I took a little break from painting with oils to focus more on honing my drawing to practice objective observation - Treating shapes as if they were each section in grid. After practicing dozens of them I realised i struggled the most in getting the first shape established correctly. I will continue to practice this to get them correct: 1. Squinting for yearbook charactertistic 2. Comparing them against straights to see negative shapes 3. Dark shapes creating light shapes Problem 1 I would usually struggle when it is a larger shape (e.g entire eye socket in shadow) and have trouble gauging due to having no smaller shapes to rely on. This often made the shape establishment slightly off. Sometimes there were smaller shapes inside - however, when I squint, they disappear which make them difficult to deem important enough to start from Consequently, measuring plumb lines and distances from it were also incorrect as the initial shape established was incorrect Problem 2 I am unsure of when to use the common atelier method of using a "measuring unit" (e.g taking an eye as a unit) in the proper setting. In fact, using it in this context was far more difficult than using Morgan's method of eyeballing small distances which was easier. It was very fun practicing everyday though it was frustrating at times. Problem 3 While holding the pencil In fred fixler's method I often found it a bit difficult to adjust to in certain position while using my fingernail to move around. I attached a picture of my hand's position as I am not sure if i am practicing it correctly Overall, it was very fun practicing everyday though it was frustrating at times - I won't give up! :D

second attempt

I see so many mistakes, I will probably start again. It will take lots and lots of practice to get proportions and angles correct.

Tried the approach with the reference picture of Pete, really enjoying the working from the inside out appraoch to drawing

I am becoming more confident in drawing faces, but I am struggling to shade the darks effectively. I'm new to charcoal sketching, thus the dark hues are hazy.

I have always experienced young mature lady portraits to be the most difficult to do, and this one confirms my believe.... I tried again but what a struggle.

I really struggled alot with the lady. It went through metamorphosis a few times. It is the best I could get it being as off as it is, but I will try again. Don't know if using a stump is a bad idea. But I really used it.