[inspirejenna]

I have lost touch with my "true" self and haven't picked up a paint brush or piece of charcoal in years. After getting my BFA, i stumbled upon a career that was too lucrative to pass up. After 6+ years moving and traveling I have decided that I need to do what has always made me happy…. I quit and started over…. i have found a place to call home and decided a room in my new home will be an art studio…

my dilemma…. forgot where to start! does anyone have some good links to the basics?? I forgot the guidelines for portraits… I forgot blending techniques…. etc…. etc.. etc…

There is an old man who always smokes outside at noon…. everyday…. i wanted to draw him since i moved in…. i did.. everything about the drawing was askew… i have ribbons, scholarships, etc to remind me that i am (was) a great artist…. now i can't even draw the old guy in the park across from my apartment. inspiration? advice? help? wisdom? anyone?

 

[Sorin]

Lightly establish spacials of eyes, nose, mouth first. Then sizes of each. Then other spacials... outside line of cheek, hair, etc. Then adjust as you develop the image, light to dark. Draw with spaces rather than lines.

 

[TerryCurley]

Welcome to the forum Jenna. You certainly are a brave person, giving up your lucrative position to start an art career. I hope it works out for you. Looking forward to seeing some of your work. You will get back in the groove quickly I'm sure.

 

[Susan Mulno]

Hello and welcome.

Do as some of us here have done, go back to the basics. Just start with lines, shapes, shading, etc...then move on to practice exercises, speed drawing, blind contour etc....

If you are unsure what those exercises are, just ask, we would be happy to help. I am sure you can check out videos on YouTube, no lack of tutorials there!

Remember to have fun! And don't judge anything you do right away, set it aside and go back to it later, it will look better.

 

[inspirejenna]

Thanks! Keep the suggestions coming! Blind contouring was one of my favorites early in school.

 

[chanda95]

You know I did that. I went 10 years without so much as picking up a pencil. One day I just got the urge and found a picture and started drawing again. I was rusty as all get out but the basics were still there..the foundation was still there. The more I drew the better I got. I am still progressing and getting better and yes I still take breaks. I am in the middle of one now. I think it is important to take those breaks and re-center yourself..as long as they aren't 10 years...lol.

I think you will find that once you start it will all come back to you. I would pick up where you left off..with the subject matters you used to love the most. If you attempt something you love I think you will do better and be more invested in your piece.

If nothing else we are so lucky nowadays...we have the internet and all the benefits it provides...youtube has some amazing tutorials...a lot of artists now also offer tutorials on their web-site. I have never been one to use tutorials like that but a lot of members here have used them with incredible results.

The key is to find something that works for you. Do you have a local college near you that offers art classes? I know a lot of them will allow you to audit classes so you get the same education at a lowered price and you don't have to participate in all the tests..you won't get college credit but you will get the experience. A lot of galleries also offer free classes.

Good luck. I hope you share some of your work with us!

 

[chanda95]

I might also add that this site and the people in it are also very helpful. I would not be where I am if it wasn't for the advice and criticism I have received here. I think you do need to have a bit of a tough skin and an open mind. People will give you advice about what they see in your art that needs work..sometimes they may not always be overly nice in how they do it...please don't let that discourage you. I have always looked at that as a challenge..as an "I'll show you how good I can do" type thing. Often what they see wrong is what helps you grow the most. When I started here I had a TERRIBLE time with values. I still do actually. I was afraid that if I went to dark it would ruin my art. The more I draw the more comfortable I am with it. If it wasn't for the advice and criticism I received I would still be stuck in my rut more than likely. I am forever grateful for the help I have received here.

Every piece of art you do is a learning experience. You will NEVER stop learning.