[JeremyT]

Well, I have actually gotten up the guts to try posting something. My education is actually in the wildlife ecology, but through circumstances beyond my control, I've gotten involved in computer graphics. I'm pretty unskilled. Here's the image:
(crossing fingers that the UBB Code works)

This is from a refrence photo
I traced the photo's lines, and then referred to the photo for shading. I spent about two hours trying to just draw it without tracing, but couldn't get anything remotely similar
So, I decided to focus on shading, and ask for critiques. I based my technique off of dhabih's tutorial. I learned quite a bit.
Also, more in general, how can I become better at drawing lines and finding the shape of an object? Kind of a vague and open question, I know, and I appologize. Refrence to topics that I can search for on the board would be wonderful.
Sorry for the length of post and thanks in advance for any responses!
-JeremyT

[spooge demon]

One intermediate step between tracing and drawing from life is a to use a grid. Just draw a grid over your original and on your canvas and look where things line up. This is an ancient practice, and not cheating at all. It will not hide the fact that you can't draw, surprise, surprise. But it will help you get started and see what correct proportion feels like.

Take a drawing class near you now! And don't stop when you get "good"

[Visigoth]

I use a similar method to draw my portraits... I use a ruler, and measure out proportionally where the features fall...But without a grid...That lets me attain a near-perfect likeness, and I can then start on my stylized shading... That's how I used it on paper, anyway...With my current pics, I've just displayed the photo reference side-by-side in ACDSee and worked from it...
I'll have to try your method, Spooge...Now that I have a built-in grid in Photoshop.

~{V}~

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Your car is a fiberglass penis extension.

[Fred Flick Stone]

In my accd art thread, all those images from when I was a kid were done with the grid technique. It wa the first thing ever taught to me about reproducing photos. Back in 2nd or third grade. It is a great technique for a while till you have a good handle on drawing.

That image you painted reminds me a lot of the comic book dealer in the Simpsons. Who it reminds me of, not how you painted it.

I highly commend you for doing and posting. That is more than most artists do. I have taught several people in class who are strictly from another profession, one a German Instructor, another was a brain scientist. They actually ended up learning much quicker, as there were less bad habits to break. http://www.awn.com/ if you go to this URL, there are many quick time videos from a great instructor named Glen Villpu. He has taught thousands of artists, including the guys at Disney and WB...
It is a really great place to start for visual instruction. There is a thread somewhere on this forum with all the lesson links. Use the search engine to find it. Absolutely worth it.

Welcome aboard and gook luck with the art...

[JeremyT]

Thanks a lot for your responses! Your posts gave me some things to try, and I'll keep you up to date on my attempts to get better. Actually, see a new thread I'm starting regarding the book "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain"
-JeremyT