For individuals new to the art of shading and graphite sketching, determining the appropriate grades of graphite pencils for foundational drawing techniques is a critical initial consideration.
These are essential preliminary inquiries when selecting suitable pencils. Given the extensive array of pencil types available, comprehending which ones are best suited for specific projects is imperative to optimise both time and financial resources.
Mastering the intricacies of graphite sketching and shading is, in itself, a skill demanding deliberate patience. When this is compounded by the considerable variety of pencils utilised for drawing, each yielding distinct results on paper, it is understandable why many novices may experience a sense of being overwhelmed.
In this article, we'll discuss some of the most common types of pencils used for sketching and shading to help you become familiar with them, and ultimately to help you determine which pencils will be right for you.
By the end of this article, you should be feeling less overwhelmed and far more informed about finding just the right pencils you want to invest in to get started.
The HB Shading Scale
Historically, graphite pencils were categorized using a numeric scale, similar to standard regulation pencils (e.g., No. 1, No. 2). However, to differentiate between general-use pencils and those designed for artistic purposes, the scale for sketching and shading pencils was modified.
Today, the graphite scale in use is known as the HB scale. Most non-U.S. nations employ the HB scale even for common pencils, as there's minimal difference in lead hue or tint. The "H" denotes the pencil's 'hardness,' while "B" signifies its 'blackness,' which also relates to the softness of the lead/clay mixture. The letter "F" stands for 'fine.'
Traditionally, graphite manufacturers used this scale to describe the lead. “HH” meant it was very hard and gave a light grey tint and “BBB” meant the graphite was very soft and very black.
Traditionally, graphite manufacturers used this scale to describe their leads. For instance, "HH" indicated a very hard lead that produced a light grey tint, while "BBB" meant the graphite was very soft and very black.
Rather than using multiple Hs and Bs to describe varying levels, most modern pencil makers now place a number before the letter—such as "2B," "4B," "3H," and so on. As this number increases, so does its designation: a 4B is softer than a 3B, and a 5H is harder than a 2H.
Fun Fact: The "HB" graphite pencil, which sits in the middle of the graphite scale and represents a balance between hardness and blackness, is equivalent to the traditional No. 2 pencil commonly used in educational institutions.
The “F” Pencil and What It is For
Image created by Ellie Jakeman ©. elliejakeman_rosebirdstudios
The "F," or fine pencil, is essentially an HB pencil on the graphite scale, distinguished by its much finer point. This characteristic gives the appearance of a lighter shade, despite its core graphite being equivalent to that of an HB. The advantage of the F pencil lies in its ability to produce darker shades through increased pressure, while simultaneously maintaining a finer line. Generally, applying greater pressure results in a thicker line; however, the F pencil's smaller tip is specifically designed for fine work.
The Pros and Cons of Using Different Shades
For the H pencils, the obvious advantage is that they can remain sharp for longer periods of sketching than the “B” pencils, which typically dull more rapidly because of their relative softness.
For smoother marks and general tracing, H pencils are ideal. They are also beneficial for adding indentation and texture to the paper. H pencils are going to fill more space than B pencils because you can press harder into the paper’s fibrous surface. B pencils, on the other hand, tend to reveal more of the paper’s texture than H pencils.
In order to get a result that is both black and fills in the textured surfaces evenly, use a combination of both H and B pencils.
It is best to start with H to fill in and smooth the surface area, then shade over it with a B pencil. Flipping this order may have different results as the H pencil’s hardness may smear the soft black shading in an undesired manner.
What Graphite Pencils Are Right for You?
The answer to this question will vary on what you are trying to accomplish. Think about these factors to help you determine the best choices:
- Think about how much pressure you apply to paper naturally. It may also mean disciplining yourself to be more deliberate about that pressure.
- What is the texture of the paper? Many professional graphite artists will choose a smoother paper like a hot-pressed sketching paper, but some may prefer the characteristic texture of a rougher paper.
- What is your overall approach to shading and sketching? Are you drawing on a horizontal or flat surface? This may cause you to apply more pressure at a downward angle. Or perhaps from an easel, which limits the pressure you can apply.
- If you are just sketching casually, choose a mid-range set that offers something like HB, 2B, 4B at least. You don’t need all grades.
- If you plan to do more advanced shading, tonal drawings, maybe portraiture, aim for a set that spans H through B (e.g., 4H–6B or even softer).
Many artists have a natural tendency to put more pressure to paper. In this case, they may never need a B pencils darker than a 4B. Conversely, those who are light handed may want to go as soft as a 6B or 8B to achieve the same results.
As stated above, the paper’s texture will play a significant role in what pencils you use. Hot-pressed canvas paper, which has a smoother texture, will be better for using H pencils and will provide smoother, more even results when using B pencils.
Cold-pressed papers, which typically have more texture will be more difficult when trying to create smooth traces with an H pencil and have more uneven results with the B pencils.
Time to Draw!
This collection of drawing pencils for beginners should get you thinking about what it takes to achieve the results you want.
We recommend using as wide a range of the HB scale as possible, as well as trying your hand at both smoother and more textured papers, until you find the style that suits you. Art is all about experimentation—you never know what you're going to love until you try it!
