>over a month since I did pic related copy, it felt good when I was done despite it looking wonky
>doing really poorly at keeping up
>try to copy photograph today
>just completely get stuck, everything feels complicated
>try to copy other art instead to warm up
>it's super hard too and I can barely get started
Should I just continue copying this same piece over and over again until something "comes loose"? I really just want to progress somewhat and it has to be kinda fun I guess.

>>7628880 (OP)
why not use a grid as scaffolding
or start to use sighting techniques

>>7628880 (OP)
your "construction" sucks, quit using how-2-draw-manga books. if you are just practicing copying then all you will be is a photocopier with zero knowledge. do some studying so you know what the fuck to do

>>7628890
>why not use a grid as scaffolding
I'm not entirely sure if that would make things easier or just feel like overcomplicating things. But I guess I'll give it a try next time. Honestly really tired today already.
>or start to use sighting techniques
Isn't this mostly relevant when drawing from life? I mean, wouldn't the grid you suggested make it superfluous?
>>7628909
>quit using how-2-draw-manga books
I'm actually not using any books at all right now, just winging it. My hand has gotten a bit more stable at least. I did read that "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" book a while back but all the strange materials you were supposed to get for it made it feel so overwhelming.
>do some studying so you know what the fuck to do
Anything you'd suggest that I study?

>>7628909
learning to copy isn't about copying, its about training your eyes to see proportions if you're doing it right
>>7628921
>Isn't this mostly relevant when drawing from life? I mean, wouldn't the grid you suggested make it superfluous?
think of the grid as level 1, and then using sight-size methods as level 2, level 3 is eyeballing
sight sizes are used in life drawing but also import for bargue

>>7628880 (OP)
If something is hard to copy that means you can learn something. Photographs are actually much harder to read than people realize.

I would say pick something with slightly more realistic body proportions its easiert to tell if its wrong that way.

switch up copies with some construction studies occasionally and try to apply it when copying. Dont be afraid to switch up details a bit if you dont want to mindlessy copy, you can use multiple images as reference if you need to. but avoid using changes as a crutch (aka hiding hands, or one eye under hair, or claiming your mistakes were intentional).

>>7628926
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sK4O5Zdhcs
I found this video on sighting, is this what I'm supposed to do? I might try doing this with pencil even, despite having become used to the feel of my screenless tablet.
I just realized that I probably tried to interpret geometric shapes way too hard when trying to copy a photo today, that's probably what made it so hard. But I like having simple primitives to draw on top of. Oh by the way, aren't the primitives I used to draw the OP pic way too flat? I'm supposed to make them 3D first, right?
>>7628932
>switch up copies with some construction studies occasionally and try to apply it when copying
But when I do these copies I use construction, you mean I should try to add a photographs little by little as well? Maybe just copy part of the figure like the arms or something instead of doing everything in one sitting?

>>7628935
remember to overlay your copy layer with your reference to see how well it matches

>>7628880 (OP)
When copying, is it considered cheating to
>create guidelines on reference pic (only a wrapping polygon with a cross)
>copy + paste guidelines
>use a ruler to guide myself into creating the study

>>7629065
Oh wow. Your copy is definitively better than mine, despite the fact that I didn't provide a version without the lines over it. It's by Xochibunsai in case you want to know.
>(only a wrapping polygon with a cross)
Alright, I get the point of the polygon. And it doesn't have to be a rectangle, skewed or otherwise? But what's the exact purpose of the cross? Where exactly should the cross be placed?
And I noticed you've added horizontal lines at the ends of his hair spikes. I assume those are to help with proportions, similar ones were used in that video on sighting, but why did you only need them on the hair?

>>7629065
There was a Korean artist, Krenz (I think?) who would suggest this as a technique to train your eye - It helps you get your eyes to match your hands - I did it for a warm ups for a little while, I'm not sure how much it helps though

>>7629093

>>7629096
Krenz is chinese but yeah. Here's the lecture where he explains the method (turn on english subs):
https://youtu.be/kbKqIJcIUCw?t=1947
He calls it accuracy training to develop your observation skills and also the ability to eventually do master studies of art you like. You're meant to do it mindfully, finesse it as much as you like as long as it's accurate enough. If you mindlessly copy or it's too hard/boring then you're not gonna get much out of it.

>>7629115
This sighting thing with using negative shapes seems really useful. Mm. I just want to draw things I like but I need to draw from life for a while I guess. I'm stupid and didn't get anything done today and I've lost my erasers.