Pencil Sketching
Pencil drawing in drawing classes that is done using graphite lead wooden pencils. The technique of drawing with pencil dates back to the 17th Century but it took shade as a modern form of art only during the 18th and 19th centuries. Pencils are a dry medium of art unlike pens or watercolors that use a liquid medium hence, they are easy to use and hassle-free. The type of lead defines the mark of the pencil that it leaves. Proper hardness and sharpness of the lead make fine lines and makes it easier to create details.
Essential types of equipment for Pencil sketching:
- Good quality drawing pencils- An obvious requirement for pencil sketching is of course a set of good quality drawing pencils. There are numerous brands of good-quality graphite pencils. There are two main types of graphite pencils: Hard and soft Graphites (it ranges from 9H-6B). Harder graphite leaves lighter marks and doesn’t erode easily hence, keeping the tip sharper for a longer time. Softer graphites leave darker marks but get blunt quickly and need frequent sharpening.
- A sketchbook: A good quality sketchbook is one of the most important things. It must have a good number of pages for all the ideas and must also be durable. A sketchbook with good quality pages and hardcover should do the job.
- Paper: Acid-free, slightly rough-surfaced or toothless, a thick or thin sheet of paper, charcoal or bristol anything could be an artist’s preferred piece of paper.
- Erasers: These could range from rubber to kneaded, gum, or plastic erasers. Every eraser does a different job and it is up to the artist’s preference or the type of drawing that sets the requirement.
- Sharpeners: Another important tool. As mentioned above, the frequency of sharpener usage depends upon the type of pencils. They are available in electric and manual forms.
- Blending stumps or tortillions: These are important tools for blending in the drawing. They help to create gradations and make the surface or the shading smoother.
Techniques used in Pencil Sketching:
- Hatching and Cross Hatching- Hatching is a technique that is applied by drawing lines in a linear fashion. The lines are drawn in the same direction and they do not overlap each other. They are mostly drawn parallelly. If the lines are closer to each other, they add a darker value to the art and if they are drawn with more space between them, they add a lighter shade or value to the art piece. Cross-hatching is similar to hatching but the lines cross over each instead of parallel lines. The more the lines are concentrated, it shows a darker area and vice-versa.
- Scribbling- Erratic, uneven lines drawn on the surface that can actually create a textured effect. The lines drawn here go in all directions. The concentration of lines in one area can define the lighter or darker value of shade. This method could be used to show various textures.
- Stippling- It is a technique done by adding dots on the surface of the paper. Concentrated dots can make your art look darker, and less concentrated dots can give a lighter value to the art piece. Even though a time-consuming technique, it can be highly rewarding as it looks aesthetic and realistic.
- Circling- This technique involves making circular strokes that give a blended appearance. Remember to add pressure while applying the effect.
- Blending and smooth shading– Use blending tools to blend in lighter and darker parts of an area. It could also be achieved using fingers. This provides a shadow and shaded appearance on the art piece.
- Learn to create art with pencil sketching with our interactive Pencil Sketching Course in just one year.
Course Details:
Get your hands on our exclusive Pencil Sketching Course by Art Haat. We provide an interactive professional training course for those who want to try their hands on Pencil Sketching. Come and join us for the sessions and we will help you hone your skills.
In this course, you will learn to create various types of pencil sketching art that include-
- Still Life
- Object Drawing
- Free Hand drawing
- Body language drawing
- Life drawing
- Facial expression
- Charcoal Pencil
- Portrait
The duration of the course is 1 year, post which you will be certified as a pencil sketching artist. You will receive certification from Pracheen Kala Kendra and Art Haat Institute of Fine Arts.
The starting age group of students is 10 years and above.
All materials related to the course will be provided by the Fine Art Institute.