How can I get better at drawing real people?

Question

I tried drawing this person but I failed...

http://cdn.myanimelist.net/images/clubs/3/53848.jpg

She's Younha btw

Answer 1

Wow she's really pretty, I'm going to try to draw her too. The only way you can get better is with practice. You know what helps? Try not to name the things you know like saying "okay I'm going to draw the eyes now!" Just draw but don't name. If you cannot help it draw it upside down. I drew upside down once and I was like "man, did I just draw this :-D!" heh heh.

...Anyway my advice to you is just practice. Put away the "failed" one and after you've practiced enough, draw another one and you'll see how you've improved.

Answer 2

start with the eyes, I always find it easier, space them out right, then do the dark irises, look at where the light is hitting and well for me it's easier to do the darker values first then go to light, it may be the opposite for you, but get the shape of the major features and lightly sketch them out to the right places...get a blending stick (available at micheals or joann and fabrics or any art store, they're really cheap, and you can use that to smooth out shading....Know that with practice you're going to get better...I have trouble with noses, but just do the basic shapes first, and then layer and layer the details...shading is the biggest thing and getting the proportions correct...Once you can figure out on your paper where the eyes nose and mouth go, then it's all up to light and dark values to bring it to life  

Answer 3

I know this might sound rather obvious but the best way to improve your ability is to keep drawing.  Looking at books can guide you but it is by doing it that you learn techniques and develop a style of your own.  Certainly listen to the constructive criticism of other people but be your own judge.  It's often a good idea to do a drawing and then leave it.  Look again after a day or two and see what you think then.  Happy drawing.