The chiarosuro is a new concept for me. Especially the reflected light.

I tried to capture the apple twice, once with light coming from the left and once from the right and above. The cast shadow on both are too dark, I think, so that' s something to work on. The highlight on the left one doesn't need to be outlined--I just need to keep it blank. These are definitely my best apples ever!

It has been quite educational and relaxing some of the techniques instructed, moving from stick people to be able to put something in paper is an accomplishment ; improving observational skill also very nice, Thanks.

Struggling with the shape of the shadow for the orange. Also, not sure if I used the dotting affect in the picture, should I then use it in the shadow as well?

Funny, I have been sketching for years but was oblivious to the reflective light. This is quite an eye opener for me. Enjoying the learning process.

wow 2nd version is better! I think recognizing what I was unhappy with in the first drawing was what led me to be able to make the 2nd one better.

frustration!  It didn't look right. Oddly enough when I took the pic, the more contrasty pic looked better to me.  I used contour shading and it didn't give the look I was going for.  I remember somewhere in distant past that the SHAPE of the deep shadow is the same curve as the object -- is that true? I will try it again with same lemon and different contrast. I really liked one of the pics below where stippling was used - will try to add some of that. My blending perhaps made the pic too "muddy" with insufficient different between shaded areas.

I found myself quite frustrated after my first trial drawing garlic with cross hatching. I tried again with contour hatching, and although the second trial did turn out better, I gained a lot more understanding with how light and shadows fall on each clove. I LOVED using garlic for this exercise. It was a very fruitful experience (pun regretfully intended). I do feel much more confident in marking. I look forward to studying different subjects, and getting a better understanding of how light falls on different objects. I'd also like to eventually work on some other marking techniques like cross hatching.

Not sure where to put the shadow but I am pleased with what I have learned. My sphere looks like, well a sphere!

I definitely want to continue practicing capturing light/dark and dimension.  I have an easier time with this when I am drawing one object, as opposed to trying to represent a landscape outside.  Practice will help!

I found it easier to create the various light and shadow areas of the sphere than it was with the irregular round shape of a shallot. I used hatching, cross hatching and contour hatching along with some blending to try to achieve the roundness.  I struggled with the shape of the shallot as it was harder to pick out the components of chairoscuro.

I still don't find anything easy about drawing.  I believe I still have much to do to overcome a perfectionist trait in me.  It's still difficult to narrow the gap between what my mind wishes to do & what my hand does.  It's not comfortable finding oneself in the midst of this struggle; but I'm not giving up.  I will continue plugging along...  rather--scratching along.

I tried to find the easiest image to draw- a lemon.  The highlight was obvious, regardless of the angle and so was the cast shadow.  I struggled with shading the values of light, shadow, and cast shadow.  Cast shadows look like a band of darkness, and I seem to struggle with which direction to shade.  Blending with my finger helps cover some of the harsh transition lines as I try to practice the different pencil pressures.  I don’t feel comfortable yet, but I am not afraid of the page anymore.  I want to try and sketch and journal everyday to improve.

Still lots of exploring to do with the different techniques. Would like to excel at chiaroscuro : )

I'm starting to get the shadings and seeing the dark and light. Right now I would like to work on the pressure of my pencil... It seems to be another level of shade and light.

I am definitely a beginner at this!  I wonder if I should somehow draw in the general outlines first.  When I do not do that I find that I get involved in one small section and make too many marks so that, in the end it looks kind of muddy.  Also, the drawing tends to get lopsided or out of proportion. But, when I draw in the outlines it makes it hard to do highlighted edges.  Still working on the types of marks to use for different textures too.