An artist who lived in California wanted to learn how to paint polar bears.In addition his painting skills were quite modest.I suggested he should do many small experimental studies by looking at photographs.It did not matter whether they were finished or not for they were ways of learning about bears.After 250 studies he tried his first painting without a polar bear or a photograph.He was totally surprised at how well his polar bear turned out.In addition the standard of the work was infinitely better than it had been in the past.He had internalized his learning.The polar bears he created were his not any photographer's either.They were his!As a basis for learning about realism use photographs (at least to start with).Any photograph is of something.So instead of selecting random subject matter select the kind you'd like to paint.If you want to learn to paint portraits, then choose facial photographs.So like the Californian artist don't just select any focus on one.Then even from the start you can become a specialist.You get to understand portraits.Over time you will develop the individual paining skills needed.You will also know how to paint your subject your way.You want to learn to paint portraits - then paint portraits.BUT do NOT worry about how they turn out.Just paint them and in time they'll improve.Maybe you don't believe this?I know a lady who is a fashion illustrator.When she was a girl she used to draw people who were on TV.She became both very good and also quick.Some years ago I tested an art education program in an elementary school.The art teaching process was very closely linked to the materials issued to the pupils.The particular material combinations chosen were not random.They were designed to introduce some quite specific experiences to the pupils.However their challenge was to see what they could create with any given combination.One teacher noticed a particular boy over a series of lessons.In the earliest lessons there were always two blobs present in the work.It didn't matter what he was given by the teacher.Over a period of time these blobs gradually changed into two birds.They were just basic symbol-type birds, such as most people might do.As the lessons continued the birds improved.There were more details and eventually they became recognizable as budgerigars.The teacher realized this boy was making budgerigars no matter what materials he was given.He tried to find a combination of materials that couldn't be turned into budgerigars.The boy always found a way to make the birds.One time he even pin-pricked budgerigars onto paper.What chance was there that this kid might become the best budgerigar artist in the world?If he continued, I'd say every chance. Why did he do this?Well the teacher discovered (surprise) he had two pet budgerigars.They meant more to this boy than anything else.Because the teacher DIDN'T tell him what to do he could express his feelings and knowledge.He also got much better at it!That's how it should be learning to paint portraits if that's what you want.Just do them.They'll improve provided the motivation is strong enough.It's also how you can develop confidence!Imagine and learn new ways.An artist, during the act of creating a work is expressing something.Expression is a unique personal action.For example three artists attempt to paint the same subject, exactly as seen.They will finish with three different works.The differences can be attributed to the various artists' expression.Their works are symbols for this expression.