I did lots of nice practice today drawing circles and ovals, using both pencil and pens. There’s definitely something satisfying about the technique of circling above the page first, then lowering the pencil down and see the imagined shape appear.

The lesson discussed breaking complex forms down into simple shapes and to practice seeing that. There was also discussion of pace and practice. The instructor mentioned the recommendation to fill ten pages with circles and ovals every day for a year. A real investment in something simple. Practicing the fundamentals.

circles and ovals exercise

With the pencil I noticed that I do like, for this style, to hold the pencil from the side. I also practiced with fineliners, and noticed that I can draw lighter and darker lines even with those, using lighter pressure.

Ovals in some directions are more comfortable than others. Tilted to the left feels a bit more awkward for me.