Saying “ This is the worst way to learn how to draw.” feels, to me at least, like a microinvalidation. If that’s not your intent then I’m happy to move past it.

That exercise I outlined was the first project that gave me the confidence I needed to pursue a fine art education up to an undergraduate level. I didn’t get to that point without learning anything more, but I honestly don’t feel I made a critical error here.

And with respect to the OP, it kind of does look like he aims to only be hobbyist levels of good.

I commend your passion for the subject. I just can’t support the idea that there is a right and wrong way to learn how to draw.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