Redid level 1 (printing + tracing), since after watching the demos and critique I was left feeling I kind of did it wrong. Old versions on the left, where for some reason I got into the mindset of using 3 very clearly distinct types of line _exclusively_, like even ignoring tapering the strokes and where one type might gradually change into another, and all other subtleties ... which of course would end up looking kind of cartoony and arbitrary. Much happier with the new versions, where I kind of just vibed with it.

Level 1. I think I overdid the eye area and nostril in the hierarchy of importance one, since I was trying to stick to three clear weights and thought that "conceptually" those bits were more important than the middle weight, but using the heaviest line emphasized them too much. Leaving it to just the eye itself would have probably been better. Might do the level 2 one using my own lines from observation at some point.

Googled "random animal" and used the site to give me some options -- ended up with this "jerboa" fellow.

Here's mine. A bit "lost" in a few places, maybe ...

Here's mine, before watching the demo. Got frustrated with the laces while drawing, but watching the demo and critique I realized I was taking a little too much care placing them (not that I got them especially "right" anyway). Looking at these with a clearer head, my lines also feel too variable for no reason, so that'll be something to work on. Like some lines I "got in one" and moved on, ending up effectively emphasizing the lines I was actually LESS sure of, since those I'd go over multiple times. And I just got lazy about sharpening the pencil and controlling its tilt. (plus I need to get more consistent lighting on my photos)

Getting started! I'd call myself "something short of intermediate" since my degree included a few minor art courses on the side, and I have done maybe a year's worth of independent drawing total, just kind of spread out over 10+ years of attempts that didn't amount to much, and it's been several years since the last one. Here's the first project: top one is before watching the demo, bottom one after, picking different pears. Definitely noticed the highlights are barely visible in the photos, and everything except the darkest shadow is a bit lighter than intended. In person I do think the values do stand out a little better from the paper and each other, but going forward I'll try and make them a bit darker and contrasting overall. I'll probably try doing the portrait as well to see where I land with it. (P.S. Is it better to post coursework into the lesson like this or on my personal profile?)