If only I could draw ...

I would be a fantastic artist if only I could draw the random things I see sometimes. Like right now I'm seeing this amazing mummy-like Ninja holding a lance or a long bond-wrapped sword, standing to the left of the most incredibly Asian-style dragon you could imagine with a lioninesque snout and his teeth bared, all feral ... it is utterly exquisite ... dammit WHY CAN'T I DRAW OR PAINT??? I have NO talent in that area ... NO I am NOT looking at the cover of some anime DVD or the pages of some manga ... I'm looking at what is supposed to be an ordinary beige carpet -- you know, standard default issue for 1970s-built suburban townhomes ... (and no, I'm not on drugs either ... haven't used that stuff for years ...)

LOL!!!!!!! I like the way you discribe the carpet.
Well you are not alone I can not draw pictures or paint figures and scenes from my mind/visualized either and have wished many times that I could. I have never really attempted to learn painting or drawing and wonder if that could bring it out.?

I have often thought the same thing, actually! Wished that I could draw what I see in my mind's eye

A few years ago I was agonizing over this same inability issue around drawing. An artist friend of mine recommended a book that changed my life completely within only a matter of days. I'm practically wetting my pants with the excitement of being able to pass that on again.

The title is: Drawing On The Right Side Of The Brain, by Betty Edwards. She explains how most of us stopped drawing as children, and so when we try again as adults our attempts look so childish. Believe it or not, she gives such simple "looking" tips that within days, I went from stick figure symbol type first grade drawing to realistic portraits.

I would love to hear back sometime from some one else who tried it.

It is so worth the energy to try. When we do art, we release a whole slew of natural good brain chems. I myself, need all the help I can get in that regard. lol.

I have a friend with an Masters in Fine Art. He is an amazing artist. This is the same book he recommends to people who are interested in getting started in art. emmy

That's an excellent book. I took a class last year by a teacher who used those techniques and it really amazes you what you can do!

I'll be checking that book out. Thanks!

Larks

Malady, There is something to be said for abstract creative art too. Drawing something to look just like something isn't as creative as what you do. Maybe make a collage or do some other medium?