Art Help. Observation Studies?

Question: Art Help!. Observation Studies!?

For college I have to do an art portfolio!. I have to do 3 pictures of objects from study!. and 3 environments or architecture!. Does any one have pictures I could look at to get ideas and inspiration!? And any tips on the environments one!. I'm not very good in this field!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

It's all about making your hand draw the lines and shapes that your eye sees!. THis is something you can practice!.
It used to be called visual recording (before the age of photography)!.
The key is to observe critically and closely what it is you are going to record!. Then, take pencil in hand and start in!. Your brain already has an inner picture, so it's up to your hand to produce what your brain has in mind!. You eye works as the critic!. Every time you erase or redraw, your hand is editing the drawing to more closely match what your brain has imagined!.
The more you draw and the closer you observe, the more you see to draw, so you have to make a conscious decision to stop!.
From experience, if you work from a photograph, your drawing will not be as lively and informed as when you draw from the actual object!. Therefore, your portfolio runs the risk of appearing tight and contrived which is not how you really are as the budding draughtsman (person)!.
So, if you need to, grab a book on drawing landscapes, do some of the practice drawings (from the book) but then, translate those steps into a drawing you do from an actual scene!. Keep in mind, that in every landscape, an artist edits what is included and what is left out!. You will by necessity do that too!. Use your eye to critically observe your drawing and the scene!. Stop when you feel it is close to complete!. Later you can edit if you feel the need!.
A final note- do many more drawings than you have to submit!. Put them all aside for a period of time (a week, a month)!. Then, pull them out and choose the ones that you respond to most!. Those tend to be the ones that best represent you according to your brain and eye!.
Good luck!. Art is a great and noble endeavor!. Www@QuestionHome@Com