where can i find good character drawings that i can base my models on...just basic figures nothing too elaborate from the front and the side

try jdillons anime tutorials, i think you can find them on howtodrawmanga.com. Of course, i custom draw my models (im a hard core anime artist, just started modeling decently a year or two ago) But these will also walk you through BUILDING the figure, so you will learn how to quickly customize your charactors, and SHOULD help with your anotomy aswell.

thanks

Try "fineart.sk" they have a great collection of character sheets from various anime and games and references of human anatomy for 3d artist.