[kathode]

Hey, I am the most newbie of all newbies on this board: I am trying to teach myself to draw Would you say that it is better to trace endlessly as practice or to try and draw things freehand as practice?
Thanks,
kathode

[Frost]

Trace if you feel you'll learn something from it. I think it's better for you to understand *what* you're drawing rather than to simply copy what you see, learning how forms, lighting, colors, shadows work hand in hand -- you'll then be able to draw whatever is in your mind without needing reference, which is an unsurpassed feeling of accomplishment. And don't expect to be good in a matter of months -- it's a lifetime of learning.

Of course, that's just my lousy oppinion. Good luck.

frost.

[Dakkan]

in my opinion, do both....
u can really learn a lot from tracing images, but at the same time, drawing freehand helps u with u'r artistic discipline, technical skill, imagination, etc... if u want to take art seriously, don't take a shortcut and try to reach the goal as soon as possible. i may only be 16 years old, but i believe if u take the time to put ur heart and soul into u'r art (sounds corny, but u know what i mean), and take the time to improve (no matter how long that may take), in the end it will be worth it, because to me, art is a skill someone can do their whole life, and continuously get better at it. u know how they say learning is a life-long procces... well, i like to take that kind of attitude towards art. i may not be too good now, but i will take my time and learn and improve as i keep on doing art. hehe, damn, i was just gonna reply, "try doing both..." oh well, these are my thoughts. good luck

------------------
http://secret_island.tripod.com
icq: 15790343
email: [email protected]

[Dakkan]

hehe, didn't see frost's message up there... but that sorta the idea i was going for.

------------------
http://secret_island.tripod.com
icq: 15790343
email: [email protected]

[blup]

If you "learn" by tracing, you develop a reliance on using existing pictures to create your own. Once you start, and perhaps continue drawing like this, you'll find it difficult to throw away your crutches and generally unable to create purely original content straight from imagination. Trace pictures with caution, instead, analyse them for their shapes, volumes, perspective, proportion, and then draw a duplicate, or even better, improve or change it..

------------------
Blup.Acid Productions
www.acid.org

[Mr Weasel]

Both, i think. Freehand drawing is the mother of digital paintings and sometimes 3D.
Tracing can help you to develop your drawing skills. But, if you want to trace from someones other artwork, don't rely on one artist only. Tracing from many artists' artworks helps you to enrich your drawing techniques.