantastic for colour and throughly recommend getting one (probably the best couple of hundred I ever spent).

The only way your drawings will get better is through practice. I know you've probably seen some fantastic stuff on the forum and want to jump right in. However there is no substitute for knowing anatomy, perspective, lighting etc. I feel that if you jump in and try to do it all digital, you'll get more frustrated as if you don't have a solid under lying structure, it will still look just as bad.

If you want to get a wacom for colouring, by all means do so as there are always great line art on this forum where people want others to colour.

At the end of the day, if you know how to draw 'traditionally', your digital stuff will look alot better.

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See ya on da flip side
Matt
http://www.mattelder.com

[Maruman]

yeah .. THAT SIDED of the country.. you should come over 2 the REAL side :-P hehe j/k welcome 2 the forum dude



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----PORN PHOTOSHOP AND 3DMAX----All you need for life-Digital CatGirl

[jasonN]

If you try the FAQ you will find an abundance of knowledge, book suggestions, tablet recommendations and links to key threads in the history of the forum.

Maybe we should call it the sijun.com bible or something like that. Then more people might pay attention to it.

-Jason

[Erryn]

Thanks for all the help : )
As for living in this side of Australia, well it's not my choice, but at least my folks can afford a nice house : ) "Why do I live in such a pissant town?"

I saw a hefty hardcover anatomy book in my travels the other day. It was Anatomy for the Artist or something similar. I was tempted to get it, as it was only $40 Australian Pesos, but I didn't know if it was too advanced. Does anyone have any recomendations on how to learn anatomy (aside from studying porn : )?

Thanks for reffering me to the FAQ. I saw it mentioned before and clicked on the faq button, but got the UBB faq, so I thought I'd leave it at that. I now saw the other link, it looks like a good guide and I'll have a thorough read of it.

Thanks once again : )