I am looking for some advice from current artists regarding tips on how to get started again doing some artwork. It has been 25 plus years since I have done anything. I used to do a lot of pencil on paper and then ink on paper perspective views of various hot rods. Never really advanced beyond that into color. I would LOVE to start spending some time getting back into this. I imagine I will start with a pencil and then ink style drawings as I have done before, but am open to other methods. I guess my question is regarding new versus old technology. Is there a best place to start regarding drawing materials? Should I consider paints or markers or photoshop or something else? I prefer to stay away from the computer and just do this old school, but am open to new things. What would be a good way for an old timer, starting out as a beginner, to get going again? Any specific suggestions on paper type/brand, marker sets, paints, computer programs, etc? I love the Friday Night Art Show and take that in every week. It would be great to know specifically how some of the works are being accomplished. Maybe here would be a good place to describe some techniques and materials if you care to share. Ready, Set, GO! PS: Follow my link below to see a collection of 3000 plus art images, many of which are done by HAMBers. Collecting the images has been the first step in figuring out the style and type of art I would like to do. I guess the problem with narrowing that down is that I like ALL of it!
No one? After doing some poking around, I was thinking of beginning with Prismacolor pencils or markers. Does that make sense? I would love to see a sample of your work along with a general comment about the method used to produce that piece. Is anyone willing to share info to help a newbie?
I would suggest getting books, especially Tom Taylor's "How to Draw Cars" book. It's pretty extensive on everything you were asking. I'm not a professional artist, but I find looking for the perfect medium to work with (ink, paint, pastel, etc) can be a lot of trial and error.
Thank you beebing. I did just order the following book by Thom and Ed Newton. I am familiar with the other book as well. I gave it to my son for Christmas a few years back and he never did anything with it. I will try and dig it out!
I am not really an artist, but I like to fool around with cameras and stuff. I've seen great photos taken by "toy" film cameras and bad photos taken by the top of the line digital cameras. I think for art there is no wrong or right medium/technique. It's the artist, not the tool. Just use what is comfortable and works well for you. If you have experience with pencil and ink start there. I'm sure you'll progress to other mediums eventually.
In addition to the one above, I have got these coming via Amazon now. Thanks for the recommendations. I am sure there will be some overlap with the books, and in fact maybe one is just a reprint of the other, but I was able to find them really cheap online over the last 30 minutes or so (less than $30 for all four shipped from various locations). I have always just used cheap paper and number 2 pencils in the past. I am sure there is a better way to get started if I am going to take it half way serious this time. Looking forward to checking them out. Thanks guys!
Look around with a search engine at some general artist foums, you'll find plenty of discussions there. http://www.motorburg.com/ This site has a forum you might visit for auto related information.
I think that it's your "instinct" that you should follow!! While it's good to get "IDEAS" from the GREAT ARTISTS, remember, be your own artist!!! Be unique!! DEFINATELY honor the GREATS "Roth..Newton..J.L Bachs..Taylor..Weesner" and more!!! But be your own ARTIST!!! Good Luck and WELCOME BACK!!!!!
redlinetoys If it was me I would stick to what I know. Markers, pen and ink. you cant go wrong. Learning photoshop and making it work for you is a BIG commitment. Maybe digging out your old drawings and using tracing paper over them to get back that feel. Then go to town. Happy New Year. Slim
The most important thing is just draw...get a pencil and a sketchbook and work on the basics. You can use all the markers, pencils, wacoms, photoshop and other tools all you want, but your drawing skills are the most important. I took 7 years off from art before I recommitted to jumping in again and that is the one thing that helped me get back. I have piles of sketchbooks and try to draw a little bit every day at lunch, or on a phone call...just to work those sketchy muscles. Just do tons of drawing with pencil if that is what you're familiar with, the other tools are the next steps and places you can take your artwork. Hope this ramble helps! Now get out there and burn some lead!
i like using it all, my favorite though is airbrushin. i like to freehand draw also then i have a pen tablet i can color, draw smudge, airbrush artwork in these pics.the motoecycle here i painted i drew the malteese cross on my computer. then cut it with my viynl cutter put it on gas tank metal flaked then fogged iredescent green around metal flake. after that i had a pic of the guys bike,so i took pic of new gas tank and put it on motorcycle with pic of skelton. when he picked up the tank and fenders he was pretty surprised. he was pretty impressed on how it turned out. and what it would look like on bike. i have used all my artwork and weldin to pay for my 29 model A. i don't think there is wrong or right way. computers are amazing the stuff you can do with them, but when i see pencil sketch ink drawing i know there was a heart soul behind it..........
The coupe was done with Prismacolor markers and Createx airbrush paint and the cutout ie on plywood coated with latex house paint and painted with Createx. Mess around and you'll figure out what works for you.
Another Artist Forum ya might want to check out is http://www.finkbook.com there are a lot of folks on the board that you can share with.. Good times. m
Most definitely. Although things like photoshop and painter are powerful tools, they are just tools -- and they are informed by real drawing skills. Anyhow- I would guess that the easiest way to get started would be to use Photoshop as an airbrush tool. That's what it's best for. Illustrator is more for creating "vector" art. That is, graphic shapes/outlines that can be digitally transmitted for things like vinyl cutouts, screen printing, embroidery, etc. These are oversimplified descriptions, because each tool has gotten more sophisticated ( I am still using older versions), and i've seen guys do some amazing gradient work with illustrator.
Thanks for the info, websites and suggestions. I guess it makes sense to just get back to pencil and paper and see what happens before thinking about color. And yes, photoshop and other drawing software is out, though I am intrigued with the idea. Not interested in a long learning curve and I really like the more traditionally done art anyway. I had someone donate some good pencils and paper this weekend to the cause and I am getting my rusty **** to the bench to play around. Thanks much for the link to the websites. I just need to feel around and find my way again.
Just a tip, don't be afraid to use overlays. They will help immensely with your confidence- and help loosen up the learning process. Everyone uses them, and i do mean everyone. You know those drawings Chip Foose does on his show? --the finished linework is traced from a rougher sketch underneath. Car designers in detriot use tranlucent vellum for overly sketches. You can find translucent vellum at Art supply stores or even at some office supply stores.
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