0
0

Your Cart is Empty

Home / ARTdiscount Blog
Previous  / Next

How to use graphite pencils

by catherine peters October 22, 2020

Art ARTdiscount beginners guide to pencils graphite graphite pencils MATERIALS materials & techniques pencils techniques

How to use graphite pencils

All great art starts with a sketch!
Picasso owned an impressive 175 sketchbooks filled with ideas at the time of his death. Pencils are a great way to sketch ideas quickly or make beautiful, detailed drawings. Using a good range of graphite pencils allows you to explore a broad tonal value and achieve varying results.
 
How are pencils made?
All wood-encased pencils are made from three major ingredients: graphite, clay and a small amount of binder. Back in the 17th century these were ground down by hand, put in a cylindrical mould and fired in a kiln. Today, Winsor & Newton pencils are made with sustainably grown, easy-to-sharpen, aromatic cedar wood.
 
How to understand pencil grades
If you’re new to picking up a pencil, the first thing you will notice is that there several numbered and lettered grades. These work as a guide to help you select the right pencil to fit your needs.
 
Here’s the scale for graphite leads:
 
8B 6B 5B 4B 3B 2B B HB F H 2H 3H 4H
This scale runs from Softest (left) to Hardest (right)
 
B = Blackness
F = Fine
HB = A combination of H and B
H = Hard
A ‘B’ range pencil indicates it has soft lead – the higher the number, the softer and darker the lead.
The higher numbers in this range have a greater concentration of graphite. Generally, ‘B’ grades are best for shading and smooth coverage of large areas.
The ‘H’ range makes a more subtle grey mark, the higher the number, the less graphite is included, these are best used for delicate, intricate drawings.
The ‘F’ grade is used to indicate that the pencil lead is a special formulation that will maintain a fine point.
The most popular pencil, ‘HB’ is a combination of hard and soft leads which makes it a great all-rounder.
Whether a beginner or a professional, having an array of pencil grades is essential to achieve a tonal range in your work. 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
Your sharpener is your best friend. Use a quality pencil and keep it sharp so you have fine point that will not break with pressure. You can refine the point of your pencil with the artists’ old trick of placing a piece of fine-grade sandpaper on a table and gently running the side of the lead across it.
We have had a product drop this week of Graphite pencil sets..............
Take a look at our full range of sketching pencils:
derwent graphic pencils 
Winsor & Newton Studio Collection Medium Graphite Pencil x 12
Winsor & Newton Studio Collection Sketching Pencil Set x 10

Lyra Rembrandt Graphite Pencils Set and Accessories
Faber Castell Pencils Studio Graphite Sketch Set Gold
6 Grafwood Artists Graphite Pencils + Metal Box
Faber-Castell Pitt Graphite Sets

catherine peters
catherine peters


Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.

Also in ARTdiscount Blog

Essential Tools and Equipment for Artists' - Painting and Drawing Aides
Essential Tools and Equipment for Artists' - Painting and Drawing Aides

by Ellie Jakeman January 22, 2025

artist equipment Artist tools artists accessories drawing aides Painting aides

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, having the right tools can make all the difference in bringing your creative vision to life. At ARTdiscount, we’re passionate about supporting artists with high-quality materials and expert advice. This guide covers the essential tools and aides every artist should consider for painting and drawing.

Read More
Easels for Weddings and Events
Easels for Weddings and Events

by Ellie Jakeman January 15, 2025

altrntive uses for easels Easels easels for corporate events wedding easels
There are many different types of easels on the market today, and we have one for every project and every kind of studio, even the kitchen-table kind of studio! We stock many easels for up and coming artists and the professionals alike, however, what other applications can an easel be used for beside painting?

Read More
Screen Printing, Serigraphy or Silk Screen Printing
Screen Printing, Serigraphy or Silk Screen Printing

by Ellie Jakeman January 08, 2025

block printing lino printing Mono printing POP art POP artists relief printing screen printing Screen Printing for beginners Serigraphy Silk Screen Printing
Screen printing is a method of printing images or patterns onto fabric, paper or canvas using a wooden or metal screen with an ultra fine mesh fabric stretched over the top.
Read More

Recent Articles