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by Fred C. Wilson III
October 16, 2012
“When I was a child, my mother said to me, ‘If you become a soldier, you’ll be a general. If you become a monk you’ll end up as the Pope.’ Instead, I became a painter and wound up as Picasso.”
-Pablo Picasso-
“I can’t draw a straight line…I’m no artist…I envy you…Such talent…You are so lucky.” I’m an ex-teacher. I’ve heard ‘em all. So you can’t draw a straight line; NOBODY CAN! My hands shook so much that I never learnt the potter’s wheel when I was in ceramics. Last time I worked the wheel the side of a wet unfinished pot broke off and slapped me in the face! Reader I assume you’re of average/above normal intelligence. You can learn to draw. This article will give you the fundamentals of how to draw but you won’t do it in ten easy lessons. Nothing worth knowing is learned overnight. Art, writing, investing in the Stock Market, playing Poker like a professional takes time not talent. Learning requires patience, work and perseverance. If you don’t have any of these attributes or are too lazy to acquire them stop wasting my time. Many artists didn’t learn their trade through textbooks. Some were poor, didn’t have adequate time, or had hungry mouths to feed; they taught themselves. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Drawing Basics Illustrated by Frank Fradella whom I consider one of the best in the business is a great teacher. His humor and wit makes learning fun. It’s impossible to cover 235 pages of art instruction in 1,000 words or less. I’ve summarized his book for you. Frank taught me how to draw. I pass this knowledge on to you.
Chapters One and Two will help you select the right tools you’ll need to learn your craft (pencils, pens, inks, pastels, etc.). The quote by FDR (to be used later in my Election Day Special) will help you overcome any fear and discouragement you will encounter as your journey progresses. Chapter Three will help you develop your artistic eye for composition. You will learn to see ordinary objects as worthy of artistic expression. In Chapter Four you learn how to make ‘thumbnail’ (mini-sketches) sketches to be developed later into larger works of art. In Chapter Five you’ll start turning ordinary household objects into works of art. This chapter will show you that you don’t have to travel to Europe, leave your block or room to find suitable things to draw. Art is all around you. This chapter will teach you to see in a whole new way!
In Chapter Six you’ll be taught basic perspective. Prior knowledge of high school geometry is a plus. Don’t ‘freak’ if you’re mathematically challenged; throughout most of my life I was until I started teaching when I discovered my earlier fear of numbers were unfounded. You’ll learn as you go so ‘chill out.’ The use of shapes and angles are not as hard as you think.
Chapter Seven is where you’ll learn how to work with light and shadow. This chapter is very crucial. Remember the old joke about the tourist who visited New York City and wanted to see Carnegie Hall. She went up to the first person she saw and asked “how do I get to Carnegie Hall?” The local replied “practice-practice-practice;” same here. If you bomb (screw up) this chapter, reread it until you understand it. Some materials will be harder than others but with this book it’s essential that you READ AND DO ALL THE EXERCISES. Don’t skip any sections. In Chapter Eight you’ll learn the usage of negative spaces. This chapter reinforces what you learned in the two previous ones. By the time you get to Chapter Nine you should have enough skill to leave your house and take what you’ve learned on the road (field trip). If at this point you’re still unsure of yourself don’t worry about it; stay home and draw what you see.
Chapters 11 through 17 are the ‘meat’ (main sections) of the book. Within these pages you’ll learn basic human/animal anatomy. By the time you complete these seven chapters you’ll feel on top of your world! You’ll discover how easy it really is to draw human eyes, hair, feet, lips, and noses. WARNING! If you work this book properly you’ll get the urge to skip the rest of it to venture out on your own. This would be akin to a half developed creature leaving the nest prematurely; not a good idea. Again each and every exercise must be followed to the letter and in chronological order unless the author directs otherwise. Every chapter is organized for you to achieve maximum results.
In Chapter 18 you get to the good stuff; portraiture, Photoshop, and cartooning. Assuming you’ve developed your art chapter by chapter all you have to learn now is where the parts go. APA’S (Asian Pacific Americans) appear to have an advantage over non-Asian Americans. APA’S are patient, meticulous, and achievement oriented. Non-Asian Americans want things ASAP (as soon as possible). Portraits aren’t hard if and only if you’ve learned the previous chapters. To spice things up the author uses his pretty Asian wife as his model throughout the book! Don’t forget that if you feel the need to backtrack do it. During my teaching years I used to devote additional time ‘reteaching;’ nothing wrong about reviewing. Drawing people ‘as is’ (accurate depictions) and cartooning is not only fun but can earn you a little pocket $$$$$. Why learn this stuff if you can’t sell it? Sorry Reader but I’m bit of a mercenary when it comes to art; gimmie’ the $$$$$!
Chapters 19 through 22 are about animals. When I was using this book I was tempted to skip those chapters. I wisely didn’t but I’ve drawn very few of GOD’S furry creatures. Once you successfully completed this book and want to really draw like a pro buy the ‘sequel’ The Complete Idiot’s guide to Drawing People by Brenda Hoddinott. I won’t kid you; this book is hard but if you take it step by step at its completion you will be a pro. The basic format of Brenda’s book is similar to the Frank’s the only difference is that ‘Drawing People’ fine tunes what you’ve previously learned. Brenda’s book is essential for the serious artist. My suggestion: devote one to two hours weekly to one or both books. At the end of three to six months you will have learned. Reader that’s it; next time we’ll cover the upcoming Presidential election; GOD bless.vamaxwell@yahoo.com