In my experience, the overhand grip allows you to separate the location of your medium, using shoulder and elbow, from its orientation/character, using wrist and fingers. The latter is particularly relevant when using a softer medium, like charcoal or Conté, on an easel. In addition, I see it as a teaching tool, forcing students to separate the two mechanics. Once you get it, anything goes. I know people drawing really well from the dreaded monkey paw, which I do not recommend at all for beginners. And, of course, using a stylus on a tablet changes everything.

Hello artpunk ! I personally find the overhand grip easier on an easel or inclined drawing board, that's for sure. It's actually more ergonomic ! Wouldn't be on a flat surface. As much as I don't know Stan's exact setup, you could browse around artshops or make a simple inclined drawing board at home with a few planks. (This is a cool DIY video about this : https://youtu.be/Hm2WbjHEnkA) If you can't purchase one or make one, you can also grab a big piece of flat solid cardboard and place it on your knees, its back resting on a table or your desk. Remember to use what works best for you !

I think i've heard Stan once in a video telling that the drawings for his video's were on a flat surface, because it was more practical for the camera to film it. But i'm not sure where he draws normally on. i myself don't own a drawing board or drawing table, I always draw on a flat surface. One thing to keep in mind when drawing on a flat surface is that your view is slightly distorded. I regularly pick up my drawing and put it front of my eyes to check :)

I am learning a lot of new things all at once and want to make sure I am setting myself up for success. I want to start practicing the overhand grip that Stan uses in the gesture drawing lessons of figure drawing fundamentals. My question is what is his set up exactly? Table top? 45 degree or 90 degree easel set up? I don't own any kind of drawing board or easel and want to make sure I pick up the correct supplies to best practice both the overhand grip and gesture. Thanks in advance for any info! (Posting again so I can mark it asked for help)