Illustrated: Learn Pencil Drawing Techniques Step By Step

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There are different ways to hold a pencil for drawing. There isn't one ideal way, but several choices, depending on what you are trying to accomplish. Start to learn pencil drawing techniques today!

Different Ways For Holding A Pencil

* Hold your pencil like a writing instrument, close to the tip, when sketching outlines or adding details to your drawing. This allows maximum control of the pencil.

* To draw long, steady or flowing lines, hold the pencil near the middle with the end steadied in your palm. This provides stability and control to produce long, even lines.

* Shading larger areas is maximized by holding the pencil in the middle, slanted sideways so it is nearly parallel to the paper. This allows you to use the side of the graphite to create even strokes.

* For areas requiring darker shading, hold the pencil near the tip (the pencil is under your hand) and press the side of the tip to the paper. This creates deeper, darker tones for small areas of dark shading.

The Ideal Amount Of Pressure For Drawing With Pencils

The amount of pressure needed when drawing with pencils varies depending on the desired effect and the hardness of the pencil. For laying out the basic sketch, use a hard pencil with light pressure.

Softer pencils leave darker lines, so depending on how dark you want the area to be; you will have to adjust pressure. For example, a 9B pencil with a heavy hand will produce a very dark line and with a lighter hand it will still be dark but less so.

There is no general rule for the amount of pressure to use. Experiment with different pencils and pressures to achieve the effects you want.

Only one thing you should keep in mind: for drawing darker lines always prefer using a softer pencil over applying more pressure. The reason: too much pressure may damage the paper.

Learn Drawing With Swift And Smooth Pencil Movements

The most important element of great drawings is the ability to draw with swift and smooth movements.

This requires practice and confidence. To practice drawing smoothly and confidently, begin with your basic sketches using a hard pencil. Use a light hand for this a simple outline of your drawing.

These lines may not even be visible in your finished piece. Do not be overly concerned with each stroke; let your instincts guide you. As you gain more experience, you will become more confident of your skills and techniques. This confidence will inspire the swift smooth strokes of your tools.

Keep a sketchbook with you and when something inspires you, use it! This will help you most to learn pencil drawing.

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Carol - help

I think I would be your worst pupil if sitting in a classroom, I dearly want to
draw (do a lot of painting from tracings), but would love to be able to sit and
look at something and just draw it? I have done the line exercises and they do
help but but but!!!

shovon - art learning

please help me

Susan Schuler - Pencil Sketching

I love your ideas!! I have been sketching without any classes except what I
learn from you and just believing in myself and the sketches of people I know
look really good. Thank you so much.

George Suting

I want to learn how to draw and sketch.

Wegayehu Assefa - Thank

Thank you very much for showing me the way to draw it really improved
my
drawings a lot. But please send me pictures of how to draw eyes or face and
fingers

Anonymous

Thank you very much for showing me the way to draw it really improved my
drawings a lot. But please send me pictures of how to draw eyes or face and
fingers