[Nebuchadnezzar]

I'm sorry if this has been asked before. I searched the forums and I didn't find anything.

I've always loved drawing but I never put any time into it. I would draw stick-figures on purpose, just because I wasn't serious about real art. But ever since seventh grade I've wanted to learn how to draw. Every once in a while I am inspired and I draw something that is relatively nice (note: relatively nice compared to stick figures [kidding] ). Also, I've learned things from artists by carefully observing them drawing (not the final art, but the process), and this slightly improves my drawings (Well, I STILL haven't put any effort into this, so it might help alot more than "slightly" if I was serious about it. I just need an honest opinion first.).

The point is...do you guys think that it is possible for someone to learn how to draw, even at the age of 17?

I will die of jealousy and torment if the answer is no. But don't let that effect your opinion. Well, I can think of it this way. Even if I can't learn how to draw, atleast I'm good at cartoonish stuff that isn't TOO bad.

I've always lived my life with the mind-set that nothing is impossible...

Also, I have alot of time to spend, now. And, I also have alot of money. If you guys think I CAN learn to draw, then I'm going to buy some art supplies, a good Mac (If Craig uses one, so shall I), and lock myself in my room and not come out till I've created something I'm proud of.

[ June 12, 2001: Message edited by: Nebuchadnezzar ]

[dr . bang]

It doesn't matter what age you start drawing, what matters is do you still have the same love for art by next couple month or year? To be good at art is hard, it takes alot of time and dedication, i suggest you get a pencil, eraser and a sketch book and start drawing whenever you have a free time.

" a good Mac (If Craig uses one, so shall I) "

No, buying a Mac or anything like Craig doesn't make any difference.

[ June 12, 2001: Message edited by: dr . bang ]

[aquamire]

Talent = Determination.

Van Gogh started to learn to paint and draw when he was 26 (something like that.. i forget). Course, he killed himself 10 years later, but hey, its not to say you'll do that.

[NukleoN]

Just do it. Alot. You'll get better. Part of the 'talent' of drawing is having an insatiable desire to draw, the knowledge of what is wrong and why, the desire to improve and how well you learn and practice is a factor.Attention to detail is key as well. Good artists typically draw a lot, or at least, when they do draw, put lots of effort into what they're doing.

[smalls]

i dont really like van gogh... anyways... dude... drawing DOES = determination.. i started drawing when i was nearly 16 on and off... and i am "intermediate" you could say.. if you are serious take some classes get some books.. etc.. basically try .... its lots of fun to draw eh? so do it... er... i am a dork and will stop typing.. gl (or good luck to those who are fluent in chat lingo things.....)
smalls

[TekK]

hey buddy, don't worry about your age... i'm 23 and i only started drawing stuff last year, and that was only coz i had to take a visual literacy class for my major... :P so i had to learn, and i had to keep a sketchbook, and y'know what? i absolutely loved the process... so anyways, i stopped for a while after the semester was over, mainly coz of other commitments, but i picked it up again maybe 2 months ago... basically just practise a lot, and a good theoretical background helps as well...

hope that allays your fears a little...

cheers,
teck

[Nebuchadnezzar]

Yes yes! And artist friend of mine told me the exact same thing. And yes, I love to draw. I know myself very well, and I know I'll never get tired of drawing.

Also, I have a vivid imagination and I always notice the details, so I guess that helps a little.

Yes, I'm going to get a paper, a pencil, and an eraser and start doodling right away. School is out so I have 3 months of nothing to do so I have plenty of time to practice and take classes.

Thank you all,
Thou hath rekindled my flame!

[ June 13, 2001: Message edited by: Nebuchadnezzar ]

[Pat]

Nebuchadnezzar, talent is far over-rated. What most people mistake for talent is actually years and years of practice. Draw and paint all the time and you'll get better than you can imagine. The operative part of this advice is "all the time". If, at any point, you feel you're NOT getting better, try reflecting on why that is. Then go back to drawing and painting all the time.

-Pat

[worthless_meat_sack]

I make a living at art now and I started seriously in design at 22 and then illustration 2 years later. You can do it, I agree with Pat and others.

I want to take that free art test that I see on late night TV commercials. You know the one that says "draw Skippy the pirate or Manglefoot the turtle and our experts will evaluate your test." I will get back to you on their prognosis.

BTW, the toll free number is 800 652 0088 if you are interested.

[Chester L]

One word as DeNiro puts it in the untouchables:Enthusiasm

[ June 14, 2001: Message edited by: Chester L ]