Another portrait after watching both the demo and critique video. I struggle a lot with keeping the values at five especially since I smudge them accidentaly with my hand. But I also struggle with seeing the different values on the picture. I think that the darkest value is probably way too far from the others. I'm aware the proportions are also off... Maybe I should try one digitally or just go back to the pear. Could someone please point out anything else that would improve this drawing?

Two attempts on the pear, both before watching the demo. I struggled with seeing the different values and also having a difference between them while drawing. I think the first time I was afraid to use more straight lines and was trying hard to keep to the "rules", while the second time I did it more freely, and while I like that one better, I'm aware that it didn't exactly follow the main point of the assignment. Critiques and tips are appreciated!