Drawing: How I learnt how to draw

I always wanted to draw. The problem was, my drawings were always a disaster. 🙂 Until I discovered a book by Betty Edwards Drawing with the right side of the brain (Amazon). I read the book, but the progress was still very slow and painful. So I tried a two-day drawing course by Radka of AR studio in Brno. And yes, I know how to draw now. 🙂

Už na strednej som s trochou závisti (ale v dobrom) obdivovala ako moja kamarátka dokáže nakresliť hocičo. Pár krát som sa aj odvážila… pokračovať v slovenčine tu.

Before and After

It started with a request to draw a photo we were asked to bring with us. Hmmm, nice try. Then we focused more on how to look at the picture we want to draw and on the technique. And by the end, this is what I managed to do. Not bad, right?

So how to look at the picture then? During the course I learnt to decompose the image into simple geometric forms – lines, circles, cubes, etc. Then I managed to focus on the size and spatial position of the drawing subject and how to get it right. And lastly, I finally understood the importance of the light direction, shades and reflections. And these pictures are the result. I think it is quite good, especially given the quality of my earlier attempts you do not get to see. 🙂

This was for me an eye-opener. I believe that even if you are not born with a special talent, when you put enough effort and practice into a thing/activity/job/anything else, you will eventually see improving results. If there is anything you always wanted to learn, know or create, then do not hesitate and waste time. Make time, do your research and start. Good luck.