My father in law is trying to learn how to draw portraits. The problem he has, is not lack of talent, its that he keeps choosing subjects that he knows very well. Instantly he has 2 huge hurdles to overcome before he starts. He not only has to capture a physical likeness but he also needs to capture the personality of the subject. He is trying to draw his grand-daughter and he is getting really disappointed as he can not get her eyes just right. She is a very cheeky 3 year old. He is trying to caputer the personality he knows, in the drawing of her eyes. This is fine for an experienced artist, but alas he is not.
If you are starting out and practicing, IMO, it is easier to practice with people/subject you dont know anything about. That way you can create the personality of your subject along the way.
Is this case difficult for you because you are trying to capure her grace and inner beauty that comes from her personality, or is it the physical features alone that you are having issues with?
Sorry, I'm babbling.... i'll stop now .
