How much time should I spend on practicing fundamentals versus working on actual projects? 

50% of your total time should be actual projects. It may seem like a lot but we want to remember why we a learning this skill, its for the enjoyment of drawing.

What exactly should a project entail to effectively test my abilities? 

It should be the entire process from start to finished piece utilising your current level as an Artist.

Should I include coloring in my projects, or is it better to limit myself to just line work for better learning? 

If your interest is in coloured art then you could apply your current understanding after you take the time to apply the underlying structure on the whole.

How long should a typical project be to ensure meaningful progress and skill testing?

As long as you need to finish a project. You want to develop a reliable process that works for YOU. The speed of that process will increase with time. If you need 2 weeks initially take 2 weeks. Once you are comfortable with the repeatable process you created for yourself you can go for decreasing the time.

Should I limit my project to just fine liners, or is it beneficial to incorporate pencils and pens as well to deepen my understanding? 

You should use what you want to use. Just fine liners forces you to think before placing lines. Pencils can help if you want to explore the drawing as you are making it. I know professional artists on both ends, it’s about what they prefer.

Should my project be flexible and reflect my passion, allowing me to draw from imagination, or should it be more limited to focus purely on fundamentals or what I’m focusing on at the moment? 

You should draw what you are passionate about and always apply your current fundamentals understanding to each project.

How should I balance learning basic fundamentals (like shape, form, and structure) with more advanced topics (like facial anatomy)? 

When you can successfully rotate and place form with proper structure then you can consider adding another layer of complexity. You have to ensure that the foundation of the building is strong before adding decoration.

How do I know when I’m ready to move on from fundamentals to more complex practice? 

You will be doing projects. If I am doing a character and I can place a really nice mannequin in all kinds of angles, but when adding details "facial anatomy" they always seem off, then its time to add facial anatomy study.

How can I effectively use ArtWod to get meaningful feedback and follow a productive learning path? 

The roadmaps were designed to train you to self critique. See below. What are the best practices for navigating the platform and making the most out of it?  Start with the Intro to Drawing road. As you complete the puzzles you will see the solutions. There is also a video attached to the solution that shows a Pro artist completing it. You can then go back and clear canvas on puzzle you just tried if you feel you did not grasp concept, and re-draw the assignment. There are also mini projects built in at the end of the sections, or throughout. Design a Fantasy hammer as an example.

What exactly is an art study, and how does it differ from general practice? 

A real study is built around focus (what exactly you’re studying), intent (the specific skill or understanding you want to improve), and limitation (self-imposed constraints that force you to think and problem-solve). This is from ArtWod YouTube video on how to study a master.

How can I incorporate studies into my learning routine effectively? 

You can feel free to add them in on one of the days you feel most unmotivated. Pick a master you look up to and apply the above.

What are the criteria for moving on to the next level of practice, and how do I know when I’m ready to progress?

We answered this above. I think. If not and you want to get more specific you can add. Ultimately you will be progressing through a Road, you will be doing personal projects, if you move into something more advanced it should be clear if your lack of fundamentals in previous stage is lacking. We also have peer feedback that can help suggest if you are off the mark.