One of the early sessions with my instructor that I had as a boy was to copy work from another artist. The best way to learn art in general is to study good works by other artists and the best way to learn that is to copy their work in whole or in part. Never sign it and never try to sell it. You can be sued. Do it to learn, then keep it or destroy it.
As stated in my previous post I use the dividers or a grid to copy work from my photos. I print a photo from the computer after uploading from the digital camera. Using dividers is the most accurate way to get the drawing. I am a retired draftsman and the two go hand in hand. Even if you are not, you can still copy in this manner.
Copying another artist's work allows insight into why and where things are placed as well as color and composition. It's a good way to learn, but don't sell or sign it or call it your own work.
Drawing from old catalogues helps too. Instead of a real live model you have various models in the catalogue. A lot of artists, including myself, keep old catalogues and some magazines just for this purpose. Of course a real live model is better but you usually have to pay her. I say her, because I prefer to draw and paint the female form. To me it is much more interesting.
