What subjects are best to improve your drawing?

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VIDEO DESCRIPTION:
In this video we take a look at the issue students normally have of not knowing what to draw to improve their drawing. Should you draw still lifes, figures, portraits, cartoons, flowers, and fruits, urban scenes?

#getbetter #drawingvideo #alphonsodunn
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[whatwilliwatch]

This is excellent advice. I know in my own personal creative life (which encompasses many, varied forms of artistic expression) my best work has always come about when I was genuinely interested in and excited about what I was creating. That said, my best work was usually NOT one of my first projects - rather, because I liked what I was doing, I would KEEP doing it, and eventually I'd reach a point where I saw enough improvement to be proud of my progress. In other words, enjoying what I was doing motivated me to push past the discomfort of the learning curve that comes with any new skill.

I think a lot of new artists (or other creatives) feel pressured to learn their craft in a certain way - the "right" way (whatever they think that means). But a lot of times, that means they reach the uncomfortable portion of the learning curve before they've truly learned to love what they're doing. As a result, many of them lose their taste for it and give up, which is unfortunate. It's better to do things the fun way than the "right" way, because fun will help keep you motivated.

[TimecodePerez]

Sometimes the motivation everyone is searching for in life for anything you want to do is as simple as look for what you like. Sometimes you just need to hear this…Thank you.

[DMAN]

Good advice, one thing I’ve often found to stop my progress is the fear of making mistakes, like drawing something new or practicing something you struggle with, the moment I see that I can’t draw it instead of thinking that I can learn it, my brain defaults into thinking I can never improve because I can’t seem to grasp it now. Art truly is a battle against one’s self at times.

[Garbanzobear]

Been feeling unmotivated to draw lately after practicing the basics for a couple months. Just what I needed to hear, appreciate your devotion to helping others improve 🙏

[magicmike]

Dude, that is some sagely advice in this video. I have long struggled to develop any type of drawing skills. I tend to focus on what the ‘manuals’ say you should do first before moving onto the next stage, and I get bored and put my pencil down for a year.
What you have said here makes a lot of sense. I think about the times as a kid when you’re not beholden to conformity and you just draw. Somehow, as an adult, you get things thrown at you, from an educational point of view, that makes you say “yup! I need to do that.” You must learn perspective. You must learn a more classical style first, etc.
It’s not necessarily the case. I’m not saying that we ignore the fundamentals, because they are important, but if you focus on what it is you like to do, then you will, hopefully, be able to bring it all together in a way and time that makes it all the more enjoyable. And when we enjoy what we are doing, we excel.

[adrianinha]

Thank you so much for this advice! This is a bit embarrasing to share but it might help someone: as many others, I really like the manga drawing style, but too many channels focus on drawing the female body (or rather, cute girls), and I try to follow along but what I really want to draw is cute boys!!! I now see why I get bored practicing something I really don't care about hoping I can translate that knowledge into drawing what I do want.
Thank you for this guidance, Alphonso, I feel as if I can finally see the light!

[lain]

I was starting from complete zero couple years ago. First year was not well spent. I haven't learnt a thing back then. Was thinking to drop idea of becoming good at art. Some time later i stumbled upon this channel and caught myself thinking "Omg. This is how i want to draw one day". This channel is so inspirational for me.
I've watched and rewatched almost every video here learning each time. In just next year i became so much better as an artist thanks to you. With right mindset and constant practice even people like me can do reasonably good art.

[anti-heat]

This is something that I really needed to hear, since lately I’ve been holding myself back from drawing what I really want, and then it causes me to hold myself back from improving faster than I could be. I have been focusing on improving my fundamentals but not making anything fun out of it, like only drawing cubes in 3D spaces. It’s helpful but not really engaging. My true interest is drawing fan art for things like video games and cartoons, I’ve just been so afraid to draw it because I’m afraid that I’ll get made fun of for the things I like. It also made me realize that I don’t HAVE to share any of that stuff with the world if I don’t want to. Thank you and I can’t wait for your new book.

[snehabhagat]

Thank you for making these kinds of videos once in a while, it really helps us to calm down, when practicing art gets a bit overwhelming. ❣️

[DrunkJackal]

I'm excited for the third book. I didn't really know what to expect with pen and ink, but going through the first book and performing some exercises, I find it to be a fascinating medium. I've never worked so diligently through a sketchbook before.

[martynsnan]

I enjoy drawing buildings that contain many contrasting angles, expecially when roofs meet in differing directions. Thanks Alphonso.

[kanibragason]

You still are the best on whole youtube! And with a new book! Happy for you!

[UpstateDS]

Just got your book yesterday. Dude! So good.

[bigblue]

Book number 3! I'm still working my way through the first two. Still. Something to look forward to.

[Dembilaja]

I have different routine, when I don't know what to draw, I sketch things I'm really bad at. It's not necessarily a pleasant experience, but it's useful in a long run.

[jamesrankin]

I've been drawing on and off for years, though mostly off. And though it's not easy to start, it's blinking hard to stop. I used to like drawing captionless cartoons. But for years I never touched a pencil. Then a few years back I bought a book on drawing horses and for months I couldn't stop, until I had to due to lack of sleep. LOL

This is just my advice to any and all peeps; if you want to start drawing, get a book on drawing and start drawing the first images you see, even those on the front cover. ;)

Btw, I've got both your books, Alphonso and I will get into them one day. I'm currently drawing from a picture book about the Polish language. So, instead of just remembering the pictures translations—I'm drawing them as well. Only trouble is, it's slow going. LOL

[ramonawickstrom]

It’s so nice to have you back! I am excited to get the next book!

[judithpool]

With this video, you thumbed the nail for me. I got your two books to refresh my old drawing skills, but I got stuck in practicing the skills. Realizing I do have to improve my basic skills every day a set amount of time. Then I watched your video of keeping two notebooks, one for practicing and one for.... with this video it finally connected in my brain. Motivition, enjoyment of what you draw. Question yourself how and where I could improve. Above all, enjoy the moment of the drawing. Just go with the flow, thett

[scottlapier]

I love the advice. And those doodles you are doing in the background are cool as hell...I'm gonna have to try a few of them myself.


I just got the book from Amazon a few days ago and just from trying to recreate some of the texture and perspective examples, I feel like my skills are already improving. Keep up the great work 👍

[belle]

I'm so excited to hear you are publishing another book! I bought the first two and diligently worked through the entire workbook. I love pen drawing and your books enabled a giant leap forward for me in skill and confidence.