hi melting kettle, the traditional way to draw is on a drawing horse with a drawing board on your lap and propped up against the end of the horse. In this position you elbow is bent to nearly a 90 degree angle, and you slouch forward so that your eye site is perpendicular to the surface of the drawing pad.
The benefit to drawing on an easel is that you dont have to bend your back or neck to have a perpendicular viewing angle.
and you can be as close or as far away as you want.
drawing from the should is a good idea because its is mechanically easier to control the pencil.
If you are at a desk and if it is possible to angle you sketchbook so that it is more vertical, this would be ideal, so that you dont develop back or neck issues over time.
and i think its better to have your elbow at least at 90 degrees, I have developed ulnar nerve damage due to it being bent less than 90 degrees for long periods of time. you will notice this if your pinky and ring finger start going numb.
So this is all about developing safe practices and hobbits so that you dont injure yourself over time
it may be possible for you do build an easel or drafting table top for little money. you can clamp your sketchbook or paper to these
I hope this helps, and good luck!
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