The Secret of Realistic Drawing

The Secret of Realistic Drawing:

What really is realistic drawing? there are so many different styles of art out there now, that I can understand if you are a bit baffled which way to turn.

So lets get down to it, and unravel the mystery in getting Realistic Drawing on track.

Realistic Drawing and You

There are enough styles of drawing, modern, surrealism. But the most pure of all art is the reproduction of realistic likeness. What does this mean to you?Realism is the reproduction of something that is the same likeness of what you see; what is real.

I heard people say that "if you draw or painted something that looks just like a photo, why not just take a photo instead". That art is perceived in layman's-terms as "The Artists Interpretation of art itself". So does that mean that we; as artists should not interpret an object to the closest exactness to what we are drawing......

Sometimes I wonder if this isn't an excuse to be able to make mistakes; that an artist shouldn't try to make an exact replica to an object or living thing. Or is it a scape-goat, being the way to excuse an artists talent if they cant replicate likeness in their art?

I for one don't agree, and there are enough artists doing realistic drawings out there to also support my own values. And there are allot of artists that can bring to life, drawings of things, that just take your breath away.

So is this the way you want to go with your drawings, or do you want to tackle a few different styles. So if you want to draw really good realistic drawings; making that decision is a big step.

Realistic Drawing Expectations

I think most artists look at realistic artists drawings; the really good ones. And think wow!

Most artists who do fine art, think seriously about doing realistic drawings. I know I do, and always have. So there are different stages, different capacities at just how good you want to be. Do you want your drawings to reflect the subject you are doing. The same exact image.

I would love that myself; what you need to ask yourself is that, do you have the devotion and time to become a really good realistic drawing artist. I myself have found that I have a special talent in doing sculpture, and I do realistic sculpture most of the time. So I don't have the necessary time to become one of the masters in the field of realistic drawing. It would be nice.........

I don't just mean doing a drawing that is just a likeness. I mean doing a drawing that is so close to the real thing, that you have to look hard to see if it really is a drawing or a photo.

Is Realistic Drawing Right for You

Do you want to be one of these artists? when you have seen these sort of drawing in art shows, magazines etc... Do you think that this artist is really talented and you wish you could draw like they can. Art needs a certain amount of talent. There are the natural artists, and also there are artists that have to take the long road by going to art school and studying their new trade.

But I can tell you now, this sort of drawing doesn't just come, you need to be prepared to put long hours of practice and study to getting to this stage of near perfection in the art field. And be prepared for a lot of frustration and many lessons. You could be looking at a year of practice to get to this standard. But the self satisfaction and amazement at what you could do by your own hand, will outweigh all that time you took to get to this stage.

And just like an athlete, you will need to work at it to keep a standard. Yes, even artists get a bit rusty after a while. If they haven't been doing their drawing for a while.

Mindset and Your Drawing

When you you do enter the world of this sort of standard in realistic drawing. Your mindset needs to get over the feeling that in order to reproduce an image down on paper. You need to think that you have no other cause; than to reproduce what you see.

And you will need to do your homework first. Look at pictures of the subject that you are going to do. Find different angles and go and see the subject in real life if you can. I know if you want to draw say... a big cat. Its not always so easy to go and see it fin real life. I am faced with this too.... Distance and geography lends a factor to not being able to just go and see your subject. So it comes down to finding pictures and studying. Staring closely at these pictures, and soaking in the detail, texture, and shape. All must be thoroughly studied, and familiar in your mind before you put your pencil to paper.

Reproducing realism, is most probably the hardest thing you can do in art. Because you have a measurement to come up to, "natures work itself". Or man made. With more modern art work, you don't have to follow something to the exactness, therefore you cannot be judged if it is really right or not.

If you can commit to this, and knowing that it wont be an easy road, I guarantee. When you do reach the standard of being able to look at your work in its realistic brilliance. You be so glad you did go through all that practice and lessons. When you know it has all paid off in the long run.

The road to drawing realistic art may not be the easiest one. As we have discussed. And I don't want you to go into such a decision half-heartedly. Are you suited to this sort of art, or do you follow other styles of art. Being an all rounder in art is fine. But to really be the best at one style takes allot of time. I am an all rounder in art myself, I chose to mainly concentrate and specialize in sculpture. And have seen how; through the years my sculpting has improved. You never stop learning in art.

Being faced with what you need to achieve, the goals in realistic drawing might be a bit daunting. But if your interest is such that you know its right for you. And now you know what you are in for. Making the decision to not just draw what you see, but becoming a master at it. Will be your own reward.

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