Sketching daily from life is really important for anyone serious about developing their skills. I still work from photos which I have taken, but try to push myself to tackle difficult subjects from life on a regular basis. Even the mundane can be interesting and sketching really helps to look afresh.
It has taken me along time to realise that to really develop as an artist I have to suspend naming the subject I'm drawing in my head. Labels get in the way of the creative process; as soon as I tell myself I'm drawing an eye, window, building etc, the drawing loses the freshness that holds everything together. I now work really hard to focus on light, shadow and tone. I still have a long way to go but now find I'm more willing to tackle difficult subjects or those which I would not normally have been attracted to draw.
One of the most enduring subjects I draw, (mostly for opportunity), is my little dogs. They are great models and they never cease to develop new sleeping positions! Sadly one of my dogs recently died, but I have many sketches which I now treasure as they really help the memories live on for me.
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