This is already such a great start!! I think you did a good job simplifying the poses into the main rhythms while keeping the energy of the poses. Definitely keep going, you're on the right track! A bit of advice to keep an eye out for next time would be to watch out for any symmetry, especially in the limbs. Keeping the arms/legs the same width or starting the lines at the same point (pinching the joints) can obstruct some of the flow, so finding ways to incorporate more asymmetry can help keep the energy moving. For example, finding a variation in width, tapering from wide to narrow, or making a 'chain' by alternating the stop/start points of the lines can bring more energy.

Great improvement! The second attempt is communicating more of the pear's volume while keeping the value shapes still simplified. I would recommend starting your grays lighter, so using less pressure or a harder pencil can help. That way, there is a more even transition from light to dark. You can also try using more of the side of the pencil if the tip seems too harsh. Keep up the good work, you got this :)

Love the shape breakdown! I would suggest making the difference in values from light to dark more gradual, so darkening the left section of the pear would help provide a middle-dark value and communicate the shadow covering the pear more clearly.

Great job applying the notes from the demo! Lovely work :)

Nice looseness and sketching technique!

First off, great line work! Definitely has a loose yet clean feeling. When it comes to more complex areas like the hands, you can break the drawing down a more basic foundation, like for example, the penguin's head could have started like a simple circle, then had the more complex features like beak & eyes added on top. In the case of the hands, you can start with a rectangle to help break it down, then add more complexity like the fingers and folds. This method is key to sketching, as artists encounter many complex subjects, it's extremely helpful to break it down and start with a simple yet solid foundation.

The 2nd attempts have some great improvement in simplification. Your thoughtfulness and self-correction definitely shows. Great work overall! Also, if you're new to digital media, these types of exercises are perfect to help you get comfortable with your tools. Practicing the basics is always a good way to familiarize yourself with any new medium. Keep going :)

Nice references! Also good simplified shapes! I think you can definitely get some more value out of your pencil, keep layering to achieve a fuller darkest value. That will give you more of a value range to work with :)