Art Basics: Pencils - Good old yellow #2

If you can write your name you can learn to draw. To create an artistic drawing half the battle is understanding how to use the tools. Pencils are the most basic of all art tools. They are great for quick sketches and base drawings. They are also essential in learning how to create value (a range of light to dark) on an object to give it form. They are erasable and easy to blend. You can buy expensive pencils or just some good old yellow #2's. For these exercises just dig through your junk drawer and sharpen them up.

Rule #1 - Keep your pencils sharp.  I always sharpen 2-3 pencils so I don't have to stop when the creativity's flowing.
Rule #2 - Invest in a white eraser.  The pink ones on the end of the pencil can smear.
Rule # 3 - Remember there are 2 ways to draw with a pencil - with the tip and with the side.

Using the tip

A very sharp pencil can give you a precise line that is great for drawing the shape of an object.  The tip can also be used for:

hatching

cross hatching

--Hatching - lines drawn close to each other
--Cross-hatching - lines drawn close to each other overlapped in more than one direction. 

stippling

 --Stippling - dots placed close together for darker areas and further apart for lighter.





                                      Blending Pencils

Using the side of the pencil gives you a blend of graphite.  Create a value scale from dark to light.  As you blend your pencil marks put less pressure as you get to the lighter side.  To make an even darker area add more strokes from the opposite direction. 

 Now try it on a circle.  Decide where the light source is and leave that the lightest area.  Use a white eraser to brighten up white areas

Now try drawing an everyday object like a piece of fruit.  Start with blending then try creating value using the tip. I'd love to read your comments and see your results!