@Michael, this is a good pear 👍 I wouldn't have known you were an absolute beginner if you hadn't mentioned it. I wanted to share this image of the properties of light with you, since I think something you can work on is improving the design of your value shapes. There is a whole section later on that covers value and light & shadow, but this is a very simple introduction that hopefully helps you design with more information. Specifically, I think the core shadow will be more successful as a simple shape instead of spots on the pear. I included a draw over of what I mean. Overall, really great job with this project!