Realism is certainly tricky, to do it well it takes an understanding of light, color, form and value. Usually the first thing I do is look at shapes that I want. I will figure out where I want my shapes in the space of my drawing/painting and draw out an rough "ugly" drawing. Then when looking at reference it helps to look at the darkest value you see in a shape and color that shape that dark value. Then I build up the lights. The only medium that this process doesn't work is watercolor. With water color work light to dark. Also when coloring, don't fuss about the detail, don't even do them, not until the shapes and values and colors have been established. Color is a whole other ball game. That's where an understanding of light comes in handy. Digital painting on here is different from traditional painting in the sense that your medium is light. and light mixes differently than one might think. It took me a long while to figure it out and I still am not perfect at it. on your own time I would advise looking for videos on the science of light. It will help a lot. I hope this helps you. Thank you for the kind words.
~Souri :)

the lamp is really good and the background too, the wood on the table could use some wood grain lines or something but this looks pretty good. Your blending technique is nice