Well, you've said you're terrible at drawing... Is there some medium that you are decent enough with, or is this a total beginner thing?

As for just plain drawing, it can be next to impossible to do it out of your head. I've been drawing human bodies for 15 years, so I can do it out of my head, but I learned just by observing. Anything you want to draw, paint, etc... Observe it. That's a good start.

It depends on what you're trying to draw.

I draw a lot of humans, but anatomy was never perfect. I went and buy plenty of books that helps teaches me how to draw the human body.

I suggest if you are drawing humans, definitely get anatomy books. If it's animals, there's books about that as well. Google drawing books and what it is you're trying to draw. Chances of you finding a good drawing book through Amazon or websites like that are always on the good side.

Hopes this helped.

I used to be really good at drawing I had a lot of recognition for it. Unfortunately it ended in the 3rd grade. And the sad part is I still draw the same way, I never really ventured into adding any depth or shadowing or other elements into drawings. It would be a cool thing to get back into again.

Say, let's try to draw something up and post them up to compare. Maybe we can grow from there?

Don't know much about art but there is an Officail Artist Advice Thread.

Yup. If you're going for humans, learn some anatomy and/or find some templates. Drawing people is very technical if you're going for realism. You need some measurements, some accurate scaling, and correct perspectives. Once you have the base of the form down, then it becomes more artistic. You can start applying detail and shading and all that, but none of it will look good if you don't have the anatomy correct.

If you're not drawing humans, I suggest studying pictures of what you're attempting to draw. Trace some of them if you need to, just focus on getting shapes and porportions right.

If you really need that much help though, I suggest seeking the help of anyone you know that is artistic. Any help is good. If worst comes to worst, feel free to ask me, or any other MKO artist anything. I have a deep background in art, and I can help out with almost anything artistic, and the same can be said for many users here.

I recommend using the Artist Advice Thread also (despite it not being very active).

Hmmm... I don't get anatomy books, personally. I suppose it's different for everyone but I found books, charts, templates, etc... to be distracting. My approach to learning was very organic. I learned light and shadow before I learned anatomy, and I think it followed through rather well. Like I said, it's different for everyone, but those books were absolutely crippling to me when I was younger.

Organic art is indeed the purest form of art, however, if you're trying to make a realistic piece, it's best to stick to a formula or a certain technique rather than just going straight forward and free. Especially if you're a beginner or you're struggling to get a certain piece right.

I drew and painted for a long time before getting into proper anatomy and proportions, but once I did get into that, I was able to make more realistic figures than before. It's certainly not required for making good art, but it really helps if you're not getting the hang of things.

Plus, when you get a certain technique down, it makes free flowing art that much better because it flows in a more authentic manner.

Like everyone said above if you going to draw humans study the anatomy, and I mean really observe it. my professor told me to just keep drawing what i want to learn the most over and over. each time you practice you'll get better and better.
a great way to learn is by having someone model for you in different poses. do quick sketch using basic geometric shapes. don't ever start with the detail first. thats a common mistake. if no one poses for you, find a place with lots of people and start drawing them as you see them. just don't make it obvious your drawing them.
Finally, remember to observe your subject. In no time you can draw the human figure without looking. get as much practice as you can. I always bring a small sketchpad and pencil, just in case I have some free time to practice.

^^

A little web searching will find you studios where models pose... The one I go to is 10 bucks per session, the model does five or so poses in a little more than an hour. Granted, you really must be comfortable with being near, looking at, and drawing a naked stranger, male or female, as I don't think many places bother with 'clothed' figure drawing sessions. Of course, depending on where you live, there might not be any.

Youtube is a surprisingly good resource for learning mediums and subject matter other than drawing people. A lot of talented painters will post videos of techniques they use to imply objects.

Now, if we're talking digital art, you can probably find everything you need on the internet, easily.

Please refer your question there, since there's quite a lot of posts there that may help you.


Ghostdragon