I recently got the bug to learn how to draw and decided I'd give it a go. This is my first real attempt at drawing something since my Pictionary phase around 20 years ago. Not too bad, I hope, but there's plenty of room for improvement with some guidance and a lot more practice. It looks a lot better if you can ignore the grid while looking at the drawing.

Oh, and BTW, this was done entirely with a trusty No. 2 pencil on photocopier paper on which I, unfortunately, laser printed the reference grid. I won't be doing that again. I chose my favorite subject as a model for extra inspiration.

Thanks for taking a look at my work,
HayTay

Click to view attachment

Nice work HayTay, I especially like her shoulders.

really it's nice paint...
good luke:)

Tammy and Luke, thanks for the kind words.

I learned a lot with this first drawing and need to do some serious work on improving my ability to pencil eyes, lips and hair. I also learned that, without any training or practice, there's only so much you can do with a #2 pencil and copier paper. I've recently expanded my graphite pencil collection by purchasing a cheap set and an inexpensive sketch pad at a local retailer. Now all there is to it is to find out how to make them work to my advantage. If I can't do anything with a cheap set I guess there's no reason to splurge on expensive pencils!

I've started to work through some of Brenda's tutorials available here on DrawSpace.com and expect that there will be some improvement in my drawing skills in the weeks to come.

AND... The grid has definitely got to go!!!

More to come,
HayTay

If this is your starting point, I very much look forward to seeing your progress.
I too started out using the grid and am slowly weaning myself from it, although I still measure key areas.
I use Reeves pencils which if I remember correctly weren't terribly expensive, and I have a set of Staedler pencils waiting to be tried out.
I think you will notice a difference when you try your new paper.
Have fun with the lessons and starting your gallery.

Tammy,

Thanks for your vote of confidence. I hope that there will be a noticeable improvement between this version and the next. I started on the 'Hairy Harry' tutorial during my lunch hour this afternoon so that I can work a bit on my hair technique. After completing Harry's hair, I'm going to pencil in some time for the 'Eye on Melissa' instructions. After that I'll attempt round 2 of 'My Favorite Subject' using a wider range of pencils and my sketch pad.

I might even have a go at your 'Snoopy 101 Shrek Challenge' if I find a bit of spare time.

I'm off to check out your galleries,
HayTay

Hey!, you did a great job, I really love how you did the hair, your very telanted

I know for a fact that if you stick with us and take advice from some of the top artist at this site and apply that advice and not give up .. you WILL be where you would like to be with your art .
Do not be shy ...ask questions on how to improve ....people here can help sooo very much ...this is by far the best place to be to learn ...its like you get one on one help .....so please enjoy ...relax ..and most of all have fun learning and growing with us

Thanks for the praise, Sam's_Girl. That was my first attempt at trying to draw realistic hair. I think it came out fairly well but there's definite room for improvement. I'm going to practice some more before giving this one another try.



Fantastic advise, Kim. It's nice having access to a large cheering section and a bunch of coaches to help you succeed! I'm looking forward to developing my, until now, dormant drawing skills. I need to practice a lot more in order to develop a set of core techniques so that I'm more comfortable with the basic tools and drawing & sketching in general.

Thanks, all, for the warm welcome,
HayTay

P.S. - Kim1963, why the 1963?

Hey this is really good. Keep it up!

crazybird

Hi, crazybird, and welcome to DrawSpace.com. I'm honored to have had you use your first forum post to comment on my portrait drawing. I'm glad you like it! Keep posted for attempt #2.

In the mean time I'd enjoy taking a look at any of your works you'd like to share with us. Tammy nudged me to start a gallery and upload my drawings for everyone to see. Now it's my turn to nudge you. It only takes a few minutes once you get the drawings scanned or photographed. Don't be shy, give it a try!

Thanks for joining in,
HayTay