As a beginner who tended to draw lines, I found this exercise a bit of an awakening. Still seeking confidence in drawing lines, I now seek to develop confidence in seeing and designing shapes. I did my set of animals twice, the second time after viewing all the videos. I sought to simplify the second time. And maybe I did some. I was challenged with designing shapes to create a new look to my creatures. The challenge was akin to drawing from the imagination exercise earlier in the course. In any case, it was fun and even though I could hang back to continue to develop confident lines and shapes, I post this and will move on in the course and seek to develop confidence as I go. I am motivated to get better. Comments welcome.

Admittedly, I did not follow the directions initially...to create simple shapes for each image. I locked in on the word "shapes" and began to sketch, starting with the chicken, then the hippo and lastly, the bull. I then listened to the demo video and had to shake my head at myself about not hearing the word 'simple'. In any case I love working with shapes, knowing I still need to simplify even when I was aware they need to be simple. I look forward to continuing this project for another 5-10 animals. Then and only then, will I see about doing the Level 2 project. (The first image of each critter is Before-Demo viewing and the second image is After Demo viewing.)

I thoroughly enjoyed reviewing the work of a number master artists for this project. I had never done such a review. After a number of hours of doing so, I went back and selected a botanical piece by Leonardo DaVinci, a still life by Albrecht Durer and a wildlife sketch of a cougar by Aaron Blaise to study. I enjoyed studying the lines and then creating them in my own sketch. I am so enthralled by this activity of studying Masters, I have just ordered a book that Stan recommends via his podcast and website, Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters by Hale. Undoubtedly I will do more of these studies as I develop my skill and style.

I wanted to experiment with line weight using depth and form using a landscape scene for my first time doing it because those at the scenes I would like to eventually do, and it seemed like it would be 'easier' for the decision making process. I chose a landscape from an Krazy Kat cartoon created by George Herriman, a very popular cartoon in its day. I look forward to using this method with other elements in future sketches.

I have rather enjoyed experimenting with line weight. And so did this one depicting the sun from the upper left/backside. I would like to develop my skill using light and shadow because I would like to do landscapes and this seems to be an essential component.

Created an opportunity to practice a bit of line weight problem solving with a simple sketch. A lifetime of exploring and practicing ahead of me. It is exciting. And I look forward to improving.

Before and after viewing demo sketches for each hierarchy of importance and light and shadow. Very instructive videos and exercises.

Great intro to line weight!

Love the warmups.

After viewing the demo and the critique I did this assignment a second time with a new model, the praying mantis. I was quite challenged the first go around even after a second attempt at drawing from imagination with my first character, the prairie dog. So, I decided to try again. It's been a very good exercise for me beyond the sketching skills parts. Now I feel like I can move on with the course. Though I will do these again in the future for my continued learning and growing.