GRAPHITE ART
Graphite Pencils and Graphite Art
Graphite pencils are a go-to not only for graphite artists but for almost anyone. Whether you are an amateur or professional, you are well familiar with this most common drawing medium. Graphite is known for its versatility, archival quality, and ease of use. Whether you're just starting or you're a seasoned graphite pencil artist, these tools can help you create stunning pencil drawings. Let’s dive into the different types of graphite pencils, their varying hardness levels, and how you can make the most of them in your graphite art.
Types of Graphite Pencils
Graphite pencils come in a range of hardness levels, each perfect for different aspects of drawing. The hardness of the pencil is indicated by letters and numbers:
- H (Hard): These pencils produce lighter lines and are great for fine details and delicate shading. An H pencil is ideal for initial sketches where precision is key.
- HB (Medium Hardness): HB pencils are a balanced choice, offering both a medium-dark line and ease of erasure. They're commonly used for general-purpose drawing and writing.
- B (Soft): B pencils are softer and produce darker lines. They're perfect for shading and creating rich, dark tones in your drawings. The higher the number in front of the B, the softer and darker the pencil (e.g., 2B, 4B, 6B, 14B).
As a graphite artist you might use a range of these pencils to achieve different effects in your artwork. Personally, I prefer using any grade that falls between B6 to B14 pencils for my drawings. These softer pencils are excellent for creating deep, rich blacks and smooth gradients, which are essential in my style and approach to graphite art.
Creating With Graphite
Graphite is known for its smooth gradients and the ability to achieve both fine details and broad, expressive strokes. Here are some hints you might find helpful for progressing with your pencil drawings:
1. Layering and Blending:
Start with lighter pencils (H or HB) to build up layers gradually. Use blending tools like tortillons or blending stumps to smooth out transitions and create realistic textures. This technique is crucial for creating lifelike skin tones, fabric textures, and natural landscapes in your graphite art.
2. Shading and Contrast:
Use softer pencils (B, 2B, 4B, etc.) to add depth and contrast to your drawings. By varying the pressure on your pencil, you can achieve a range of values from light grey to deep black. This dynamic range is what makes pencil drawings so captivating and full of life.
3. Detail Work:
For intricate details, such as hair, fur, or fine lines, harder pencils (H, 2H) are your best bet. These pencils hold a sharp point longer, allowing for precise control. The best graphite artists often highlight their work with such fine details, making the art more realistic and engaging.
4. Hatching:
Experiment with different strokes and marks to depict various surfaces. Cross-hatching, stippling, and scribbling are just a few techniques that can add dimension to your graphite work. You can also use a stump or a cloth for blending, adding smooth transitions and soft textures.
My Approach
My classical approach to graphite art would involve detailed studies and careful shading to bring out the form and texture of my subjects. But now, I use graphite in a looser way, still employing classical techniques to support and complement this approach. Over the past years, I have veered away from a super realistic, academic style towards looser, lighter, and more sketchy character.
I use B6 to B14 pencils, which help me achieve deep, rich blacks and smooth gradients. Instead of using sharpeners, I prefer Olfa art knives to get the precise point I need. This method gives me better control over the shape of my pencil tip.
I often use pencils for sketching and quick drawings, usually working on smaller paper sizes up to A3. However, I have drawn on A1, especially for academic drawings, figure drawings, and portraits.
Years ago, I learned to use soft pencils exclusively. This approach allows me to carry only one or two pencils instead of many different grades. By varying pressure with a soft pencil (while being careful not to break the lead), I can achieve thin, light lines that mimic harder grade pencils. I highly recommend this approach to anyone. It makes you less dependent on various grades, as, for example, a B8 pencil has all the qualities that all the softer B grades before it can offer.
Inspiration and Practice
Living and working in Ireland, I find a lot of inspiration in the beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Much of my inspiration comes from the magical worlds of childhood. Old buildings, ruins, and weird things also inspire me. These elements feed into my creative process, adding a sense of wonder and mystery to my work.
If you're a graphite (pencil) artist, studying the works of renowned artists, especially old masters, can provide inspiration and insight into effective techniques. Observing how they handle light, shadow, and texture can greatly improve your understanding and use of these elements in your own work. By learning from the old masters, you can improve your skills and bring more depth and dimension to your drawings.
Conclusion
Graphite pencils are incredibly versatile tools that can produce a wide range of effects, from delicate, light sketches to bold, dark contrasts. Whether you’re aiming to become the best graphite artist or simply enjoy creating pencil drawings as a hobby, mastering the use of different graphite pencils will significantly improve your artwork. Embrace the practice, explore various techniques, and let your graphite art reflect your unique vision and style. And again - I highly recommend learning to use only one or two pencils, ideally soft pencils like 6B or higher.
Happy graphite drawing to you, creative soul!