I consider myself a level 1 legitimately just starting. Here are both of my attempts at the level 2 project - The Portrait. My first attempt I did it before watching the demo and it took me about two hours, on the other hand, I worked on the second attempt as I watched the demo and took me close to an hour, but had a different approach rather than starting with the lay-in then dark values followed by light values on the second attempt I was simplifying either dark or light no in between, practicing simplification as much as possible. I would love as much feedback as possible since I would like to attempt it again but with more time and feedback as to what worked and what did not, thanks in advance and stay creative! :)

Here is the pear before and after watching the demo.

Here is my first attempt at simplifying, took me about half an hour and I did it with graphite pencils 2h, 4b, and 6b. Later today I will attempt level 2, any advice or things to keep in mind? Thanks in advance for all the feedback! :)