Should I draw faces more? Is that a necessary part of drawing — or rather, is it a needful psychological experience for art to be full?
My art has focused mostly upon landscape and still life, and the people are outside the picture looking at it (including me, who is outside the picture making it). I am wondering if maybe there’s a strong psychological argument for drawing faces — not so much for the sake of art (maybe my landscapes and still lifes will still be my “finished” work) but for the sake of understanding life better. And what is life for human beings more that the inner life of the other people?
I used to be self-conscious. I thought I needed a model (as in a classroom or a patient friend). Maybe those things are not strictly necessary for the exploration of faces. I am crowd-sourcing the question. So, my little crowd, you, faithful Reader, what do you think?
Fantabulous Koi 
Why not photos? Or sculpture. Or the faces in your mind. Self portraits can be illuminating. I don’t think the source matters. (K)
Yes, I’m certainly going to use photos and sculpture and imagination. Not self-portraits! Been there, done that! But, I agree and am happy to say that my views have widened on this topic considerably from how I used to think.
Maybe my old pattern of thinking was necessary at the time. It goaded and prompted me to seek opportunities for life drawing. Now, I’m more relaxed about the source.
I do miss life drawing. Perhaps I’ll get back there at some point.