Am I Practicing Drawing the Correct Way?

https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtFundamentals/comments/wd7lqq/am_i_practicing_drawing_the_correct_way/

2022-08-01 03:57

AvailableSlide7561

So this is a major insecurity of mine. I grew up in very restrictive mid western environment that never knew what to do with the artistic kid that I was. Basically I put all my artistic desires on the back burner for years. I hate myself for this. I want to improve as an artist. I have finally reached a place to where I no longer fear the blank page. I no longer fear making mistakes. I am finally eager to improve. I am finally determined and dedicated. However, instead of having the fear of the blank page, I fear that Im not practicing correctly and that I won't improve. Or that there is a better way for me to practice drawing and by not doing it that way my improvement will be stunted.

My practice sessions usually consist of me drawing for 2 to 3 hours 4 to 5 days a week. Im working on increasing it to every day and eventually I want to do 4 hours a couple days a week as well. I have been using the website Line of Action, and will usually turn the settings to the classroom mode which means they give you a handful of images you draw for 15 seconds then the time with increase to 30 seconds, 1 minuet, 4 minuets, 9 minuets, then like 24 minuets. My focus on this site has been on hands, feet and figure drawing. I will have the images displayed on my laptop, placed next to my drawing pad and I will draw what I see to the best of my ability until the image switches.

I also have some drawing books and will sometimes set them up next to my drawing pad and again will draw what I see until I need a break or I reach my time limit.

I don't need to be told that I need to calm down and try my best. I don't need to be told that I will eventually get better. On some level I already understand all this. I need to understand that the way in which I practice is bennifificial. I have no problem doing this everyday, I have no problem with dedication and hard work. Its just I worry that Im putting my time into a method that will not increase my skills. I worry that there is a more effective way to practice and because Im not practicing that way, I won't improve. Is this method beneficial? Can someone please give me a concrete structured practice plan for improvement? How do you practice drawing? Any other information, resources or personal stories will be much appreciated. Thank you.