I guess you could say im looking for a pick me up

*PMMurphy Jul 7, 2012 Hobbyist Traditional Artist

Last time i got into art and started enjoying it. I dug deep tried learning as much as i could then started hitting some very harsh critiques from artists. Its always something new ( i guess thats a good thing).

I know i have a lot of learning to do with art and i understand my stuff isn't the best in the world. But sometimes certain critiques people give you or how they word it / push it really digs under my skin and im on the downslide again.

So basically i am just curious.

What are my strengths as an artist?
What are my weaknesses?

I can answer these questions myself based on my own beliefs but i would like to hear it from somebody else. I plan to keep drawing instead of letting this stuff stop me and completely throw away my projects again, as i am coming off a 2 year no drawing break.

Here is my gallery its all my stuff dating back to 2005. [link]

Thanks for your time if you respond. Also sorry about being emo.

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*JericaWinters Jul 8, 2012 Hobbyist General Artist

Your sense of composition is strong. Good grasp of contrast is developing. I don't like to say people have weaknesses. Sometimes getting better simply involves spending another 100 hours drawing stuff and no amount of getting lectures will speed up this training process. Critiques can be hard to stomach, I can understand. I can't hate, HATE, getting them even when I ask for them.

I thought it would go away if I got enough critques, and maybe I'd mature a little, but I still have the attitude problem.

*PMMurphy Jul 8, 2012 Hobbyist Traditional Artist

i matured for the most part and take critiques well. But there are some that really just get under my skin.
thanks though

~wisp Jul 7, 2012 Professional General Artist

I tend to agree with the comments that you need a more solid foundation, but don't let that get you down. No one ever stops learning and, once you get over the ego hit, studying up can be really exciting and a lot of fun because you'll improve so fast. (especially in these early stages.)
Loomis is a good start. I also recommend getting a copy of Keys to Drawing and Keys to Drawing with Imagination, both by Bert Dodson. These will help your general draftsmanship and get you doing some useful excersises. Also, if you don't already, grab a cheap sketchbook and fill at least one page a day with observed, life drawings. Mix drawing people, objects and spaces. Practice your line quality, confidence in your strokes. Practice form, value, shape. Do some drawings where you only use value or very minimal lines.
You have a good start with colour, but doing some serious study in colour theory will take it from good to awesome. Googling colour theory will lead you to a few pretty good articles.
Look into some composition tutorials as well, and keep those in mind when you compose images.

I'm not at all saying that you suck at any of these, but the fact that you are eager to learn makes me think you're willing to do some further study on these things. Also, one of the absolute quickest ways to improve is doing figure drawing. If you can find a lifedrawing drop-in in your area, definitely spend the (usually) 10-15$ to go now and then.

And finally, if at all possible, find a mentor or a small group of people you can learn with and from. Art improvement works best with peers. Keep up your passion and desire to learn and you'll go far.

*PMMurphy Jul 7, 2012 Hobbyist Traditional Artist

Thanks for the post. I plan to practice all these things actually. Thanks for the book references.

The only problem is, this is just a hobby not a career. So when school comes up my focus is 110% computer science and art goes to the side. Unless i have straight A's and all my assignments are done though.

~wisp Jul 7, 2012 Professional General Artist

Aahhh, the way you were talking I thought you meant to do this more as a full-time thing. In -that- case, nothing but your own enjoyment relies on your improvement. So, if you're happy where you're at, embrace it, if you're not, then do what needs doing to get you to a place where you're enjoying yourself. Don't make it a chore unless you're one of those people that likes chores. If you don't have the full-time drive for it, you'll just burn yourself out of a hobby.

*PMMurphy Jul 7, 2012 Hobbyist Traditional Artist

Its not like that really. I am going into computer science because i think it is a safer more reliable career choice. Now i wouldn't mind being a full-time artist. But right now that's not a realistic option, with computer science i can make 60k in an entry position just by simply knowing how to do it and not particularly knowing how to do it well.

With art that's not a given nor is it stable income if it is given.

At one point i did want to be an artist and i even was offered a 25k scholarship to a university. But i decided not to.

I enjoy computer science as much and maybe even more then art. I am lucky to find and be able to participate in 2 passions.

~wisp Jul 7, 2012 Professional General Artist

I see. As long as you're happy with what you're doing, I suppose.

*PMMurphy Jul 7, 2012 Hobbyist Traditional Artist

but i plan to atleast sketch on a regular basis. I am going to start it fairly soon.

Well i just finished a drawing of mario/toad for my brother. The current picture is terrible its not that blurry i'll show the final version of it tomorrow.

But anyway that was the project that really went down because i spent around 100+ hours on it and people were saying that the image was confusing and flawed and that i should scrap it and discontinue it.

I even stopped it before i wanted to because it made me realize how flawed it really was. Even though i like to manipulate perspective and various things in my art -_-.

Also it was the first time i ever did a drawing so largescale without a referenced/photo. (other then mario/toad).

I think when i start really applying myself and studying in art. Since i don't draw a whole lot or have drawn a lot i should improve alot at first. People already say my stuff is good as it is, so maybe that will get people to start buying my stuff -_-.

~wisp Jul 7, 2012 Professional General Artist

Critique is essential for growth. As is being able to decide if whatever is being said is right and how much of it you're going to follow. I think though you need to decide a goal for yourself, focus a bit. You're talking about a hobby, talking about selling art. Talking about taking time to improve.

*PMMurphy Jul 8, 2012 Hobbyist Traditional Artist

i understand how critique is essential. I usually take them pretty well. But some just crawl underneath me. Also it might just be the fact im bipolar kicking in.

My goal is to improve. But i wouldn't mind some cashflow from it considering i dont have a job/ only work for minimum wage.

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I guess you could say im looking for a pick me up

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