Ok so im reading a drawing book namely the Natural Way to Draw, which i was doing fine with till the lessons where we had to draw ppl we see in public.

How in the world are we to do that...how did u accomplish it? Is it ok to stare at ppl and draw them lol?

You have started your learning process by asking.

One would almost compare it to reading. At first simple words are difficult to comprehend and say. Then through practice one becomes a better reader through time. As far as drawing people, practice simple shapes drawing them quickly. Create simple contour drawing and then draw quickly! Try drawing the simple objects at different angles. Then try to capture the movement in stick form. This is how I build the frame of what I'm trying to accomplish. This is where one learns how to gesture draw. Then follow up by filling in with shapes.

What helped me considerably was to take a life drawing class. It improved my eye considerably. However, I still have to say, I'm still learning. At first the drawings will look like they are poorly done. Then through practice you will get better. Time drawings also helps to develop your speed. You also develop little tricks to make things go faster. I can't speak enough about the Life Drawing class too. You see how other people accomplish this little feet of drawing people quickly.

Try different media too. Instead of pencil try charcoal and vine. You might be surprised on what you may achieve.

I've also posted a link of my experience through life drawing class. http://www.drawspace.com/forums/index.php?...&hl=Lancruz

Good luck and enjoy your experience.


Regards,
Gilbert

Many people have fears of drawing in public, especially sketching people. I continually draw in public and don't mind if people come and have a look at what I'm doing. I've never had a person object to me drawing them yet.

However, I'm unobtrusive as I can be when I do sketch people in public. I carry a small 5 x 8 black sketchbook, usually a Moleskine, as they look like a regular book. I sit in a corner that allows me to be tucked out of the way yet see the space and people as they come and go.

I work quickly, trying for gesture drawings and not detail. You want to capture the lines that the body makes only if its someone who moves a lot. I also usually avoid eye contact with people and visually scan the room, so it often looks like I'm writing, not drawing.

As always practice is the key. The more you sketch, the quicker you become at accurately drawing people who may only hold a pose for a few moments.

I have just begun sketching in a journal, and had a fun experience of trying to sketch at the Madonna concert! The young woman sitting to my left asked if I was writing a book. I said no, just practicing sketching. She saw my moleskine, and was impressed with it. A lot of the time I feel like I am not good enough to be sketching in it. I usually refine the sketches later at home or hotel room, wash a little w/c over it, and post to my blog. I am loving forming this sketching habit but reluctantly, I have switched from my first love, graphite pencil to pen and ink. This is a hard transition for me as I am not totally proficient in graphite yet. So I have challenged myself to learn another medium in addition to sketching every day. I am having fun with it, but do have my frustration to deal with as far as not knowing how to sketch in pen and ink.
As far as my experience of sketching in public, I have had various experiences. Some people self appoint themselves as your critic or tutor. Others lavish praise on you. Most are indifferent.

I can't imagine having someone critique something that is just a rough sketch .. heck .. half the time when it's at that stage none of us wants it to be seen..mine are for the most part stick figures.. A mall would be a fun place to sketch .. that is if you could find some one sitting and resting long enough..Oh My.. forget that..
Would love to see some of your Madonna's .. if you have them posted already .. I haven't looked .. guess I could do that instead of bugging you..

I can't really suggest a perfect place to sketch people, but I've had great success while waiting at the beautician's salon. I'm pretty sure the beauticians knew I was drawing them and actually started moving about and posing more! Got some good framework and a couple of gesture drawings set down, but the best laid plans are interrupted by a good shampoo.

My first time drawing people out in public I went to Barnes and Noble and sketched in the Starbucks. I tucked myself next to a litter can so I could kind of "hide". Then I started getting braver. In a doctor's office like Jeanette said, you don't make eye contact. And make quick looks. I have sketched in church while listening to the sermon. I sit in the back row any way so no one sees me except the people immediately beside me. And I have found that they don't even realize as they are listening and watching the Pastor.

I have drawn people in tax class and no one noticed. Usually during a discussion. Even the people next to me didn't pay any attention. The people around you are less likely to be aware of you as you are of them.

I did one lady who was sitting directly across from me at the doctor's office. She was barely 3 ft from me. She had no idea. I did show it to her after and she was shocked that she hadn't noticed. She was busy talking to her buddy.

Another good place is at a restaurant while you wait for your food to arrive. All kinds of people. I saw the waiter sneaking a peek but he never said a word.

Anita Davies in the UK sketches everywhere she goes. You can see her blog at a link on my blog.

Just get out there and do it. Each time it gets a little easier.