I noticed that the National Gallery of Art hosted a sketch day this past weekend. Students were encouraged to bring a pencil and their sketchbook and describe what they see in front of themselves from an array of sculptures, artifacts and people. I have always been an advocate for sketching from life. I do it all the time so I was delighted to read that such an event took place.
The benefits include improved hand-eye coordination, confidence, and boosting your creative thinking. I use it to help get me out ruts and to advance my design quality. If you constantly draw from life you will grow as an artist. That is a guarantee.
Occasionally, I would get into arguments with fellow painters who say that drawing is not necessary and a waste of time. It is those artists who need to look at their work from ten years ago. If they see little improvement from what they are producing today, then it is time that they get out the sketchbook and join in on the fun.