This is the first time I am synchronised with the course to post my work on time for the chance to appear in review, so I am super excited by this fact only!😃 And now reflections. The less time I had the less I've spent time on correcting shapes - in both 5 min and 10 min sessions I almost haven't spent time on it at all, leaving it as is and only fixing edges in the end with additional outline and then eraser. Same goes with shading - for both 5 min and 10 min sessions I used the side of a pencil to shade, just to have the tone there. Compared to 25 and 50 min sessions, where shading and strokes I made were intentional (more or less). For 5 min session I kinda carved shapes - started from dark midtone for all shadow area, added darkest darks, then added halftone area, and during beeping of timer - highlight. 25 min was definitely closer to unlimited (50 min) session based on how I perceived the process. I used Strathmore Drawing (medium surface) for this and all other timed sessions, and I liked it much more compared to unlimited version, which I did in Moleskine Art Sketchbook. So surface did matter for me a lot! In general, I loved the process of reducing time for the same drawing. It helped me identify what is more important, what I usually spent most time on and uncover my tendency to hurry with assignment vs spending more time and polishing it. Thank you!😊

I loved how many different options one reference could give, and the more I worked the easier new ideas came up. I even started thinking about a story which could unfold from one take to another. While working on it I was thinking that I hurry too much with this task, wanting to complete it quicker without thinking about cleanness of a result.

I liked working with artwork references for this project. Loved how different references are in terms of tones and number of details. And I can see I was more in a hurry with this assignment. I didn't post the first attempt, but watching demos definitely helped in making decisions.

Thank you, Stan, for all the tips on types of pencils and paper, lights and taking photos! Love how each type of video (lessons, projects, demos and critique), each have lots of valuable information!

Here's my submission for Level 1 assignment. Completed it in a Moleskine sketchbook, and scale for markers bled through completely:) Will note for future:) Avoided this task for a long time, which is a hint for me to work on values more! But, loved the practice, and know more about myself after completing it.