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Question: What should I practice to improve my art!?
I've been practicing drawing for about a week now (I've drawn surreal and abstract stuff my entire life, but I am just now delving into technique), and I'm at a loss at what to practice!. I'm mostly interested in the human form and the like, but I just don't know what to practice!. When I try to copy-draw from sight, it generally turns out okay, but I'm at a block and can't improve my technique!.

I've tried to study anatomy, but I can't find any good, clear resources!. Basically I suppose I'm asking this: What specific exercises or techniques should I practice for steady improvement!? What helped you the most!? I seem to be trying out all kinds of things but not noticing any change in my technique!. It's as if I'm stuck at the same skill level iwth no change, and that's discouraging!.

What do you all suggest!?Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
Try drawing from the darkest to lightest areas of a subject or a landscape to sharpen and focus your ability to see shadows and differences in light!. Don't worry so much about the details - focus on the light and shapes!.
Another exercise is to get more details is to draw something detailed when it is upside down, exactly how you see it, then turn it around and evaluate how well you did!. Take an example from a book or photo of the anatomy, view it upside down and draw it upside down as you see it, then turn the paper rightside up to evaluate!. Www@QuestionHome@Com

Get the book, The Natural Way To Draw: A Working Plan For Art Study!. I love this book, and it really shows you the type of practicing you need to improve your drawing!. I don't even draw people usually, but found this book useful!. Its not just showing you what to draw, but it gives you a daily plan!. You could probably find it at the library!. Www@QuestionHome@Com

First of all calm down!. Check from internet for art schools around where you live!. I am sure they'll help you!. My aunt-in-law is a painter and she has a school like that!. But we're in Turkey, I'm sure it's rather far away from you!. Anyway you can find a school!. And don't give up!. Good luck!Www@QuestionHome@Com

A week is not very long!. There are lots of good books on how to draw, starting off with simple exercises drawing basic shapes and building from there!. also look at the works of the Masters and study their techniques, try and replicate them!. Get a feel for different materials, drawing with charcoal, ink, pencil!. In one class we drew lines concentrating on a different feeling/emotion for each line!.

I've noticed on Youtube lots of videos posted by people showing how they paint & draw so you could check that out!.

The main thing is don't get discouraged, I've seen lots of people at college be really hard on themselves, having hight expectations of every single piece of work they do, but I'm just doing it because I love it, it it doesn't turn out great so what!? I'm still learning and hopefully will never stop learning!.Www@QuestionHome@Com