I was really pleased to see a combination of level 1 & level 2 in the same video. We all have things to learn and seeing all levels is beneficial. I believed when I started the course that I was quite good at drawing but wow, have I had a lot to learn. Thank you as always for your great content @Stan Prokopenko

I know this is not directly related to the subject at hand, but I wanted to ask: when you are learning the fundamentals like gesture, construction, or perspective, is it better to try it on paper or on digital? I ask because I recently got a digital tablet for my birthday and I find that though comparing the references to my drawings is easier, actually making the lines and navigating clip studio paint is pretty difficult. So I was wondering if it would be better to focus practicing on paper for a while longer then coming back to digital, or to keep trying at digital right now even if the progress is much slower.

A little late attaching this one. I know this was a project and there is already the demo but better late than never. I have to admit if I had done the assignment before the demo I probably would have struggled to simplify it. I am going to try the boots without watching the demo.

Did anyone try the “overhand” pencil grip? I did and it seems easier to control the pressure. Just wondering.

This is a great activity! Found that alternating the direction of the ghosting i.e. clockwise and counter clockwise produces different results too. The hardest part is putting the pressure down in the right spot. Forced me to slow down and lighten my general pressure. Also, using the over hand grip was more effective.

For me the elipses are not the hard part, but putting down pressure at the right time is. When I try to adjust my pressure THEN I mess up the elipses. Any tips?

How fast are people drawing the ellipses for the mushroom warmups? Too fast and I feel like I can't control pressure variations at the correct times.

I went to an exhibition at The Box in Plymouth for Hannah Quinlan and Rosie Hastings: Portraits. The image below had me thinking about the assignment we had for simplifying an image using sharp transitions between light and dark. It was interesting to study the use of shadow shapes, sharp highlights, and different textures that created the image. Wanted to share here. These two artists work collaboratively on large drawings and frescos. Worth a google! Image credit: Hannah Quinlan and Rosie Hastings, I’m not a woman I’m a conservative, 2021 (detail). Photograph: Rob Harris/Courtesy: The Artists and Arcadia Missa, London.

Much harder than they look! Definitely good for warming up the hand though. Grabbed some pens and acrylic paint markers to change things up a bit. A lot of fun. ☺️

Tons of information in this critique Stan, thank you! My takeaways were how to make sure the shading lines up in such a way that it doesn't only suggest the plane changes but also the shape of the form. Also, the use of the darker half tone to help the transition between the shadow and the lighter half tone. Before starting this course, I would have considered myself competent in drawing, but being self-taught, I was interested in learning the right 'speak' and tidy up some bad habits. I extensively use blending stumps in drawings, with some understanding of tone, line, and form, so when I first looked at the exercise with the pear, I thought it was going to be too simple. What I have learned now, is that taking things back to something that simple has helped me identify where my weaknesses are. It forced me to consider how to use simplified tone to create the form, develop patience to create a smooth tone over large areas (without a blending stump) and to really observe what it is that I am drawing rather than just trying to replicate it. Great lesson!

Thanks for going so in depth with this Stan. Lots of great takeaways. Definitely need to clearly define a range for the values and clear distinction between them. The idea of implying/ communicating plane changes with an angle or two is also something I’ll be trying to use moving forward. Great stuff

Can't wait to re-try the lesson after watching Stan's approach. I made loads of mistakes The biggest one was not simplifying enough, and I forgot to use only straight lines. I got too caught up in the details! Also, the layering to create the different tones was genius. I was getting too dark too soon and then finding that it was impossible to erase. It led to a messy result. Informative video tutorial! Thanks

Had a go at the level 2 portrait. Been working on and off it for a few days. Now it's getting messy so decided to stop, watch Stan's example and try again. The values are the most difficult still but I also struggled with proportion. Still enjoyed the challenge.

Take two with a still life! Much more difficult to pinpoint values and near impossible drawing with straight lines. My light source may need to be stronger. Thinking of making a light/shadow box so I get the black background and more contrast between the values. Any feedback is much appreciated. 😊

Really enjoyed this lesson. 😊 Found it harder than I thought using straight lines and kept wanting to make it round and blend it together but a great exercise for working on value. 😍 Did this drawing from a photograph but hoping to do the next one from life. Lots of room for improvement and I know I need to work on values. I also found it difficult to maintain an even gradation with the 2B pencil I was using. Looking forward to see everyone else's work! Happy drawing 🤓

DIY sandpaper sharpening pad for travel: I cut a heavy cardboard backing from a legal pad slightly larger than my sheets of sandpaper. Stacked five sheets of 4.25 x 5.5” sandpaper and stapled them together—then stapled the stack to the cardboard. Added a strip of foam padding to protect from staple ends as they were rough then duck taped the top edge of pad. This added a nice grip for holding the pad when sharpening. To prevent charcoal dust from dirtying my travel art pack I enclosed the dirty sheet with the yellow paper and slipped the block into a plastic bag. Voila! Thanks for the DIY prompt Stan!

Regarding throwing away razors: I keep a sharps container where my old razors go. But I also work on lots of different projects and have other kinds of sharp things that I use, so having one is beneficial. It's just an old instant coffee container, glass, with a plastic lid. (Don't judge me; I was using it to enrich some chocolate cakes!) Been using it for years; eventually it'll go to a proper home with the recycling depot or something. Just some food for thought!

Can't wait to start the long run and improve a lot. Here is where I am from now, looking forward to get better at value, line quality and everything. I'm really happy sharing the journey with you guys, let's work together !

Never knew there were so many ways to sharpen. Love a long taper for pencils that are staying home. Only a short time to practice tonight so some control exercises and shading. Happy drawing peeps 😊

Love to draw but it's been a while. Enjoyed loosening up and getting familiar with materials. Not as neat and tidy as some of you but I always enjoy a good scribble 😊