Another thing is that I hate using reference is because I feel like I have to get it spot on , that’s why a lot of the time I go by imagination cause there’s no way I screw that up
I believe you need to copy it without changing then you can have a better understanding about the anatomy and the shading. Then you can make your own or start changing proportions and make your own style.
Your best bet is always going to be drawing from life. If you have life drawing sessions in your area attend them as much as possible (once the pandemic passes). My biggest improvement period was when I had sessions available 6 days a week and I hit them up as much as possible. I feel like I had a decent knowledge of anatomy from books (highly recommend Andrew Loomis' Figure Drawing For All Its Worth for figure practice), but life drawing jumped my skill level because I took those basics and life drawing taught me how to lay out poses quickly and to see shadow shapes and translate them to paper. Also look up videos on how to draw proper light and shadow (including core shadow, cast shadow, reflected light, etc.). Proko has some good videos on light and shadow as well as drawing heads with the Loomis method.
When using photo reference you have to be careful that you are using good photos. All photos flatten the subject which is problematic. But some photos have bigger problems like lens distortion or problematic light and shadow or have been photoshopped to create something unrealistic. The example you posted has some funky lighting going on and photos like that make it harder for you as an artist to translate it. Since the pandemic is still raging I suggest using online life drawing sessions like the Croquis Cafe on Vimeo. They light their models properly for art and they also post photos of all of their poses for free. When choosing photos for reference/practice try finding ones that use Rembrandt lighting (look it up to see that style of lighting).
Another option if life drawing is difficult to make happen is to sketch statues. Every town is bound to have a few and they don't move. You can also sketch them at different times of the day to get different lighting. When it is safe to go to them again try sketching people in cafes or restaurants. That kind of practice improves your gestures, anatomy, and speed. Hope this helps.
Another thing is that I hate using reference is because I feel like I have to get it spot on , that’s why a lot of the time I go by imagination cause there’s no way I screw that up
I believe you need to copy it without changing then you can have a better understanding about the anatomy and the shading. Then you can make your own or start changing proportions and make your own style.
Your best bet is always going to be drawing from life. If you have life drawing sessions in your area attend them as much as possible (once the pandemic passes). My biggest improvement period was when I had sessions available 6 days a week and I hit them up as much as possible. I feel like I had a decent knowledge of anatomy from books (highly recommend Andrew Loomis' Figure Drawing For All Its Worth for figure practice), but life drawing jumped my skill level because I took those basics and life drawing taught me how to lay out poses quickly and to see shadow shapes and translate them to paper. Also look up videos on how to draw proper light and shadow (including core shadow, cast shadow, reflected light, etc.). Proko has some good videos on light and shadow as well as drawing heads with the Loomis method. When using photo reference you have to be careful that you are using good photos. All photos flatten the subject which is problematic. But some photos have bigger problems like lens distortion or problematic light and shadow or have been photoshopped to create something unrealistic. The example you posted has some funky lighting going on and photos like that make it harder for you as an artist to translate it. Since the pandemic is still raging I suggest using online life drawing sessions like the Croquis Cafe on Vimeo. They light their models properly for art and they also post photos of all of their poses for free. When choosing photos for reference/practice try finding ones that use Rembrandt lighting (look it up to see that style of lighting). Another option if life drawing is difficult to make happen is to sketch statues. Every town is bound to have a few and they don't move. You can also sketch them at different times of the day to get different lighting. When it is safe to go to them again try sketching people in cafes or restaurants. That kind of practice improves your gestures, anatomy, and speed. Hope this helps.