Thanks so much for this VERY clear practical step-by-step approach! You’re the bestest of teachers! 🙏 I’m excited.😜

So much to think of ... so much to remember ... I'll try to do these again and actually try to SIMPLIFY using SCI. Maybe if I do that it will be easier???

Third attempt at portrait - a lot easier when using the HB, 2B, 4B & 6B pencils for tones and working methodically. 1. HB Simplified outline 2. 4B Shadow area (2 tones only) 3. 6B Dark Shadows added (3 tones) 4. 2B Dark halftones (4 tones) 5. HB Light halftones (5 tones including white of paper)

Did this pear after watching Stan's demonstration and, yes, I was able to see better ways to do things. I have greater knowledge of what drawing tools can do; can get five distinct tones using 6,4,2 & HB pencils; enjoy following a step-by-step process rather than a random approach ... and best of all I can see that 5 tones are all I'll ever need as a portrait painter because all the rest of form can be achieved by colour variations. As they say "tone does all the work and colour gets all the credit! 👍 Great instruction, thank you. 🙏

Had another go at a real pear this time. I'm an oil painter and am really benefiting from learning all about the equipment and how to DRAW with pencils etc. I can see this simplification approach allows us to compare points where straight lines change direction and the five values can be used to indicate plane changes. I'm struggling making five distinct tones and am a bit heavy handed with my outline. Any tips?

Thoroughly enjoyed doing one 'quick'version to familiarise myself with the features and a second to try and master the 'simplification to lines and 5 values. It's challenging but I can see the benefit in the long run ... 😁

Thanks for the great instruction. 🤗Here are my two attempts at pear image 3. I'd love some feedback and advice on which 5 values are best? The few highlights seem to 'waste'a whole value.