How should I copy art from another artist to improve?

Question

I'm copying art from my favorite artist to improve my own skills. But in what way should I be doing that? I mean, is it a matter of simply copying every line of the original picture while in the mean time not knowing what a specific line is for? Or should I try to find the cubes, spheres and cylinders in it without actually looking at the lineart directly? You probably understand the issue here.

Answer 1

I would say copy just to find your style.
Then experiment with your own design in the same style.

Answer 2

Try sketching. I took a lot of art classes in college and lots of life drawing. The drills have you look at the image and drawing it quickly....over and over in lots of poses and perspectives. You need to train your mind to See the image and train your hands to put it down. This is the basics. It's not about copying, it's about translating what you see around you onto paper. Burn through a lot of sketchpads. I suggest some good art classes at credible schools.

Answer 3

It's better if you copy it directly from the artist that way, your hand gets used to the movements. When you feel comfortable trying it on your own, your hand will know what to do.

Answer 4

I like to make grids on a COPY of the art and do a larger version and then make it different from the original. I.E. make it just a portion of the art, or make it into a different color scheme. That way you see what you like and improve your skills.

Answer 5

when ur drawing the human form u should always block it out... if u just draw the lines the proportions will be all wrong... u should not just copy other artists work exactly... its a good idea to use their work to find your own style