Why you should learn how to draw and how to do it

Adults always have to explain everything. Antoine de Saint-Exupery "The Little Prince"

Remember why the hero leading the narrative in "The little Prince"Abandoned" the brilliant career of the artist "? Right — adults do not understand and did not appreciate his boa from inside and outside.

If you draw a boa constrictor, swallowing an elephant, but it turns out the hat, then this article is for you. We have invited several experts — professional artists and designers, — to answer questions such as:

• why some people are able to draw from birth, while others do not?
• why do you need to draw?
• whether it is possible to learn this?
• if so, how?

Interesting? Welcome to a cat!

Painting — talent or skill?

Expert opinion:

Why some are able to draw, while others do not? It's like asking why some people are blond and the other little dark. :) Because some things are given to us by nature, and which do not. You can learn, you can hone a skill to cultivate and take persistence, but this is different. Initially, the ability to draw — rather, it is a gift ...

Elizabeth Ishchenko, art director of "buffer Bay"

In December 1911, the German impressionist Lovis Corinth suffered a stroke. The artist has paralyzed the right side of the body. For a while he even stopped to draw — unlearned.

Modern scientists explain this "metamorphosis" that ability to draw directly dependent on the functioning of the brain.

So, in 2010, Rebecca Chamberlain (Rebecca Chamberlain) and colleagues from University College London We decided to findWhy some people draw from birth, while others do not.

It turned out that people who can not draw, they see not as artists. Looking at the object, they are wrong to assess its size, shape and color. That is why they have not obtained accurately transferred to the paper visible object.

Additionally, a predisposition to art depends on the memory. People who are not able to paint, may not remember, for example, the angle between the lines and, respectively, to put it in the figure.

Expert opinion:

It seems to me, from childhood draw everything. But some less gifted. Some people just fall in love with painting, others — not. Those who fall in love, and later become artists. Unless, of course, show hard work and perseverance and if you do not give their joys and worries drown love for creativity.

Vrezh Kirakosyan, portrait painter, heading hero "No excuses"

Around the same opinion, as scientists from London, holds Ostrofsky Justin (Justin Ostrofsky) and his colleagues at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York. they believeThat artists have more developed visual perception, and they better define what you need to draw the element, and which can be omitted.

Expert opinion:

In fact, this is not such a simple question. Because it is hidden one: what it means to be able to draw? It is here that "crux of the matter." This is the main cause for the disputes and differences. For perfectionists be able to draw is the ability to write very realistic picture indistinguishable from photographs. So people learn very hard, because such a skill requires a huge investment of time and effort. Training and polishing skills may take more than one year, but the person will still be dissatisfied with himself, and not assume that knows how to draw. Plus, many people forget over time, what the word "learn" when it comes to training the body. Adults believe that learning — read this book, remember the information. A realistic drawing — it is a practical skill, involving primarily the development of eye estimation. It does not happen all at once. At first, it turns out not really seem to be weak, badly. And for many it is very difficult to cope with disappointment at the initial stage. They cast, telling yourself something like: "All the same, it will not work" or "I guess I have no abilities." And it is in vain. Practice shows that the number of drawing inevitably turns into quality. In addition, there are other people with less substantive and more imaginative thinking. They are less demanding on the realism of the image, it is more important the transfer of the state, feelings, emotions. These people learn more easily, they see your progress from the very first work (of course, much depends on the teacher and on its ability to draw the attention of students on the strengths of their work). In the end, they draw. They may also be critical of their skills and assume that they can not draw, or are able to not well. But this does not prevent them to be creative, but it is in the process of creative work and learning takes place. As I said, quantity turns into quality.

Alexander Merezhnikova, artist, teacher, author of the project "Drawing Together"

Surprisingly, long before-described studies, the artist (s psychologist) Kimon Nicolaides (Kimon Nicolaides) argued that the main problem of people who think that they can not draw, that they see things wrong. According to the artist, not the ability to draw talent and skill. Rather, the 5 skills:

• vision region;
• vision of space;
• vision of relations;
• vision of light and shadow;
• vision of the whole.

Exercises for the development of these skills in the book "The natural way to draw" (The Natural Way to Draw).

There is only one right way to learn to draw — natural way. It has nothing to do with aesthetics or technique. It is directly linked to fidelity and precision of observations, and by that I mean physical contact with a variety of objects by the five senses. Kimon Nicolaides

Supporters method hemispheric drawing also believe that the "secret" lies in the head. But the cause of the inability of some people to draw a name that in the process of artistic creation, they (wrongly) involve the left, rational side of the brain.

hemispheric drawing method developed art teacher, Ph.D. Betty Edwards (Betty Edwards) in the late 1970s. Her book "The Artist in You" (1979) became a bestseller, has been translated into dozens of languages ​​and through several editions.

