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Graphite pencil art is all about contrast. So it is important that your blacks are true blacks and your whites true white. This article will cover using the correct pencils to get true black in your art work. If you are just starting out in pencil art, you may be using only one grade of pencil. For example, many start using mechanical pencils or #2 pencils. These do have their place but you will not get a realistic effect if you do not utilize the different grades of graphite.

 

Graphite is graded on a scale of hardness which also dictates darkness of pigment. Here is a chart demonstrating the different grades:

 

Harder Leads, Thinner Lines, and Less Pigment Middle Softer Leads, Thicker Lines, and More Pigment
	2H 4H 6H 8H HB 2B 4B 6B 8B

 

Basically an "H" grade indicates the lead is harder and will lay down less graphite. Pencils with an "H" grade are useful for fine lines and small details because the lighter and harder lead sharpens to a great point. "HB" pencils are completely in the middle of the scale, balancing hardness and pigment. (Most mechanical pencils are "HB".) "2B" pencils are the plain old #2 pencils you used in school. From "2B" on up the scale indicates softer lead, and the higher the number, the more graphite that is laid down. Therefore, to get darker values you would want to choose higher "B" grades of graphite. Since these pencils also have softer lead, they blend very easily.

 

To get nice dark values I like to use GENERALS "6B" or "8B" Extra Smooth Woodless Graphite pencils. Some pencil artists like to use fine black pens to achieve the darkest values in their drawing. However, ink is unforgiving and you can achieve the same look with a soft graphite pencil.

 

If you need to cover large areas with dark values, try powdered graphite. GENERALS sells pure powdered graphite in a large plastic bottle. This can be applied with your finger, a soft cloth, or a blending stick. This renders a darkness similar to a "6B" or "8B" pencil. However, it can be messy, so protect your area and the lighter values in your drawing. After protecting any white areas, I find it easier to begin with the darkest values. This sets the tone for the finished piece, and once applied can easily be blended into the middle gray areas. You can learn more about shading, including the tools to use for it, in the next article.

 

See Many Varieties of Graphite Pencils at

Prismacolor Graphite Drawing Set Prismacolor pure woodless graphite offers a smooth drawing formula, with no wood casing to sharpen away. Issue fine or broad strokes with a series of pencils that cover ever project, every mood. The 18-count includes erasers and other desirable accessories. The Prismacolor Graphite Drawing Set contains 18 professional quality pencils including one each of the following in a convenient, easy-to-close tin: Graphite 2B Woodless Graphite 4B Woodless Graphite 6B Woodless Graphite 8B Water-Soluble Gray Graphite HB Water-Soluble Gray Graphite 4B Water-Soluble Gray Graphite 8B Extra-Large Kneaded Eraser Steel Sharpener Sanding Board Magic Rub Eraser Turquoise Drawing Pencil 8B Turquoise Drawing Pencil 6B Turquoise Drawing Pencil 2B Turquoise Drawing Pencil B Turquoise Drawing Pencil 2H Turquoise Drawing Pencil 4H Turquoise Drawing Pencil 6H Woodless Graphite and Water-Soluble Graphite pencils are pre-sharpened. Turquoise Drawing Pencils are unsharpened.

General's Powdered Graphite General's Powdered Graphite is ideal for covering large areas or for drawing and mixing media. It leaves a smooth, satin finish. Apply it with chamois, fingers, or cloth or use a brush to apply it as a wash.

General's Pure Woodless Graphite Made of pure graphite in a convenient pencil shape and size, these woodless wonders give you more of what you want a pencil for. Purchase a set in each hardness so you can render different tonal values with ease. They're perfect for creating broad strokes and crisp edges, and they can also produce thin lines and render details as you draw or sketch. Sharpen them in a handheld sharpener without the mess of wood shavings. These pencils come pre-sharpened . HB is the hardest, and 8B is the softest.

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