On learning through "copying"

[devinn]

Hey,

I was wondering, seeing as how the last time I didn't enjoy the art of drawing anymore by doing a lot of studies, how to maximize both. So keep it fun but still study the hell out of it :)

So I reconsidered where I went wrong the last time and the thing is we all want to create awesome pieces. But by doing only head sketches for a week and then torso for a week and so on I didn't get time to do fun drawings.

Now, I like to draw comic characters, mechs / robots and alien like stuff. 
What are the general thoughts about taking exisiting stuff, from comics or magazines etc, and try to recreate those scenes / models? Not just by laying the page on top or something but by building from the ground up. And then try and do it slightly different, angle-wise or even changes in the design.

Would this be a good practice or not?

It's an awesome practice; as kids we did this all of the time. But unbeknownst to us, we were participating in a method of studying.

Whatever gets you to draw man. Don't worry too much about the technicalities or the process. All you reallly need is an idea of what you want to to do and the discipline to sit your ass in a chair and study for a few hours. It's the 'Stop thinking and start doing.' mantra, ya know?

Get to work, man! :P