How To Draw Sonic Blog

These questions probably sound stupid to most of you, so I’m sorry, But i really need these answered…

Hey, I’m 13 years old, live in Australia, and have always loved drawing.

Since I was able to hold a pencil I would love drawing cartoons, real people, real things etc. I would mainly copy and later on draw characters from anime and cartoons I saw on T.V.

But I was never really talented. I would love drawing, and people would say How could a drawer I am, But I never knew proper techniques, didn’t know how to shade, didn’t know which pencils to use for what kind of drawing, and the sad thing is, I still don’t.

Is it too late to learn? Not only draw but paint, using oil colours as well, Learn the techniques, for drawing, painting, shading etc.
Perhaps becoming better at drawing faces, portraits and people in general, Or maybe cartooning or detailed anime, and learn how to paint fantastic scenic views from my own imagination? Is it possible to learn all this? I mean, I’ll say, I’m crap, so should I take lessons? and learn almost all I can about art? Is drawing something a few talented people can actually achieve? What should I do if I want to improve? Should I take lessons? Is there anywhere online with a comprehensive tutorial to get me started with drawing? Is it truly possible to become a true, talented artist (drawer and painter) in realistic, fantasy and cartooning/Anime art? What does it take? How and when did you learn? Could you share your experience with learning and your fascination with art and drawing?

I’m really Sorry for all those questions, I know there were allot and that they sounded stupid, but If you could answer as many as you can, I would really appreciate it.

1 Quit putting yourself down with lines like "I’m crap!"
#2 At age 13 it is not too late for you to learn or unlearn anything.
#3 Unless you are very, very good, anime will NOT further your ability to draw. Drawing in a sketchbook every day, drawing from life (see the tree … draw the tree, etc.) will further your ability.
#4 Good drawing skills are not dependent on what kind of pencil you use! It is dependent on PRACTICE!
#5 You can read every single book on drawing that has ever been printed, but unless you pick up your pencil/pen/charcoal stick/paintbrush everyday, or very regularly, you will not improve your skill.
#6 While I do not believe as some do that talent is over-rated, you can learn to draw if you are willing to work. WORK. Yes, that four-letter-word that most young people resist and dislike.
#7 Just like you would never become a concert pianist or a Grammy winning singer without it, art requires practice too!

I began drawing in grade school, seriously in junior high school . . .and then took off three decades before returning to my art. I now belong to several art societies, have had my art in catalogs for artist materials, on the walls of city hall, in international shows, and some of it hangs in Manhattan in the home of a broker, and in Hollywood in the home of a comedienne.

While my friends were spending their allowances on music and junk, I spent all mine at the art supplies store. While they were "hanging out" I was in my room or outdoors drawing and painting. I did take out time to raise a family, but have returned to my art now. I have to keep pushing myself to practice every day.

This is one of the oldest pieces I did at about your age that I have in my collection: http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii267/art4now/100_0018.jpg

This is my newest piece: http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii267/art4now/100_3797.jpg