The process
I normally work from a photo reference. I would ask you to provide me various images of the subject and then I would suggest the more suitable one. I don’t mind to take a photoshoot if needed as a very good result is important for you as much as it is for me. Usually a very good quality of the photo in terms of clarity and resolution allows me to achieve a greater result than a one with less of these characteristics but I would try my best when it’s not possible to get a good quality image such as in a case of an old photograph before digital photography (an example it’s shown below).
Sitting is another possibility that I offer as an available alternative for those who would like to try this experience.
When drawing and painting I use different approaches or a mix of them and always my inner voice.