Goodluckhavefun's Sketchbook

[goodluckhavefun]

Hey guys. I'm Mac, 19 years old. I'm new here at the forums but you don't have to go easy on me. I seriously want to improve as much as I can.
I've decided to start this thread to improve my knowledge and skill in drawing, with your help of course.
So I would very much appreciate any comments and criticisms you have.

I started drawing about a year ago.
Since then I've been learning to draw in a manga style.
I draw everyday, only stopped for about 3-5 days at a time, whether it was due to school or art block.
I've finished 5 sketchbooks for now.
There hasn't been that much of an improvement.
My goal for now is mainly to improve my skill and also to learn how to draw in a realistic style and be able to set a solid foundation.
Maybe someday get into concept art because why not sounds fun, I think I can see myself getting into it.

Okay! Enough of my ranting. Here are some of the things, I can do for now.
They are a bit rushed, I just wanted to start this thread and see what you guys think.

[goodluckhavefun]

Here's another one that I did just now.
I stopped after an hour. I wasn't able to do a lot.

Btw, does anyone have any suggestions at what settings to scan on?
I'm using a HP Deskjet Ink Adv 2060 K110 Printer w/ Scanner at 600dpi.
I kinda just fiddle around with the contrast and brightness to make it look as much as it actually does on paper.

Also, I have some books here:
Force Dynamic Life Drawing for Animators
Andrew Loomis - Figure drawing
Bridgman's Complete Guide To Drawing From Life
Jack Hamm - Drawing The Head And Figure
The Natural Way To Draw - Kimon Nicolaides
Perspective Drawing Handbook - By Joseph D'Amelio

Which ones should I start reading and, if it's not too much to ask, what should I mainly aim to learn in these books?

[Akora]

Hey there Mac *waves*(I admit I'm new to this too, but if I could help..)
Keep on studying from reference, your figure drawing prove that you can clearly see what you're looking at, it's just understanding and memorizing the figure that can get hard A lot of people here find Bridgman a good source to look at for figure drawing, I have this book and can say it's helping me (there may be some free scans out there you can download!) Also Andrew Loomis Good luck and keep on drawing

[brengear]

I can't really give advice as I'm a beginner but I'd just like to say I really like the bottom sketch of your first post (the 3 figures). You're really good at making it looks convincingly 3d. The legs in particular are what stuck out to me.