Not sure of exercises, but I can tell you what I do. The area you are trying to shade normally has a shape itself. I usually draw the contour of the shape and then use my pencil to work in the value.

Figure from quickposes.com. Charcoal on newsprint. Self critique: I got the angle of the face slightly off from the neck. The chest is barely too long. Overall I’m proud of my cloth wrap texture, hair and hands since those are some of the things I’m overly critical of myself on. Any-who, all critique and feedback is welcome.

I’m pretty sure I am overthinking it but I am pushing through. Admittedly I get frustrated and quit (mentally stuck in the past for not being consistent throughout my life, but I love art!). Anyway, here are 40 - 30 second gesture quicksketches. Any and all critique is welcome. I am going to rewatch the video and do more.

The new site is awesome.