M64’s Games Blog

A short update on my progress with drawing. I’ve made a drawing of a part of my flat.

Perspective drawing of some doors in my flat

That’s my first “big” picture drawn by sight (and not from a reproduction). I have messed up some proportions so I had to change the chair and cupboard slightly and the plant greatly to make the picture come together. I’ve also got quite upset and have not finished it. Now I think it’s not that bad – the central part looks pretty good and even the improvised parts are not that bad. I also think it would be dishonest not to show you some of my failures.

I must admit I am quite pleased with this picture, especially considering how little I practice and that I completely could not draw two months ago. I am two thirds into the instruction book, I will soon get into portraits and I am pretty confident I will be able to draw them – something unimaginable two months ago.

Now I would like to make a short reflection. Perhaps it’s too early to say this, but I will do it anyway. When I’m comparing drawing to some other creative activities that I know, that is programming and music, I must say one thing – so far it’s pretty easy. To be a good musician you have to practice almost every day and never break your practice for more than two days in a row. I draw only once or twice a week and I don’t see much adverse effect of such a loose practice schedule. If my course continuous that well, then the conclusion may be that not learning to draw may be one of the greatest disservices I’ve done to myself as a game developer.

PS. If you are not interrested in my struggle with art and only care about my Free Gaming ideas I’ve created a new category titled “Possibilities” that I will use for the idea articles. It’s named after one very nice album by Herbie Hancock, which you may check out as well.