on through reading. I have to see everything since I am a visual learner. My mind's eye, imagination and the actual procedures and techniques are all combined. Composition and space and lighting are so extensive and each needs so much study, observation and practice. I know that if I do not see how someone does something I can NOT even attempt to copy it to any degree of satisfaction. In one of my "techniques" art school classes my instructor showed the class how to use layers, block of certain colors, layers of oils then more layers of paint dripped from a brush forming luminescent glazes. It was all done in one or two classes. I tried it with my weekly homework assignment and copied a Vermeer. Bingo...success the first time. This instructor was so good and I watched and comprehended what he said at the same time he demonstrated it. If I had to do it your way by reading it I would be in tears within 5 min. I would be so frustrated that I would have thrown all those expensive supplies away. The same goes for cooking...hands on all the way.
I am a control freak and a perfectionist. I became an illustrator using brush and ink (NO mistakes and you can't erase). You go through tons of paper.
Since people don't have videos anymore, could you look on You Tube. I have looked at different fashion illustration lessons on You Tube and they were not half bad. If I couldn't see an instructor do it and answer questions from a class, I think I would use You Tube to help out.