How to Draw Pencil
Drawing a pencil in a professional way can be both fun and challenging. Most people feel intimidated when it comes to learning the basics of pencil drawing because it usually does not appear simple. But actually, with enough practice and patience, anyone can become a skilled artist.
There are some steps you must take to create a realistic pencil drawing. First, collect all the materials you need. Pencils, especially for artists, are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and hardness. The hardness of a pencil influences the lightness and darkness of your drawing.
The second step is to get comfortable with the tools. Learn the right way of holding the pencil to gain better control and get the desired results. You should always keep your fingers close to the tip while drawing.
The third step is to consider the line weight. It is best to create different weights to get a shaded pencil drawing. Test lines with various pressures and see how it looks on paper.
Fourth, combine the different line weights to create the perfect tonal values. This technique is especially helpful when drawing shadows and reflections. You can achieve a three-dimensional, realistic look by adding details to all the different tonal values.
The fifth step is shading. Color gradients make drawings look more realistic and can also add a playful effect. To shade with a pencil, you should use gradual transitions between light and dark lines.
Now that you know the basics of pencil drawing, you can feel more confident about your art projects. As you practice more, your drawings will become smoother and more accurate.
Adding Texture and Perspective
Adding texture and perspective to your pencil drawings can take them from amateur to professional in no time. Craftsmen often use a variety of methods to add texture, such as scraping, smudging, or just a light pinch.
Scraping is one of the most common ways to add texture. To do this, use your pencil to make vertical or horizontal strokes on the paper and then make a few circles on them. On the other hand, smudging is done with the side of your pencil and helps to create the effect of something smoky or foggy.
Adding perspective to your drawing is also fairly simple. The easiest way to achieve this is to draw smaller objects further away. This will create a sense of depth in your illustration. Another popular perspective technique is to draw curved lines towards the main object in your drawing. This will make the object look further away from the viewer.
Find Your Style
Every artist has a style of their own when it comes to creating art. It is important that you find and develop your own style when creating pencil drawings. Experiment with different techniques to find your own way of illustrating.
Also, instead of trying to replicate the works of other artists, try to use them as an inspiration for your own work. Experiment with the shapes and shadows to create something unique. Remember that an artist is defined by the unique traits of their work.
One of the best ways to create a unique style is to play around with different types of paper. Different papers can give you an entirely different look and texture. Similarly, you can also opt for pencils with varying softness and hardness, as they will create different effects on paper.
Final Touches
Every pencil drawing should be finished by adding a few final touches. Clean up any smudges or smears and erase any lines that you do not want to keep. Go over all the edges of your drawing to make it more defined.
When you’re all done, you can go over the drawing with another pencil, this time using a harder one. This will give your drawing a light outline and will help keep the main lines in place.
Finally, use a rubber eraser to remove any final touches you don’t want to keep. Do not worry if you make mistakes, as pencils are very forgiving and you can add and remove lines until you’re happy with the result.
Getting Creative
When you start perfecting your pencil drawing skills, you can move on to more creative projects. Drawings with creative elements can be both fun and challenging.
One of the best ways to add creative elements to your drawings is through using color. Adding colored pencils to your drawings can make them more expressive and dramatic.
Use colored pencils to add more dimensions to your drawings. Outline figures in vibrant hues, or use more muted tones to create a feeling of depth. Using a colored pencil to express the light and shadows in your art will definitely give it a more creative feel.
Furthermore, you can also use patterns and symbols to make your drawings even more unique. Use geometric patterns or swirls around your figures to create an even more interesting look.
Independent of the type of method you use, the most important thing is to be creative and have some fun in the process.
