Let’s dive in.
Use a reference photo, but pick a color 20% more saturated than real life.
Large, readable eyes and eyebrows carry emotion. Learn to draw the eye socket (bone structure) then place a larger, stylized eye inside it. Let’s dive in
https://www.coloso.co.id/tutorials/
For a free download of Coloso's semi-realistic character illustration guide, you can try searching for online resources or visiting websites like: Learn to draw the eye socket (bone structure)
Semi-realism relies heavily on lighting to sell the form. You will master light logic, learning how to set up dramatic rim lighting and soft ambient occlusion to turn a 2D drawing into a 3D-looking character.
Realistic paintings have soft edges. Cartoons have hard edges. Semi-realism uses —soft edges on cheeks and nose bridges, hard edges on the jaw and eye creases. Realistic paintings have soft edges
Instead, by: signing up for their email list (they occasionally release free mini-lessons) or checking if your local library gives access to LinkedIn Learning or Skillshare (similar courses exist there).
Claz'room College: Introduction to Semi-Realistic Illustration
You can also try searching for free eBooks or tutorials on semi-realistic character illustration on websites like: