I am french (sorry for mistakes) and learn by myself (no classes or art studying) . I took my pencils back few years ago ... I am always trying to study new technicals (not always the same things because that's borrying me) : black or color Drawing, charcoal, water-color, inks, ...
I prefer to draw wellknown people than unknown one's. I choose very detailed pictures (for zooming on details) about people I love, apreciate, admire ....
And I think I work a little slowly .