Before demo and after. Wow, difficult to simplify and not attend to all the gradations of halftones.

Here is my 2nd version of the pear.

Open to feedback

Every time I finish a drawing, I realize how much I still have to learn. I’m going to keep practicing to improve my forms and shading.

You are such a good teacher. I've never been very fond of drawing with anything but a brush but you are expanding my horizons and I am thrilled about where all this will lead.

Wow i followed the video instructions step by step. There’s a long way to go but it makes me excited!

I'm a level 1 for sure but wanted to give a shot to the portrait ! Here are my pears (model 3 and model 1). Need to work on making values distinguishable, and buy pencils other than HB and 2B too.

Hi everyone, I've attempted to draw the first pear after watching the lesson, to have an idea of what i can do. The other two are made after watching the demo. In the first reference I can clearely see what the teacher referred to as "core shadow", but not in the other two, don't know if it is an error or no. I really don't like the white spots in the tones, i try to fill the same area up to three times with different orientations, but i can't get rid of them. I guess i still don't have enough control to make really close lines?

I have attempted it again, first watching the video instructions, and attempted it again without the video and just using the information and references provided and I believe this 5th attempt is possibly my best, I do need to work on how I apply pressure on the pencil though. This was done with a 2mm mechanical pencil. Any criticism is encouraged and welcome. Thank you

My first attempt, and my attempt with demo:

First attempt, I watched this video as a sort of draw along after doing a couple attempts on my own with the reference. I used a 2B and HB 2mm mechanical pencil and a small blend stick (I know he said not too but my curiosity got the better of me) I did get a little ahead of myself when doing the values and accidentally made the first passing too dark not realise a few moments later I'd be darkening the edges further so I tried to fix it, couldn't and moved on. I will attempt another go at it after watching the video and taking some notes. Any criticism is welcome. Thank you.

Top: First attempt. I missed the point of simplifying the object. I couldn’t help but draw the curves and blend the edges. I wasn’t sure how to simplify it, until I saw the demo. Then I went “D’oh, that’s how!” Bottom: Second attempt at the pear after watching Stan’s demo.

First attempt after the demo, trying to get it out of Clip Studio Paint (digital) ; weird texture (canvas), and soft eraser is kinda tough to master.... waiting forward to the next courses ! (with and without grey background)

Before/after seeing demo. I admittedly didn't really understand what was meant by "simplify forms" on the 1st go round, but I still thought i did OK until I looked at it side by side with my 2nd!! 🤯

My second try, having seen the demo, shows improvement. I think I struggle with making light marks and so have trouble getting five distinct values.

After demo. Think my pear needs to lose weight

Before demo attempt...

Before and after demo. Improved after taking the chiseling suggestion too intense the first try but lost form by trying to add the background in the second.

By myself vs his guided video. It felt so awkward to see everything in blocks and sharp lines! Definitely feel like it made me sharpen my attention to details more.