The basis of the concept of Edwards formed scientific research neuropsychologist, a professor of psychobiology, winner of the Nobel Prize Roger Sperry (Roger Sperry).

Dr. Sperry studied "functional specialization of the cerebral hemispheres." According to his theory, the left hemisphere of the brain uses analytical and verbal modes of thinking, it is responsible for speech, math, algorithms. The right hemisphere, on the contrary, "creative", thinks in images and is responsible for the perception of color, size comparison and outlook items. These features Dr. Edwards called "L-Mode" and "P-mode".

Most people in the processing of information is dominated by the left hemisphere. 90% of people think that they can not draw, while art continues "Use" the left hemisphere, rather than to include "P-mode" and take a holistic visual images.

Expert opinion:

Absolutely Neris people there. there are circumstances — parents, teachers, society, which create a situation of "failure." The man simply begins to think badly of themselves too. Undoubtedly, there are talented people, and everyone else has the opportunity to draw, but the desire repulsed. To me come to class people, who for many years have only dreamed about painting, but the fear was too great. A buzz begins in the classroom. How many do not run from a dream, she still overtake.

Sophia Charina, a teacher of painting, art club "Pilgrim"

To understand how this works, imagine, if you want to draw a chair. You say to yourself: "Draw-ka I chair." The left hemisphere instantly translates the word "chair" in character (sticks, squares). As a result, instead of drawing a chair, you draw geometric shapes, from which, in the opinion of your left hemisphere is the chair.

Therefore, the essence of the method consists in drawing hemispheric temporary suppression of operation of the left hemisphere.

Thus science sticks to the fact that the ability to draw — It is a skill that can find anyone.

Expert opinion:

All the people know how to draw. Just someone about it does not know yet.
That's the way the system of education in our world, which encourages the development of logical thinking and very little attention is paid to the intuitive creative development of personality. For example, I have a classical drawing skills. In the classroom at the university, we drew 16—20 academic hours only one setting, everything to be perfect, classically. Then I studied at the British Higher School of Design, where my world turned upside down. Together with me in the same group we studied the people who first picked up a pencil, and they turned out better than I do. At first I did not understand: how can that be?! I — designer, so much time spent on a drawing classes, painting, and my fellow students at that time studied mathematics, physics, philosophy, and so on. d. But they sometimes work more interesting than me. It was only after the first semester in the "Briton" I realized that I can draw everyone! The most important thing — want it and pick up a pencil or a brush.

Kukushkin Ekaterina, Designer, teacher

Why you should learn how to draw?

Oia Zorina, the author of the wonderful articles on Layfhakere once told me about his personal painting experience. She started a sketch pad and "Allow yourself to do." As a result of Oia he wrote:

Now I fully understand why it is necessary to continue and why everyone should try.

Why is it necessary to draw?

Drawing develops cognitive functions

Due to the improved perception of the drawing, visual memory, fine motor skills. It helps to look at things more deeply study the subjects comprehensively.

Expert opinion:

Drawing helps to look at other world, with new eyes, you begin to even more love nature, people and animals. You begin to appreciate even more all! the drawing process itself is incredible, delightful emotions. Man spiritually enriched, and grows over itself, develops and reveals his hidden abilities. It is necessary to draw, to be happy and to give the world the good and beauty.

Vrezh Kirakosyan

Drawing — way of expression

Drawing, people reveal their personal potential. Painting — This internal dialogue "I" with the world.

Expert opinion:

Each person drawing gives something of themselves. Someone in this process finds peace and relaxation, while others — thrill and uplifting mood. third — this is the meaning of life. I'm studying art therapy for children and adults. We can safely say that drawing helps to solve many psychological issues: self-esteem, remove tensions (family or job), get rid of fear, and so on.. For example, there is such method Mandala — drawing in the circle (yet it is called a healing circle). Check for yourself — it works! Drawing — this is an unconscious process, and it is always a connection with his "I", with its potential that lies in every person from birth. My advice is to draw as much and often as possible, learn new facets of their lives, fill the work of every day!

Kukushkin Ekaterina

Drawing improves self-esteem

Drawing, people become more confident. Fear to show their work and to be misunderstood — inevitable. Each artist passes therethrough. But over time, it produced "immunity" to the unfair criticism.

Expert opinion:

I draw simply because I like it. Someone draws on the sale (here it is possible to express the answer to the question "Why?" In general terms). But the feeling of pleasure does not weigh or measure. I once asked this question on his website, one of the answers sunk into the soul: "I paint in order to be happy." And it is clear that happiness is all his own. Someone happy when dancing, someone — when rushing from the mountain on skis. Someone — When drawing. But the pleasure of the process occurs when it turns out, and if you study, you might not come immediately. However, if you overcome the difficulties, and then grow wings. Not to say that it's forever, there are setbacks and disappointments. But the joy of what is produced, it is worth the effort.

