Course Highlights
-
Learn how to draw -
Drawing Lessons -
Teaching Critique -
Learn to Sketch -
How to Draw People -
Affordable Art Classes -
Personalized Certificate
Grab Your Tools: Pencils
When it comes to art supplies, you have a great deal of
variety at your disposal. There are dozens upon dozens
of drawing instruments and surfaces from which to
choose. Although you will not need to spend a fortune,
the old adage holds true and you do get what you pay
for. When the time comes and your skills have advanced
to a level that you feel justifies the expense, buy the
best you can afford. The more you advance and develop
your own style, the more discriminating you will become,
but for now, a simple pencil and sketch pad will
suffice. There are also affordable starter kits that
include a selection of graphite pencils, charcoal
pencils, sharpener, sandpaper and eraser in the range of
$5-10.
Pencils
Using a pencil of medium hardness, such as an all
purpose "HB" will allow you to draw the full range of
dark and light lines by simply adjusting the pressure
applied without having to switch to other pencils.
The general rule of thumb when it comes to pencils is as
follows: softer pencils create darker, richer lines and
are labelled with a ¨B¨ ranging from 0 – 8. An 8B pencil
is the softest and thus darkest option. Harder pencils
are labelled with an ¨H¨ and likewise range from 0 – 8,
making 8H the hardest and thus lightest. Hard leads make
gray marks, suitable for precise lines and details.
Essentially, the more clay added to the pencil's
graphite base, the harder the pencil and the lighter the
line. Experiment with the different consistencies and
you will find that you can produce a wide spectrum of
shades by simply alternating pencils.
A general purpose starter kit would include HB, 2H, 2B,
and 6B. Others that could be added eventually include
3B, 4B, 4H, and 6H. It is important to gradually get
used to using three varying grades of pencil within a
drawing. The first pencil must always be kept sharp, the
second with an edge rubbed flat (by sandpaper) for
shading, and the third for deep, expressive lines.
Graphite pencils come in a variety of forms. Some are
like the standard pencil, the graphite is encased in
wood and when sharpened, produces a point. Other forms
include round or square sticks, as well as thin rods
that can be inserted into metal or plastic holders.
Other pages of interest
Introduction to drawing
Finding
inspiration for drawing
Creating your
drawing workspace
Drawing tools:
Pencils
Drawing
tools: Sketch pads