Study of Light Shadow

Realistic drawing is my biggest downfall as an amateur artist. I find it impossible to draw things that require natural lines and lighting. To be quite honest, any attempts usually end in a sub-rage fit of slamming books closed, throwing pens & pencils, and grumbling about my inability to ever be a real artist because I can't draw something realistic. Many people I've spoken to on this subject matter typically say, mostly in a roundabout way, that you just have to keep practicing. Agreed. I agree. I concur. I get it. I understand. I know. Here's the problem: practice what!? Light? Shadows? Circles? Squares? Birds? Trees? Faces? Okay, hang on... Deep breaths...

I've spent a long time simply telling myself that it will never happen. That I will never draw the way I see myself drawing in my mind. I've spent years and years telling myself this, to the point where I won't even try because "I know I can't". <Sigh> This drawing is another attempt at bringing some realism into my repertoire. I feel that it's a forward step, but still a failure overall. Without any kind of reference material or tools, though, I think it's passable. I know that I've seen this drawing before, so I'm not claiming it as an original. I'm just copying it from memory. Anyways, I hope you like it!