Trying to learn "art"

[Terzo]

So whenever I try and draw something the results are shittier than my morning dump. Because of that, I've been looking up books that will help my not suck.
I already intend on picking up Drawing With the Right Side of the Brain. I also saw some recommendations for other books, specifically The Natural Way to Draw. Someone who reviewed that book mentioned that it can be a good book *if* that's the style you want to learn. And that gave me pause, as I want to learn a different style.

So artists of ATOT, given the following can you give me advice?
I don't really care about drawing still life. I want to draw stuff from my imagination (I suppose surreal would be the definition?)
I'm not even sure that drawing is the medium that best conveys what I want, though I figure it's still best to start out with drawing.
For examples of what I'm talking about...well, there's the Simpsons episode where Homer eats the insanity peppers and meets the space coyote; I liked the style depicted in that segment.
Then there's Okami, which amazed me so much I bought the book of illustrations that was released from it.
The other example I can think of off the top of my head is Nedroid.

I understand that the "right side of the brain" book will teach drawing what you see. While I believe that will be a necessary skill to have, ultimately I want to draw from my imagination.
So what books would you recommend I look at after right side? Is drawing even the medium I want? I'm guessing ultimately watercolor would reflect what I want better, but then again I don't know jack about art.
What do you think?

 

[PieIsAwesome]

You need to draw what you see if you want to learn to draw even if you ultimately do not want to draw what you see. Drawing from life is the best way to learn.

And if you want to paint you should still learn to draw from life. Heck, paint from life, skills+1000000

 

[theflyingpig]

You have to have talent first. I suggest you just give up.

 

[UnatcoAgent]

practice practice practice

don't stop

take some lessons with someone who knows what they're doing

practice

 

[Leros]

My girlfriend goes to this drawing club. About 20 people show up at this coffee shop, most of them pretty good artists. They sit around, draw, look at each other's work, and give each other tips. She's learned a lot from going there.

Maybe try that?

 

[manowar821]

Peyote, roll around in the mud for 10 hours while tripping, then art.

 

[sash1]

Originally posted by: Terzo
I understand that the "right side of the brain" book will teach drawing what you see. While I believe that will be a necessary skill to have, ultimately I want to draw from my imagination.

you see, first you're going to have to learn to draw what you see if you want to be successful. if you take any beginner art class, it's probably going to be mostly/all still life drawing. i would really suggest taking a class, see if you can take an art class at your local community/state college or something.

(joke answer: take lessons from casiotech)

 

[Terzo]

So far the general consensus I seem to be getting is practice a lot and take an actual class rather than just going from books. Also master (or at least learn) drawing from sight before moving onto other things. Is there anything else?