I feel that "real" art comes from the mind
That is to draw it from memory/imagination. While it is much harder than to copy a picture (which I do as well ;) one can really see the skill and imagination in the final drawing.
While this is more of a sketch which started off a bit different than the end result (especially the face), I still like how it came out. One of the most difficult things to handle in such drawings is probably the proportions!