Graphite
There are many different ways to use graphite. Over the years that I have been teaching students how to use graphite, these are the tips and tricks that I have developed that consistently give the best results for the majority of my students.
Toning With Graphite:
It is important to remember that when you tone to create volume that you are creating an optical illusion. In reality you are using a flat, 2D surface and value to trick the viewer's into believing that a 3D illusion has been created.
Note: Shading in one direction and/or outlining your drawing will flatten your image!
It is important to remember that when you tone to create volume that you are creating an optical illusion. In reality you are using a flat, 2D surface and value to trick the viewer's into believing that a 3D illusion has been created.
- Begin by lightly blocking in the darks, about 1/6th of the space to be toned.
- Build up value by using thin and light layers. The more the layers, the darker the value.
- Use a loose and wandering ling as you are drawing.
- Turn your page frequently as you work.
- Show the full range of values; from the white of your paper to the darkest that you pencil will go (without destroying the surface) which should look like a dark velvet.
- Do not attack your paper and make indentations (watch to make sure that the wood surrounding your graphite doesn't make scratches).
- Too much erasing will damage the surface of your paper which will stand out to the viewer. The fibres of the paper will not lay down as the friction of the eraser will lift them up to make a different surface texture that will take the graphite differently in this area.
- Place a clean sheet of paper over completed or partially worked areas to prevent your hand from smearing the graphite.
- Decide which edge is darker or lighter as you are toning, tone accordingly. On the darkest side incorporate any establishing lines of your composition so that there are not any remaining lines - only edge.
- Slightly blur your eyes (just before you 'cross' your eyes, you will get a blurry effect) to see if you have made a smooth transition from dark to light.
- Sharpen your pencil for best results, especially when defining edges.
- Hit your darks for the best results: you want a full range from the white of your paper to the darkest value you can achieve from your pencil.
Note: Shading in one direction and/or outlining your drawing will flatten your image!
