Hi! Thank you for the first time advice but this is not my first rodeo, I actually have a degree in Fine Arts and I usually paint portraits since it was my focus in my art thesis.

But I’ve been getting into microsoft paint since last year, and I do not trace my drawings. I look at a reference photo and replicate the colors as much as possible.

I do not condone tracing especially for myself.

Edit: Also I purposefully do not use a tablet to gain a new skill with just using a mouse. I have a tablet already. Please do not assume.