Three Quick Questions: Using Photo References, Grids, and Line Work

[Weeda]

I have a few questions I was hoping I could get some answers to:

1. If I'm drawing a portrait of someone (using a photo reference), is it generally frowned upon to use grid lines to help get everything right? Because I think that would help the accuracy but I don't know whether or not it would help the learning process.

2.When studying people, is it helpful to use photos for references or is it better to draw them from life, because I wouldn't feel comfortable asking any of my friends to sit still for me while I draw them. Nevermind the fact that to learn the full anatomy you need naked models, I couldn't even ask them fully clothed.... Come to think of it, I don't think that would be legal. They're all under 18.

3. When I'm on this site, I see a lot of really smooth line work and inking. How does everyone get such smooth, nice lines. I can't even get such nice lines with a pen, much less on my computer where drawing feels awkward and photoshop seems to lag whenever I try to draw a curved line quickly.

Thanks. Any input on these would be greatly appreciated.

[Weeda]

Did I forget to say please?

[dose]

1. It'll help with accuracy, but you won't learn much.

2. It's fine to use photo references, but most portrait artists I know use them as a supplement to studies done from life. That being said, if it gets you drawing then do it. Just be aware that it can become a crutch.

3. Practice. And, drawing from life helped me a great deal with this, as well as watching other artists draw.

[Weeda]

Thanks, Dose.

And now I'm off... to practice... and such.

[Idiot Apathy]

1. Never be afraid of using crutches; the term is appropriate as they will help you learn to walk - but you'll never run if you rely on them forever. Using a grid won't help you as much with training your eye for accuracy but by a process of divide and conquer you will better be able to learn other things.
2. It's helpful to use a myriad of methods, mediums, processes and techniques. Each one has it's benefits and disadvantages - you will be better able to learn certain things from some and certain things from others. Not sure where you live, but I'm sure there are figure drawing sessions somewhere nearby. If not, go to the park - the coffee shop, anywhere and draw.
3. No idea.