Winsor & Newton Studio Pencils with Pencil Grading

All Great Art Starts with a Sketch: A guide to Drawing Pencils

Dorota Zarowska October 22, 2020

Pablo Picasso owned over 175 sketchbooks filled with ideas at the time of his death. Like many great artists, he relied on pencils as the starting point for creative exploration. Whether you are sketching quick ideas, practicing shading, or building detailed drawing, having the right graphite pencils makes all the difference.

In this guide, we will cover how pencils are made, pencil grades explained, the best pencils for drawing beginners, and our favourite pencil sets for artists.

How are pencils made?

All wood-encased pencils are made from three major ingredients: graphite, clay and a small amount of binder.

In the 17th century, these were ground down by hand, pressed into moulds, and fired in a kiln. Today, modern pencils are made using sustainably grown, easy to sharpen cedar wood.

This combination ensures the graphite pencils are smooth to use, reliable, and consistent across different grades.

Photo: Winsor & Newton

Pencil grades explained: H, B, and HB

If you are new to drawing, the range of letters and numbers on pencils can be confusing. These pencil grades help you choose the right tool for your sketching or shading needs.

Here’s the standard graphite pencil scale:

8B 6B 5B 4B 3B 2B B HB F H 2H 3H 4H

This scale runs from Softest (left) to Hardest (right)

B = Blackness - Softer, darker leads (best for shading).

H = Hard - Harder, lighter leads (Best for fine details).

HB = A combination of H and B - A versatile middle ground, great for general sketching.

F = Fine - A special grade designed to keep a sharp point.

Rule of thumb:

Use harder pencils (H range) for light sketches and outlines.
Use softer pencils (B range) for bold lines, shading, and tonal depth.
Keep an HB pencil handy as an all-rounder.

Photo: Winsor & Newton

Best pencils for drawing beginners

If you are just starting your drawing journey, the best approach is to use a basic set of sketching pencils that includes HB, 2B, and 4B.

HB pencils are perfect for outlines and first sketches.
2B-4B pencils are versatile for shading and mid-tones.
6B-8B pencils are excellent for rich dark shadows.

This gives beginners a good balance of control, softness, and tonal range without feeling overwhelming.
As your skills develop, you can expand into a full graphite pencil set covering grades from 4H to 8B.

Derwent Graphic Pencils Grading Photo: Derwent Individual Graphic Pencils

How to choose a graphite pencil set

When selecting a drawing pencil set, think about what you will use it for:

Everyday sketching - Choose a small set (HB, 2B, 4B).
Detailed drawings - Look for a full graphite set with H and B grades.
Professional work - Premium sets often include accessories like sharpeners, erasers, and blending tools.

If you are unsure, opt for a mid-sized sketching pencil set (10-12 pencils). This provide enough variety to experiment with both hard and soft grades.

Photo: Winsor & Newton

Generally, the best way to start drawing is with a hard pencil which will make a light mark that erases easily, allowing you to adjust your drawing frequently at the beginning. Then, as the drawing develops and requires a darker mark for shading or bold details, move on to a softer pencil. Multiple layers of a hard lead will never produce black; therefore, you need a softer pencil to be able to achieve a truly dark mark.

Top tip: Keep your pencils sharp

Your sharpener is your best friend. A sharp point gives you control for detail work, while a slightly blunted tip is ideal for shading. Many artists refine their pencil points using fine-grade sandpaper, lightly running the lead across the surface to create a longer, needle-like edge.

Photo: Faber-Castell

Recommended graphite pencil sets for artists

Derwent Graphic Pencils - A full range of high-quality graphite pencils trusted by artists worldwide.

Winsor & Newton Studio Collection Sketching Pencils -Ideal for sketching and shading.

Faber-Castell Pencil Sets- From versatile Classic Graphite Sketch Sets to the ultra-dark Pitt Graphite Matt range, Faber-Castell offers premium-quality pencils trusted by artists worldwide.

Caran d'Ache Grafwood Artists Graphite Pencils - Premium artist-grade pencils with a thicker hexagonal shaft for comfort and durability. The painted barrel reflects the lead grade (darker finish = softer lead), making it easy to identify your pencils at a glance.

Staedtler Mars Lumograph Pencils- they are widely used by artists, illustrators, architects and designers because of their high-quality, consistent graphite cores, smooth laydown, and a wide range of grades (8H to 9B). They are designed for precise sketching, detailed drawings, and professional shading work.

Take a look at our full range of sketching pencils here

FAQs about drawing pencils

What are the best pencils for sketching?
HB and 2B are the most versatile for beginners, while professionals use full graphite sets.

Which pencil is the darkest?

In standard ranges, 8B is the darkest graphite pencil, producing deep, velvety blacks. However, for professional artists or those seeking even more intense shading, some sets go beyond this — like the Faber-Castell Pitt Graphite Matt Pencil Set, which includes 10B, 12B, and 14B, or other brands offering 13B pencils. These ultra-soft, high-graphite pencils produce an exceptionally dark, matte finish, perfect for dramatic shadows, expressive drawing, and rich tonal contrast.

They allow for intense shading, bold tonal work, and professional-quality depth that standard B-range pencils can’t achieve.

Faber-Castell Pitt Graphite Matt Pencil Set

Do I need a full set of pencils?
If you are experimenting or just starting, 3–4 pencils are enough. For more advanced work, a complete graphite pencil set gives you full tonal control.

Final thoughts

From light sketches with an HB pencil to deep shadows with an 8B, pencils are an essential tool for every artist. Whether you are a beginner building confidence or a professional perfecting your craft, choosing the right graphite pencil set can transform your drawings.

Explore our range of sketching pencils today and find the tools to bring your ideas to life.

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