Taronites

After drawing the shapes, I actually thought of using Blender3d to look at the basic shapes from different viewing angles and different light source positions. Blender does have a pretty steep learning curve, though you don't have to learn very much of it to do shadow (or even perspective) studies on basic shapes.
I actually used it to do a mock-up of a space elevator/space station for a project I did in a drawing class.
Here is an album of some if the drawings I did in the class: http://imgur.com/a/cmNne

I did start watching the free ctrlpaint.com videos. They are really nice!

Second attempt at shapes and shadows.

I got lazy on blending the shading on the objects after a bit.

There are some fun drawings in your album, Jake!
I somehow get the feeling, soon you'll gain much greater control, too. Speaking of... this one feels a lot better already. Although it does actually feel like you've adhered to a blender scene, but that doesn't hurt. It still makes for a great exercise!

I need to follow your example and go back to the basics. Much improvement!

I really like the light and shadow illustration lookin like a mirage almost or porthole to an artist in another dimension, great sheen to it.

Good practise everyone should do time by time!

Nice nice study again - would be fine if one day we would have a kind of CLIPPING MASKS / LAYER MASKS in Verve

Too many end of the semester homework/projects/presentations . So glad it's now finals week, no more homework til next year .
One thing I don't like is I usually spend way to much time on a drawing, so this is my attempt at a quick-ish sketch. I was surprised that I could be quick(ish) when actively trying to be quick. (this was about 1.5 hours)
Just something random from http://something-to-draw.com/

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Ah, that's neat! Glad you've managed to get back to Verve at all!