To go to an art class when I have no artistic ability

[123autumn]

This is a genuine AIBU so please go easy on me! I’ve always been slightly envious of people who can draw and it’s something I wish I could do, but I can’t draw at all, not even the most basic thing!

I’ve found some drawing classes for beginners in my area. They say they’re suitable for beginners but I’m still not sure. Surely you need to have at least some kind of basic ability, and you go to the class to improve on that? Can people really learn this stuff or will it be a waste of money if I can’t do anything at all? So is it unreasonable to go along to a class and expect to be able to do something, even something small? I was more or less laughed at in art lessons at school and felt I was the only person who couldn’t even do the most basic thing. What can an adult reasonably achieve?

Edit: vote YANBU if you think I should give it a try, or YABU if you think it’s a waste of time.

Yes, you can definitely learn from a good teacher. I took part in a class and surprised myself.

There's a brilliant book called "drawing on the right side of the brain" which goes into how kids get to a certain age, and decide they can't draw, and stop.

But drawing can definitely be learnt at any age. Here are some before and after pictures from people following this approach to drawing...
Before & After Student Drawings — Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain (drawright.com)

It's a skill, you can learn, that's why there are lessons.

Don't be so hard on yourself! Adult education classes are usually really supportive.

You’re exactly who those classes are for! Go for it!

Yes go for it. I've a creative hobby and there's quite a few in the group that don't really produce much, but they love coming and learning a little bit and it's a lovely friendly group.
I don't need to go to a paid class as I'm pretty skilled now, but I still go to the hobby because it gets me out of the house for a few hours, sit with other women and natter about different things - it's good for my mental well being!

I teach craft workshops and I think you should definitely go for it. It's actually quite nice teaching an absolute beginner!

Yes, definitely go!

Also remember that learning to draw doesn’t necessarily mean learning to draw in a photorealistic style. There are so many ways to draw, and you’ll find the one that suits you.

@InDubiousBattle I’m intrigued. Why is it nice teaching an absolute beginner?

I second this. I go to a similar group. Sometimes new people start and are amazing from the beginning - other times new people come who haven't done anything artistic or crafty since school but they are always welcomed and never judged. These kind of classes are normally very welcoming

That’s a good point. I don’t even know what style I’d do if I could choose singling right now. I can’t draw cartoons either so I’d be impressed if I could draw anything at all. I hadn’t even got as far a as thinking about that 😄

Beginners are generally open to trying a bit of everything and progress is fast which is great. When I teach more experienced crafters they obviously have more skill and knowledge in some areas but will also be wary of learing something they've tried before and found tricky.

And yes to pp! I've always found arts and crafts groups and workshops really lovely and welcoming.

If you can make a mark on paper, you already have a 'basic ability'.

Drawing is something that genuinely improves with regular practice.

I've drawn for most of my life (actually went to art school for three years) I haven't drawn regularly for quite a few years now - and when I do have a go my lack of practice is very evident!

Do it, you'll love it.

My kids used to laugh at how terrible my drawings were, so definitely no natural talent here, but even I managed to teach myself to draw. Drawing is 10% talent, 90% practice, so you can get far if you’re able to put some time into it.

Don’t worry about style. Half a decade in, I’m still not sure what mine is, but I’ve had fun trying out a few and that’s all that really matters!

I’m currently experimenting with urban sketching, which is nerve wrecking as it’s done in public. I’ve struck up a fair few conversations as part of that, with people who tell me they can’t draw at all. They’re generally surprised when I tell them I don’t have any natural ability either. It’s all just practice, practice, practice.

Thanks to all. I think I’m going to take the plunge and go for it!

I used to go to an art class and I am utterly without skills or talent. But I enjoyed it and I would go again if I could find one at a time and with a teacher that suited. I think it is very good for you to do things that don’t come naturally!