Types Of Pencils And Their Uses

There are many different pencils that can be used for drawing, so it can be confusing choosing a pencil and knowing what it is used for. To understand, there are two things to consider: the actual type of pencil, and the grade of the pencil.

As shown in the image above, the grade greatly affects the shade the pencils produces. In short, the higher the number on a "B" pencil, the softer the graphite and the darker the mark will be. The higher the number is on an "H" pencil, the harder the graphite will be, leaving a lighter mark. "HB" pencils are right in the middle of the scale.

When beginning a drawing, it is always best to start off with an H pencil. It leaves a light stroke, so you may go over the sketch many times and easily erase any lines you might not want. Since the B pencils are darker, they are not so easy to erase, so make sure you get exactly what you want with an H pencil before using a softer pencil. Using a darker pencil can be useful for shading and adding the right amount of contrast to a piece of work.

Wood pencils are not the only type of pencils that use this grading system. In fact, mechanical pencils offer many different grades and thickness of lead. Because this pencil does not require sharpening and is naturally thin, it can prove to be very good for detail, although this does not have to be its exclusive use.  If you are looking for a very precise and sharp line, mechanical may be the way to go.

Clutch or lead holder pencils are another option and have a lead that is generally the same size as a wood pencil, but come in larger thicknesses as well. The pro to this type of pencil is that when it's time to cover a larger area, you can extend the lead and use the flat side. There are sharpeners specifically for this type of pencil that create a sharp or dull point, but it is just as easy to achieve a point by rubbing the lead in the same spot on a 45 degree angle. Similar to mechanical pencils, refills are available in many different grades and the length of the lead is adjustable.

The woodless graphite pencil is probably the best for covering the largest surface area. Although this pencil is versatile in that it can be sharpened to a point and comes in different grades, it goes dull rather quickly. If the pencil is prominently used for broad strokes, it can last very long as it is completely graphite.

Remember, there isn't a right or wrong pencil to use. Some art teachers will insist that mechanical pencils should be used to take notes, but many artists prove that beautiful work can be created with any type of pencil. It really comes down to your preference, but don't be afraid to experiment with something out of your comfort zone!