Hi all!

25-year old [newbie] who can't even draw as well as a 2-year old toddler, seriously.

Currently reading Betty Edwards's "Drawing with the right side of the brain" and it's very good so far.

Anyone read this book before? If not, what books (if any) do you guys read when you first started out in art?

Most of the art books out there seem to assume that you've some experience or know-how in drawing, and that's why it's very hard to find good art books for ABSOLUTE, 100% TRUE beginners like me who can't even visualize the object and draw it on paper (this is the hardest part of all).

See ye'!
Xeon

[ Edit, EJFH: Some folks might consider your original phrasing offensive. ]

I know this book, read it a few times but it's difficult for me to say if it works or not, cos I did have some drawing background by then.. But it definitely taught me a few very useful things and changed the way I see things. So I am sure it's a good start for you. I hope you enjoy practicing!! The exercises suggested in the book are really going to make a difference.. like upside-down drawing, or learning to focus on negative spaces.. or drawing something very-very slowly, not taking away ur eye off the object.. even if the drawing itself comes out clumsy.
I really loved it that she approached drawing as just a knack of 'seeing' differently. And there is nothing like 'its too late', or 'I am not gifted'

Hello Xeon!

Honestly, I have never read the book you mentioned above, but I attended such kind of course about three years ago and… I think I was going to die. We spent two days by activating the right side of our brain by drawing like crazies. We were sitting on a chair ten hours without any break and we were just drawing, drawing and once again – drawing. On the first day, I left the course and there was nothing I could see, only lights, shades, shadows, dark parts, light parts… That’s why Katya says that she changed the way she sees things.

I have to agree with you that most of the art books assume that you have some experience in drawing. I have a book for so called absolute beginners and the book begins with this: “Take your pencil and draw an apple.” Mmmm, fine, I will draw an apple, but … how?

So, all I wanted to say is, that Betty Edward’s method says everybody can draw – and yes, I met people (including myself), who couldn’t draw a flower and on the second day they left the course with a quite fine self – portrait. Yes, this quick course gave me a lot, but, unfortunately, it did not teach me to draw. I had to practice and learn to see things by myself and create my own drawing style – without any teacher, without any influence, without any help (this was my decision).

So, there are two possibilities – first, that you find a good drawing course and a patient teacher (and you will be a little bit influenced), or, second, that you will practice, practice and once again practice alone. It will take some times, but you will see your own results.
So, I must definitely agree with Katya!

And … I also think that all of the lessons there on Drawspace are just excellent!

Crossing your fingers!

Thanks a lot folks!

Yeah, DrawSpace is indeed a very good site with it's own forums, but it does seems too fast for an idiot like me to catch up, so I'll finish Betty's book first, then read the tutorials here.

In Betty's book, there's this exercise which I tried out today by drawing that upside-down picture of Igor Stravinsky (the original drawing was by Picasso). I took like 2+ hours to complete it and was kinda frustrated at drawing something up-side down, I must admit.

In the end, when I turn my drawing right-side up, the face looks kinda thin and crooked (very strange face, to be honest ), but the rest of the body is pretty good. Maybe not good, but better than I expect.

I'll need to draw a few more upside-down drawings to practice first before I read the next chapter.

If I could turn back time, I'll draw like crazy! Too bad I'm working full-time now (although I read art books and practice drawing when my boss isn't around in the morning ).

Good day!
Xeon

you can check out lee hammond too, she is great for beginning learners, she teaches color pencil and pencil as well as some acrylics
I love her books..

Also Mike Sibley has joined drawspace as a teacher (we are lucky to have him) and he is teaching classes here at drawspace you may sign up for and he has a great book out too
mike sibley fine art is the website you can go check him out
and mrs cyndi wider is also teaching classes here as well if you feel so inclined.

but the free lessons provided by our mrs brenda are also very awesome..lots of materials out there to learn from, finding the teacher/teaching book that fits counts the most.

Yeah, the right teacher is important cos' some teachers, although great at art, they are unable to communicate their teachings to some students.

As the saying goes, "someone who is well-versed in a certain discipline doesn't necessarily make a good teacher".

Btw, Brenda is the author of "Drawing for Dummies", I believe? I remember that's what I saw on Amazon.

I'm gonna get that book next after I'm done with Betty's book.