So I'm trouble creating realistic fur. Everything that I've done either looks like chicken scratch or like kiddie scribbles. I just have no clue where to start. I've tried to look at photos and then draw what I see but I literally do not know how to copy what I'm seeing. I just can't figure it out. I've checked for tutorials but most of them are for photoshop and the few that are traditional aren't very specific. They just show a piece in progress and don't really go into very spefic details. What kind of strokes do you use when drawing fur? How do you make it various colors and add texture to make it look real?

I'm using simple prismacolor pencils for my drawings.

I'm stuck and I really want to be able to draw using traditional media and not be dependent on PS to make my art look attractive. I want to be able to draw fur like and but everytime I try to color with my pencils it comes out awful.

I'd also like to add that I'm fully aware that it takes years to get to these above mentioned deviants' skill level but I need to start somewhere and I feel that these artists are very skilled with traditional media which is why I mentioned them.

Thanks for any help or tips.