I also struggled with drawabox as it was too repetitive and dry for me. I found Proko to be an alternative! For perspective lessons I downloaded Marshall's video lessons (from 1994) and otherwise it might be worth buying a book or two on perspective (not bought any myself yet). Otherwise I think the content on here gives you what you need in my opinion. I went to art school and I have learned a lot more about drawing here on this platform than what I did there!

Hi I did the lessons up to lesson 6 with official critiques of draw a box. Btw I didn't go to art school so I can't really tell you if they go over such things or not. But well I do have my share of experience with draw a box. Right now I'm finding exercises and much more to help me studie, because I had the same problem with draw a box as you have. I don't recommend just to try to tough it out, but to take your time with it and maybe take breaks from it if you need it. I would recommend you to go on marshall vandruffs website and buy his old perspective course. It is old....really old and it shows in the video quality but still a treasure trove of knowlege. As for exercises well mashall once did a stream....you can find it also on his website and it's a free video. there were 3 exercises that I found really good. here is the link for his coure: https://marshallart.com/SHOP/all-products/all-videos/1994-perspective-drawing-series/ and here is the link for the exercises: https://marshallart.com/SHOP/all-products/all-videos/drawing-forum-and-qa-lessons-in-perspective-recorded-webinar/

Yes, there are alternatives, but draw a box really does make your path easier than if you had to read a book on the subject, for beginners on perspective I really don't see a better alternative, and it really helps if you want to start with more complicated books like "How to draw" by Scott Robertson.

In my opinion, drawabox is great for developing eye-hand coordination: I really wish I had known about this in animation school, where I realised my motor skills sucked big time, while my teachers kept repeating that I should draw more. However, after the first fistful of exercises, drawabox is less useful. The value of Drawabox is not in drawing boxes.

Unless I missed it, this seems to be the first lesson on a technique that doesn’t give any technical advice on how to actually make a tapered stroke. One observation from this video and the following videos is that Stan seems to be using a pencil with a more rounded tip than when doing final detail work. Is a not-so-sharp pencil ideal for tapered strokes? After some experimenting, it seems tapered strokes can be achieved with less pressure at the beginning of the line and more pressure in the middle than back to less pressure for the “taper” when using the tripod grip. When using overhand grip it seems that angle of pencil comes more into play in giving additional control. All of this seem right? Any technical tips from you taper stroke ninjas would be great!

In my experience, the overhand grip allows you to separate the location of your medium, using shoulder and elbow, from its orientation/character, using wrist and fingers. The latter is particularly relevant when using a softer medium, like charcoal or Conté, on an easel. In addition, I see it as a teaching tool, forcing students to separate the two mechanics. Once you get it, anything goes. I know people drawing really well from the dreaded monkey paw, which I do not recommend at all for beginners. And, of course, using a stylus on a tablet changes everything.

If anyone is interested in a study group, I can start a discord server were we can follow along with the course as the lessons come out. Comment below and I can shoot you an invite. *Edit* Sorry, not as discord savvy as I thought I was. I'll need you to friend request me, and then I can send you the invite link (has to be friends only). My code: Other Barry#8117

Hello artpunk ! I personally find the overhand grip easier on an easel or inclined drawing board, that's for sure. It's actually more ergonomic ! Wouldn't be on a flat surface. As much as I don't know Stan's exact setup, you could browse around artshops or make a simple inclined drawing board at home with a few planks. (This is a cool DIY video about this : https://youtu.be/Hm2WbjHEnkA) If you can't purchase one or make one, you can also grab a big piece of flat solid cardboard and place it on your knees, its back resting on a table or your desk. Remember to use what works best for you !

I think i've heard Stan once in a video telling that the drawings for his video's were on a flat surface, because it was more practical for the camera to film it. But i'm not sure where he draws normally on. i myself don't own a drawing board or drawing table, I always draw on a flat surface. One thing to keep in mind when drawing on a flat surface is that your view is slightly distorded. I regularly pick up my drawing and put it front of my eyes to check :)

I am learning a lot of new things all at once and want to make sure I am setting myself up for success. I want to start practicing the overhand grip that Stan uses in the gesture drawing lessons of figure drawing fundamentals. My question is what is his set up exactly? Table top? 45 degree or 90 degree easel set up? I don't own any kind of drawing board or easel and want to make sure I pick up the correct supplies to best practice both the overhand grip and gesture. Thanks in advance for any info! (Posting again so I can mark it asked for help)

@Geert-Jan Nice work! I am just embarking on a similar path but with much less skill than you exhibit. Do you think Drawabox is helping you on your art journey? I am finding it pretty frustrating so far and not that enjoyable. Curious to hear your thoughts on it.