As an artist, you know that you can create many different types of drawings using a pencil. What works for one person will not work for another. It all depends on the style, passion, and approach that you want to take.
Some artists prefer a fine point for their sketches, while others prefer a thicker lead for dramatic effects.
Different pencils have different hardness, affecting the types of drawings you can create. For instance, if you’re looking to create something with a lot of detail, you’ll want to use a harder lead. However, if you want something softer and gentler, you’ll want to use a softer lead.
Similarly, you can also change the type of paper you use to create different effects. Some artists prefer to use textured paper, while others prefer a smoother surface.
You can create different types of pencil artwork using these different materials and pencils.
7 Types of Pencil Drawing
Some of the different types of pencil drawings that you may want to try:
Sketching
Sketching is the most basic type of pencil drawing and is often used to plan more complex drawings. It can be done with a fine or thick point lead, depending on the level of detail you want.
Sketching is an excellent way to experiment with new ideas and explore different techniques. It’s also a great way to get a feel for how a pencil works and how it is used to create different drawings.
This artwork is more of a rough drawing than a finished piece. It can be used to plan out the composition of a drawing or to try out different ideas.
Mistakes made using a pencil are easily erased, and the drawing can be redrawn or revised.
Sketching is also a great way to relax and unwind. The pencil works excellently for sketching.
Outline Drawing
Outline drawings are created by outlining the subject matter. An outline can be done best with a pencil but can also be done using other drawing tools.
An outline drawing aims to create a basic shape or form filled with details later. It’s a great way to get the proportions and general shape of the subject matter correct before adding any details.
An outline is generally created using HB or H pencil and is usually thin and light. The lines can be drawn freehand or with the help of a ruler.
After the shading or required details are filled or ink applied, the outline marks may or may not be erased.
A pencil works as an excellent tool for creating an outline drawing.
Gesture Drawing
Gesture drawing is a type of drawing that can be done using a pencil that focuses on the movement and posture of the subject. Artists often use it to capture the essence of a person or object.
Gesture drawings are usually done quickly, with few details. The aim is to capture the subject’s movement and feeling rather than create a realistic drawing.
The artist uses a pencil to draw free lines and angles to show the subject’s movement. This type of drawing can be done with a fine or thick lead pencil, depending on the level of detail you want.
Gesture drawings are often used as a warm-up before starting a more detailed drawing. They’re also a great way to loosen up and get creative.
Figure Drawing
Figure drawing is an essential skill for any artist, and a pencil is a versatile tool that can create various effects.
When figuring drawing, the pencil is used for both outlining and shading. For instance, when outlining a figure, the pencil creates clean, sharp lines that help define the body’s contours.
When it comes to shading, the pencil creates a range of tones, from light to dark. This is achieved by varying the pressure of the pencil on the paper.
Using various line weights, an artist can create movement and energy. In addition, the direction of the strokes also plays a role in creating different effects. For instance, crosshatching, where strokes are applied in different directions, can help create a more textured look.
All of these techniques are important for creating realistic and lifelike figure drawings.
Cartoon Drawing
Cartoon drawing is a type used to create comic books, cartoons, and animated films. Cartoon drawings are nowadays done in a highly stylized way.
The characters in these drawings are often exaggerated and have large heads and eyes. They also tend to have simple facial expressions.
Cartoon drawings are usually created using pencils, but they
Pencils allow cartoonists to develop the soft, fluid lines characteristic of their work. They also give cartoonists a high degree of control over the shading and texture of their drawings.
In addition, pencil marks can be easily erased, which is essential for making corrections during the drawing process.
For all these reasons, pencils remain the preferred medium for many cartoonists. However, with the advent of digital drawing tools, some cartoonists are beginning to experiment with new ways of creating their work.
Only time will tell if pencils will remain the preferred tool for cartoons, but for now, they play an essential role in this unique art form.
Pencil Portrait Drawing
Drawing a portrait using pencils is a skill that takes time and practice to perfect. Once you master the basics, you create stunning portraits that capture the likeness of your subject.
Pencils come in various types, each with its strengths and weaknesses. For example, softer pencils are ideal for creating subtle shading, while harder pencils are better suited for precise lines.
In addition, artists can experiment with different types of paper to create different effects.
For instance, using rougher paper will allow the artist to achieve a more textured look, while the smoother paper is better suited for creating detailed lines.
By understanding the different properties of pencils and paper, artists can create a wide range of effects in their portrait drawings.
Hyper-Realistic Drawing
Pencil drawings are often underestimated till someone sees a hyper-realistic and well-rendered work in this medium. It takes a lot of skill, practice, and patience to get the results that can make jaws drop.
Regarding hyper-realism, artists use graphite pencils composed of fine graphite particles suspended in clay. Graphite pencils come in a range of hardness levels, from 9H (the hardest) to 9B (the softest).
The higher the number, the more complex the lead and the lighter the mark. The lower the number, the softer the lead and the darker the mark.
Artists often use a combination of hard and soft lead pencils to create different effects.
For example, they may use a hard lead for detailing and a soft lead for shading. Pencils also create a wide range of textures, from smooth and silky to rough and textured.
By applying different pressure and changing the angle of the pencil, artists can create an endless variety of effects.
In short, the result of a hyper-realistic drawing will be like a photo.
Conclusion
Every artist has a way of working with pencils to create the effects they desire. However, there are some general techniques that all artists can use to improve their work.
By understanding the different types of pencils and papers available, artists can experiment with different looks and find the ones that work best.
Anyone can learn to draw breathtakingly realistic portraits or highly stylized cartoons. It all starts with a simple pencil.
Related Post
Please find below a set of Related Posts which might be of interest on the Topic of Pencil Drawing:
- How to Hold a Pencil when Drawing?
- How to protect your pencil drawing?
- 7 Pencil Drawing Techniques for Beginners
- Beginners Guide on How to do Traditional Pencil Drawing
- 7 Types of Pencil Drawing For Quick Start (Should Try)pencil drawing
Frequently Asked Questions
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What should I draw for my starter?
It depends on what style you want to achieve and what subjects you’re interested in. However, some general techniques that all artists can use to improve their work include understanding the different types of pencils and papers available and experimenting with different looks to find the best ones.
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What are the 5 basic drawing skills?
The five basic drawing skills are line, shape, form, value, and texture. These elements are the foundation of all drawings and can help you create any art. Mastering these basic skills will take time and practice, but they are essential for any artist who wants to improve their drawing ability.
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What are the 7 drawing techniques?
There are seven drawing techniques that all artists should know: hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, blending, shading, and perspective. These techniques can help you create different effects in your drawings and add depth and dimension to your work.
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Which pencil is best for shading?
The best pencils for shading are usually soft lead pencils with a lower number (such as 2B or 4B). These pencils create darker marks and can help you achieve a more intense drawing. However, it is essential to note that each artist has their preferences, so you may need to experiment with different pencils to find the ones that work best for you.
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What does F Pencil Mean?
The “F” pencil is the softest lead pencil and produces the darkest mark. It is often used for shading and creating darker values in a drawing. Artists also use “F” pencils to develop a wide range of textures, from smooth and silky to rough and textured.
