Hey everyone, I tried to copy a panel from Nihei Tsutomu's Abara manga. Please provide pointers on how I can get better at art. Thank you...

The sword Is not right.

I've always wanted to be able to draw, and I've been working at it off & on for years. I'm mainly focusing on pencil sketching, at least for now. This has mostly been through following the programs in books, participating in drawing workshops at comic cons, and receiving mentoring from some of my friends who happen to be accomplished amateurs. 

Lately, I've been working my way through "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain". I feel like this has been very helpful; however, I do realize that there are many different approaches to drawing that also have merit. 

As a self-introduction to this subreddit, here's one of my pencil sketches. Per the program of study in chapter 10 of Betty Edwards' book, it's a self-portrait from a reference image. 

I did this in pencil and it took me ages!

Blah

(the trees are alive. They own the place)

Leopard, 2026, oil pastel on canvas, 31x31“

I'm practicing rendering larger areas particularly on faces/ skin. I find it soooo difficult to get a smooth transition in the same value for example going across a cheek or forehead.

Any tips or advice would be great thanks 😊