This is going to hurt :)

[paladis]

It's been 15 years since I've picked up a pencil to draw. I miss it so for the last month I've been sketching. I'm hoping and praying to improve over the next few years. Please be gentle with me...I'm a noob. Anyway, here are my first few really rough sketches.

[WashingtonFats]

It probably hurt more to NOT draw for all that time, so relax. You're back on track.

[ajkarp]

Welcome back to drawing, and welcome to Penciljack! People here are mostly kind but more importantly they're mostly constructive with thier comments. Keep up the drawing and keep up the posting.

[paladis]

Thanks Washington and AJkarp, I appreciate the encouragement. It did hurt to stop drawing, but I felt I needed to so that I could get a good job and start a family. I guess like so many of us who are in our late thirties and early forties we get to a point in our lives and realize that we could be happier. And we start to remember all the simple things that made us really happy. Drawing was one of those things that made me really happy. I must admit that it is a bit frustrating now because it so hard to express myself without the years of youthful practice behind my attempts at expression. But here I am now, ready to make this journey. I’m hoping it’s going to be a great one

[paladis]

My first Spidey sketch.

[ajkarp]

Being an "Elder" like myself, you would probably appreciate the need for good reference. Some titles for you to look out for: Dynamic Figure Drawing by Burne Hogarth, Bridgman's Guide to Drawing from Life, and of course How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way is a classic. These books touch on some pretty important aspects of form and anatomy that I think you could really benefit from.
It seems like you have the heart and the desire to continue. Throw in a little nuts and bolts of the basics and you'll be amazed at how you'll improve.

[paladis]

Ya, definitely feeling that "Elder" status. I just started going through Andrew Loomis - Figure Drawing For All It's Worth. I've heard from various sources that studying Loomis is essential for any aspiring artist. I think I’m 1/3 through the book and so far it's been interesting. I'm not use to doing art in a coordinated way, but I realize as an "Elder" time is of essence so every moment must count

[paladis]

First Batman sketch

This is the first time I attempted to draw Batman, I didn't use a refrence because I was trying to do it from memory. I hope I did the Dark Knight some justice, either way the road is long ahead of me

[Phobus]

Great Job Abe!


Is that super Aidan?

I salute you. You have the big ones and are posting up unlike me.

[faustus112]

Hey Paladis! I hear you about doing what makes you happy! I decided about 7 yrs ago to pick up the pencil and paper again.Been enjoying working at it ever since. You might try auditing a figure drawing class at your local univ. or tech school. That will get you some solid practice,too.

[paladis]

Ya, I just have to keep at it Faust. I've been scoping out some places that have life drawing classes, haven't been to any yet but I do hope to go to some soon. I remember when I was a kid, just being around other artist was good inspiration...and having a gorgeous naked women to draw wasn't to bad either (Am I allowed to say that!)

[NickRocks]

how could you let yourself go that long without drawing? i feel worthless after a day or two of not doodling SOMETHING.

[eric_blitz]

woah-woah-woah---you mean its possible to go three years without drawing--? XD

Now for some advise! XD you seem to have a pretty good grasp on anatomy which is really, really good. My only thing I would say is keep working and develope a kick ass style!

Nice work man! Cant wait to see more

[paladis]

Ya 15 years is a very long time, I had to wean myself off of drawing because I would start to draw and then zone out, homework wouldn't be done, girlfriends ignored(unless naked), the house burning down around me. I'm sure allot of the guys on the boards have gone through that, when a concept is going well and you just can't stop. Even now when I start to draw I feel anxious, I really beat myself up back then about drawing and zoning out...ignoring everything. I’ve missed it all these years, glad I’m back into it, it’s really relaxing. Now I just have a ton of work ahead of me to get back into the swing of things, but it's a great hobby to have and worth the time spent.

[paladis]

From my sketch book...first scene I've tried to draw.