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!

PERSONAL WORK | Why Education in Art is Important

These are some drawings that I made while I attended art classes on figure and portrait drawing a few years back.

Today I want to emphasize the importance of education when it comes to any facet of your life that interests you. If you want to do better, you must attain some sort of education. This does not mean you have to go to college. It could be as simple a picking up some books and doing some solid research, so long as you're combining what you learn on your own with what you learn from others. However, attending classes does give you an edge.

During the time I spent attending these classes, I learned quite a bit on a variety of techniques, tools, media and composition. Information on art can be found in many places, but the advantage of a classroom setting is the well rounded process in which you learn. It offers hands-on, visual and verbal instruction, plus the instructor can point out ways you can improve based on what he/she sees in your work.

You may also learn other things that may surprise you that you may have not learned outside of a class to help you in other areas of art. For example, my teacher was also a former business owner of a graphic design company who was kind enough to give me advice and answer any questions I had concerning the field of graphic design.

Classes are also important for the social aspect. Surrounding yourself with other individuals who are studying the same field as you will not only inspire you, but they will excite you and get you into the artistic mindset.

If not for anything else, attending classes will force you to practice which is one of the most valuable things you can do as an artist. If you are attending life or portrait drawing classes, you also have the added bonus of being supplied with a model.

So if you are an aspiring artist or if you just like to draw for fun, I encourage you to get out there and take some classes because you really will get your money's worth. It's a fantastic and fun way to learn and once you realize how education can improve your art, you can discover your full potential.