I find that I really love learning how to improve in art. It brings me unrivaled joy to figure out things like how a hand looks doing this, or how to draw a head doing that.
However, I’m wondering if any of you like the process of art studies? I know that I tend to put them off because I’d rather be drawing cute characters doing cute things than doing a figure study for an hour. I like art studies as much as the next person does, I just find it more fun to draw personal projects and incorporate references as a way of studying.
I’m not super big on learning art fundamentals (I’m more of a “play by ear” creator) – but I loved taking art history in school. It combines the most fascinating parts of both worlds, and in fact you do learn a lot about art terminology, but without the practice. Essentially you learn how to identify and appreciate different types of art throughout history, as well as the social/economic/political events that helped influence the styles.