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Should i get a how to draw book id so which ones, or are there better ways to learn art? Also what supply do i need to draw, pen, pencil, paper, etc?

It would help if the book was cheap.

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[-] GrantUsEyes@lemmy.zip 5 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

I'll give you some suggestions you can download for free from the internet archive

As others have said, The natural way to draw is an excellent book https://archive.org/details/naturalwaytodraw0000kimo_q8c1

Andrew Loomis has a lot of great books.

https://archive.org/search?query=andrew+loomis

Personally I recommend Fun with a pencil. https://archive.org/details/andrewloomisfunwithapencil1 You can start from zero with that one.
He is good for anatomy and portaiture

Anatomy for the artist by Sarah Simblet This book has great photos, even to just flip through

https://archive.org/details/anatomy-for-the-artist

This next book I haven't read myself but is a very important topic!! Some people are scared of perspective because it looks very technical, but it's not hard at all. You definitely should get comfortable with it!

https://archive.org/details/PerspectiveMadeEasy

Color and light by James Gourney This one is more about painting, but these are concepts that you should get familiar with early on, and some people neglect.

https://archive.org/details/color-and-light-james-gurney-english

Now for video:

The Proko channel on youtube has great tutorials on anatomy as well, I used those a lot arround 2014? So I would look through their archive.

For figure drawing sessions

The Croquis café https://croquis.cafe/ Has a huge archive of natural figure drawing videos and photos, you have to pay a subscription to access but it's so worth it! They have a free section as well if I remember correctly

Edit:

For materials, start simple: pencil and paper. A cheap sketchbook or just printer paper will do. Whatever you have arround .

And just draw draw draw every day! a little every day will do wonders for you. Don't be precious with your drawings, and learn to let go of your mistakes and your successes as well.

Check the different resouces and see what clicks for you. Art requires you to pay attention to a lot of stuff, but don't get overwhelmed. Ask for advice, look for drawing groups/ buddies. Have fun with it.

[-] case_when@lemmy.world 3 points 2 weeks ago

This comment is amazing and I have now temporarily bankrupted myself based on its recommendations.

[-] GrantUsEyes@lemmy.zip 3 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

Oh man, since you are more advanced I can share some extra recs for you xD. Also since I know you like drawing people, maybe you can save this for the future. (Plz don't bankrupt yourself :P )

Figure Drawing Design and Invention by Michael Hampton this book is my literal bible. It distilles the anatomic study in a super comprehensive way, it has a lot of George Bridgeman's influence but is a lot more digestible...

Devin Korwin Creative Fundamentals vol 1 & 2. These are digital only. They are very affordable , but excluded them last time for the paid aspect; and I think it's better to dive into them with some knowledge already. He has advanced books as well but I haven't read those.

https://devinkorwin.gumroad.com/l/YPtf

https://devinkorwin.gumroad.com/l/cfv2?layout=profile

An extra

Gesture Drawing by Ryan Woodward. Series of books focusing on quick sketching technique for the human form. His approach is super sleek. This is certainly not fundamental but it's worth to check out if you are interested in that practice, just thowing it in 'cause I like it a lot.

[-] case_when@lemmy.world 3 points 2 weeks ago

You're my hero. Thank you so much

[-] GrantUsEyes@lemmy.zip 3 points 2 weeks ago

Always happy to share learning resources. ;)

this post was submitted on 09 Aug 2025
38 points (100.0% liked)

Traditional Art

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