| Drawing is probably the most immediate of all art | | | | Pencils do not cost much, so buy the best you can |
| forms. It allows you to put down your observations | | | | find. It is more than worth it. A good graphite pencil |
| instantly. In addition, all you really need to draw is a | | | | currently cost about a dollar. |
| pencil and a sheet of paper (even a napkin will do). | | | | 2. Graphite Sticks |
| Unfortunately, drawing is also one of the more | | | | Graphite is also available in sticks. These sticks are |
| demanding art forms and it takes a lot of practice to | | | | usually wrapped in a plastic film. They are graded just |
| become really good at it. However, drawing is a real | | | | like ordinary graphite pencils as we explained in |
| basic art form, i.e., it is a prerequisite to learning many | | | | Section 1. They are ideal for large-scale projects. |
| other art forms such as painting and sculpting. | | | | They are also inexpensive so don’t be stingy |
| Above all, drawing is an excellent vehicle for learning | | | | and buy the best. |
| to see the world as it "really" is. It is a way to | | | | 3. Colored Pencils |
| overcome the often greatly simplified memories of | | | | Colored pencils cannot be blended and must be built |
| everyday objects we have stored in our brains since | | | | up in layers. Blending is achieved by putting one |
| childhood. | | | | transparent layer of color on top of another. This |
| Finally, drawing also allows you to put your own | | | | way it is possible to obtain very interesting optical |
| interpretation on your observations and ultimately lets | | | | effects. Colored pencil art has made great strides in |
| you produce your very own art. | | | | the last twenty or so years. Great pieces of art have |
| In this article we will discuss the various pencils used | | | | been produced with colored pencils. Today, colored |
| by the professional artist. | | | | pencil art is very well respected and many artists |
| 1. Graphite Pencils | | | | specialize in creating very detailed and intricate |
| Graphite pencils are the most direct and simplest of | | | | drawings. |
| drawing tools. They are made from graphite and | | | | 4. Water-soluble Pencils |
| come in grades from very hard to very soft: | | | | This is the latest variety of pencil to come along. |
| 9H 8H ... 2H H F HB B 2B 3B ... 8B 9B | | | | Water-soluble pencils provide a valid alternative to |
| Hardest Softest | | | | watercolors. The pencil marks turn into a |
| The F-pencil is somewhat of an odd duck in the | | | | watercolor-like wash when they are brought in |
| series. It produces a fairly fine line and is often used | | | | contact with water. This wash can then be |
| to draw hair. The HB-pencil separates the hard pencils | | | | manipulated with a paint brush. |
| from the soft ones. In practice, you do not really | | | | These four types of pencils are the most basic and |
| ever use all 22 grades. I personally use mostly a 3B, a | | | | have been used by most drawing artists. Of course, |
| 5B, a 9B, and an F. For really fine lines I sometimes | | | | pencils are not the only tools that can be used to |
| use a 2H pencil. But this is more of a personal | | | | draw. Other drawing materials and tools will be |
| preference and you should make your own choices. | | | | discussed in future articles. |