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I see the value of drawing every day, and I did that as a kid, but the two main issues I faced were (1) I had no idea how to expand my technical skills and (2)

I see the value of drawing every day, and I did that as a kid, but the two main issues I faced were (1) I had no idea how to expand my technical skills and (2) I had no idea how to draw more 'realistically' (quotes because my real goal is to draw fantasy/sci-fi subjects). For example, I actually have charcoal in my art supplies, but I have no idea what to do with it. In my hands it's basically the equivalent of a massive pencil. On top of that, even using it as a large pencil, whatever I draw just looks like a doodle rather than something with any kind of artistic quality

nkrisc 4y ago
Yes, at a certain point you do need some expert guidance. But nonetheless, experiment. > In my hands it's basically the equivalent of a massive pencil. What else can you do with it? What if you turn it sideways? What if you rub your finger where you've already drawn with it? What happens if you crush a small piece of it? What can you do with that? Grab a dry paper towel and start smearing your drawing. Get curious, get crazy. Drawing realistically begins with understanding light and shadow and form. A good teacher will absolutely speed up that understanding, and if you can find a teacher or class I also highly recommend that, but it can also be achieved through careful observation and experimentation.
- silicon2401 4y ago
  > What else can you do with it? What if you turn it sideways? What if you rub your finger where you've already drawn with it? What happens if you crush a small piece of it? What can you do with that? Grab a dry paper towel and start smearing your drawing. Get curious, get crazy. This is actually part of what has drawn me back to art after not doing it much since I was in school. After getting into my career and adult life, I've gotten so accustomed to following rules and best practices (HIPAA, coding styles, bills, etc etc) I eventually realized, with some shock, that I basically never did anything in life anymore that was purely random and experimental like the stuff you described. I want to balance that out with just having fun creating and being accountable to no one but myself like I did when I was younger. Discussing this further bolsters my resolve to get into this

nkrisc 4y ago

Yes, at a certain point you do need some expert guidance. But nonetheless, experiment. > In my hands it's basically the equivalent of a massive pencil. What else can you do with it? What if you turn it sideways? What if you rub your finger where you've already drawn with it? What happens if you crush a small piece of it? What can you do with that? Grab a dry paper towel and start smearing your drawing. Get curious, get crazy. Drawing realistically begins with understanding light and shadow and form. A good teacher will absolutely speed up that understanding, and if you can find a teacher or class I also highly recommend that, but it can also be achieved through careful observation and experimentation.

silicon2401 4y ago
> What else can you do with it? What if you turn it sideways? What if you rub your finger where you've already drawn with it? What happens if you crush a small piece of it? What can you do with that? Grab a dry paper towel and start smearing your drawing. Get curious, get crazy. This is actually part of what has drawn me back to art after not doing it much since I was in school. After getting into my career and adult life, I've gotten so accustomed to following rules and best practices (HIPAA, coding styles, bills, etc etc) I eventually realized, with some shock, that I basically never did anything in life anymore that was purely random and experimental like the stuff you described. I want to balance that out with just having fun creating and being accountable to no one but myself like I did when I was younger. Discussing this further bolsters my resolve to get into this