Alexander Merezhnikova

Drawing as a method of meditation

Many compare the drawing with meditation. Artistic creation lets you relax, get in state of flux. Artists say that by drawing, they are "disconnected" from the outside world, there is no room in my head everyday thoughts.

Expert opinion:

Drawing — self-expression, a different reality. Words to describe the feeling is very difficult. Every person who comes to me, has a history. Sometimes it is tragic, sometimes joyful, but the most important thing — they found the strength to come. Oddly enough, the most difficult thing is not to learn how to draw, and to come, start to get out of your comfort zone.

Sophia Charina

Drawing - a pleasure

This is one of the most exciting ways. When on a white sheet of "alive" or city, for example, a forest, you feel genuine pleasure.

Expert opinion:

Paint — it is a delight. It is self-expression. This splash of emotions and calm the nerves. Here you go, it happens on the street, and the light is so beautiful, and the lilacs bloomed, and so beautiful houses in a row got up... and thought: "Oh, that would have to sit here now and show off all this beauty!". And it is good to the soul at once ...

Elizabeth Ishchenko

How to learn to draw?

We asked our experts if you can learn to draw? They replied in one voice: "Yes!".

All the artists, which you may recall, once studied his case. No great artist was not so in the 5 or 10 years, had to learn everything. Alexander Merezhnikova

At the same time Catherine and Sophia Kukushkin Charina noted that to learn to paint at any age, most importantly — desire or as Vrezh Kirakosyan said, "love to draw."

The whole point is desired. Tools and techniques are now abound. Learn your health! the main thing — desire and perseverance. Elizabeth Ishchenko

So, learn to draw everyone can. But how? The question is, what teaching methods to choose, we have addressed our experts.

Elizabeth Ishchenko advised to master academic school and With Tutor:

I am a supporter of the academic school — sketches, plays, proportions... I think we should start with the basics. Not with the video "How to draw the hero of the film" X-Men "for 2 hours in a ski suit," and with the concept of shapes, geometric shapes and light.

A Vrezh Kirakosyan, on the contrary, considers very useful video tutorials:

There is nothing better than looking master classes in drawing. The Web is full of this kind of materials: from the basics to the serious work.

Alexander Merezhnikova also recommends to learn from a professional, but notes that, constantly practicing, and you can use the tutorial.

General recommendations are simple. To learn how to sew, you sew, to learn to drive — to drive, to learn how to cook — Cook. Just a figure: to learn how to draw, you draw. It is better to study with a teacher who can show something, prompt, praise, — it is very important! But you can own. If we talk about the tutorials, I liked the book "Art pattern" Bert Dodson, it gives a fairly complete and flexible method. But, of course, all individually, someone his method may not be suitable. Now the choice is large enough, you can find something that will appeal to you personally.

Draw from nature — Council Sofia Charin. It seems very good, if you remember the study Rebecca Chamberlain.

For beginners, it is very important to work with nature. Another indispensable teacher who send in the right direction. Otherwise, the process will be longer and more errors. Work done in the image, — it is not useful. The fact that the two-dimensional media (photos, pictures) do not reflect the full shape of objects, and this is very important. The man, in fact, does not feel it.

Catherine Kukushkin, based on their experience, gave the following recommendations:

1. Keep a notebook and draw at least one drawing a day.
   

   So man develops attention and imagination. Every day he is looking for new objects for sketches or come up with something of their own, thus fills out and forms a creative view of the world.

2. Go a couple of group sessions on drawing — there is a great atmosphere.
3. In his spare time, go to the exhibition.
4. Monitorte information by drawing on the Internet. Is close to you in spirit artists, illustrators and designers.
5. Study the work of famous artists.

But it is not necessary to repeat after someone! Always remember that you are unique and unrepeatable, your style and handwriting — It is what you are! The man who boldly express their own style, always stand out from the crowd.

In addition, Catherine advises to try to draw in different techniques.

As many different painting techniques (watercolor, gouache, drawing application, ink, pencil, clay, collage, and so on. D.). It is best to paint the simplest things: fruit, dishes, home decoration, etc.. After a person pereprobuet several techniques, he can choose the one that most appealed to him, and begin to work in it.

usefulness

In conclusion, we want to share with you a selection of portals and applications that may help you start drawing.

Community of creative people (for inspiration)

• Behance.net
• illustrationmundo.com
• Thisiscolossal.com
• Revision.ru

Sites with drawing lessons

• Drawspace.com
• Learn-to-draw.com
• Toadhollowstudio.com
• Drawsketch.about.com
• Drawschool.ru
• Purmix.ru
• Prostoykarandash.ru

apps

• 5 best tools for drawing on Android.
• 5 best apps for drawing on the tablet.

Have something to add? There is a learning experience drawing? You know a cool site or app for budding artists? Write comments!