Am I really that bad?

[Cassiepeia]

I think this is a wonderful drawing! When I read your original post I was expecting something badly drawn, but you're actually very talented.

If you'd like a suggestion, from someone who draws a bit? I'd suggest taking a lot of time to get the eyes right, and make them clear. When the eyes looks right, the viewer doesn't care about anything else, because they can connect with the subject. There is a great art website called wetcanvas.com that I go to and they actually have lessons on there to teach you how to draw eyes (and other parts of the face...but you don't really need those classes ). I've learnt a lot from that site and the people there are so wonderful and encouraging too.

Cass.

 

[RD]

WC is *AWESOME*. You'll like it, Keyo. I never post there, but I love the tutorials.

Btw, Cass, you should visit the art forum on Chaz and post there once in a while. I love your work!

 

[keyodie]

I think this is a wonderful drawing! When I read your original post I was expecting something badly drawn, but you're actually very talented.

If you'd like a suggestion, from someone who draws a bit? I'd suggest taking a lot of time to get the eyes right, and make them clear. When the eyes looks right, the viewer doesn't care about anything else, because they can connect with the subject. There is a great art website called wetcanvas.com that I go to and they actually have lessons on there to teach you how to draw eyes (and other parts of the face...but you don't really need those classes ). I've learnt a lot from that site and the people there are so wonderful and encouraging too.

Cass.

Yeah, I know what you mean. It's just that I set the picture on Color Burn on photoshop to get better contrast, so the eyes ended up really dark... I probably shouldn't do that next time. -.-

 

[Dreeza]

Keyo, don't listen to him. He is prob just jealous, lol.

No, your pic isn't anatomically correct, but uhh, so? Neither were Picasso's! The drawings I think are bad are the ones that try too hard to look anatomically correct, but just aren't.. Your girl has exaggerated lips/eyes, which to me, (whether you were or were not), says you are not aiming for correctness, but that you just have your own style of drawing.

An artists personal style are what makes particular pics so dang good, and other pics (that lack personality) sooo boring. I think your drawing is great, and very personal.

Your art should be a way for you to express *yourself*. If it does that, then you have succeeded. Other people liking it is not important, its just a bonus. And btw, I do really like it, especially the dots (tears?) under her eyes.

 

[Laurelin]

I've never tried wet canvas. Sounds interesting!

And you all should post in the art section here! We need more people posting pictures! I love seeng everyone's work!

 

[Beanie]

I think there is a BIG difference between constructive criticism/a critique and something like "stick to graphics." Yikes. Seriously, I cannot see why he'd say that... to you, or to ANYONE. I think it is absolutely horrible to say such a thing to somebody, particularly when it is somebody who's your friend.
It's also not a matter of him being a jerk for "being honest" either, so don't feel bad for being upset. He didn't say "I don't like it;" he said "stick to graphics." That is not HONESTY, that is being an unhelpful, discouraging little snot. Even if he said he didn't like it but couldn't back it up with critique, that's still better than just telling somebody "You suck, give it up."

Also, I disagree with you... you get better with all kinds of art, be it graphic design or illustration, by practice. Some people do have what appears to be natural skill, but it's not a "you got it or you don't" kind of thing. Keep practicing, dear, and you WILL improve.
*big hugs*

 

[Cassiepeia]

Btw, Cass, you should visit the art forum on Chaz and post there once in a while. I love your work!

Aww..shucks. Thankyou. I think I just might. I'm working on two drawings right now. LOL Being a bit lazy with them, but they're getting there...slowly.

Cass.

 

[puppydog]

Well, I am the kind of person that refuses to say something is nice if it is not and visa versa. If my opinion is asked on something I tell the truth. You have to look at it like that. Would you rather a close friend lie to you?

 

[Laurelin]

It's not about lying it's about being tactful.

How does saying something like 'that looks bad' or 'don't ever draw again' help anyone. Imo, that's just rude.

Okay, so you don't care for the picture too much... what about it do you like? What needs work? Mention BOTH. Be specific. How can you help this person?

And honestly, art is so individual and so subjective if you can't find one thing to be positive about then I think you're a pretty depressing person. Not everything is about art being anatomically correct or the techniques being perfect.

There's not enough art and expression in the world as it is. How is discouraging someone to the point they want to stop going to do anything good?

I mean I suppose if you really really don't like something and can't find a single thing to mention that's positive then at the least say something along the lines of 'It's not really my style' or something. Don't just say it looks like a piece of crap.

I just like seeing people draw and exploring things through art. I don't want to be the person that causes them to give it up. No one's going to get any better if they stop.

 

[puppydog]

All I am saying is that maybe he was caught off gaurd and did not know what else to say. I am not saying it is right, just playing devils advocate.

 

[Laurelin]

I sort of agree with Beanie that art is learned. I think there is a 'talent' if you will that is present in some people. Some people are just naturals and know what to do without being taught anything. Also some things like knowing color combinations and how to portray moods are a bit harder to learn. However, I think anyone can be a really good artist if they practice a lot. Most of drawing is practicising. The more you draw, the better you get. And I'm a firm believer in not comparing yourself to everyone else and simply trying to be the best that you can personally be.

 

[chanda]

well your drawing looks better than mine... i cant even draw a straight line.. lol... Well if practice your craft and dont let anyone tell you what you can or cant do.

 

[Cassiepeia]

I agree with you Laurelin. Find the positive and encourage.
As far as I'm concerned...drawing (or painting or sculpting etc...) is a skill. The more you practice, the more you develop that skill. 'Art' is where talent comes into it.

As artists or even just 'people who like creating art' (that's a 'title' for those of us who don't feel like we want to label ourselves artists...just yet LOL) you should becareful who you ask an opinion of too. A lot of people just don't 'get it'.
I remember when I first started with photography, I would give my father a whole bunch of photos that I took and he'd just look at them and say "What's that suppose to be?" "What am I looking at?". He didn't get that it wasn't about the subject (he was looking for "happy snaps" not art shots) it was about the overall image and the feeling it evoked in the viewer. I could take a picture of a crack in a road and show it to my father and he'd think it was a mistake, that I dropped the camera or something. But give it to my photography teacher (or show it to other photographers or artists) and he could see the art in it and love it (and give constructive critisism, which I highly valued).
So don't ask someone who has no clue about art (or at least no interest in it) what they think of your work. If they don't get it (ie: art), they aren't in a place to comment on it in a lot of cases. Find out what they're interested in, as far as art is concerned, before you ask. Just my little tip.

I mean...would you ask someone who had no clue about or interest in dogs, what kind of dog you should get? How could their opinion be helpful? LOL

Cass.

 

[Dekka]

I really like it. My criteria for good art, is does it make me feel anything. I find your pic uncomfortable, which is a good thing, it makes me feel the emotion (and not one I want to feel, that is even harder) I like the slightly distorted facial features, they really work. Think how far things can be changed to get a message across in 'famous' art. (the scream, that is a great painting, and I could never hang it on my wall..too disturbing)

The only criticism I would have is I think (and this is just me being subjective) you could use more contrast, blacker blacks and whiter whites to make the picture pop off the page.

Oh and I found wet canvas a few weeks ago and spent an hour just looking through the tutorials and posts. GREAT site.