In order to paint a realistic or impressionistic style, drawing is the foundation.  There is no substitution for good drawing skills.  A fellow artist recently shared an interesting book, The Zen of Seeing by Frederick Franck.  In it are quick sketches/drawings from everyday life of the author.   Like Andres Zorn, who produced a plethora of etchings as he traveled the world, both drew as a daily exercise.  When drawing, one becomes intimate, one with the subject, seeing and recording the nuances that comprise the forms, gestures and energy of the moment.