How to Draw

Art Lesson:
Pencil Sketching

Art Materials

Drawing Pencils
A good pencil for sketching is an HB pencil. 2B and 4B pencils are good, too. They can be found in an art store.

B pencils have soft lead. The higher the number, the softer the lead. They leave a dark line. But, they are easy to smudge and the point can wear down quickly on the higher numbered pencils.

H pencils have hard lead. The higher the number, the harder the lead. They keep a fine point easily. The higher numbers are very light and if pressed too hard can create a hole in paper. Also, they can be difficult to erase completely.

The best of the H series for sketching is the 2H pencil. It can be used to draw light guidelines, keep a fine point easily, useful for small details and its lines can be erased more completely than the other H series pencils.

A plain number 2 pencil is really an HB pencil. It can be found in almost any store since it's the standard in schools and for exams.

A kneaded eraser is used by most professional artists for a good reason. It is great.

It never leaves behind a colored mark on the paper like other erasers, doesn't leave crumbs, won't damage the paper, never wears down and is easy to clean by stretching and kneading it.

After a while, it will become so dirty that a replacement is necessary. This eraser is inexpensive. It can be found in art stores.

Drawing Paper
There are many different types of paper to use for sketching. The paper comes in different sizes, weights and smoothness.

Some types of paper are very stiff and heavy. Others have varying levels of smoothness or roughness to the touch.

For everyday drawing, an ordinary sketch pad is fine.

There is high quality paper sold in art stores that will not turn yellow with age. They are acid-free and are good for artwork you want to lasts for a long time.

Acid-free illustration board can be used to preserve a drawing that you especially like, also.

Sketching

The first lines you sketch in pencil should be light and free. They are very general, quick lines just to get a broad sense of the subject down on paper. Don't worry if these lines are not very accurate.

As you continue your sketch, try to become more accurate. Study the subject as you continue correcting the earlier lines. Eventually, these lines will become more specific and darker. Feel free to use the kneaded eraser to correct mistakes.

You can add shading and texture to the sketch.

When you are satisfied with your drawing, you can erase the lighter outlines and guidelines.

Art Subject

You can choose to draw from life, from a photo or from your imagination.

When you have the subject in front of you, it allows you to study the form, and the drawing will be more realistic.

It's very common for professionals to sketch from a subject in front of them. You can sit in the park and try to draw from life. Other suggestions are to arrange fruit on a table at home, have a friend or family member pose for you or use a photo.

You can also study someone else's art from a painting, comic book, or a drawing guide such as this one.

Drawing Rule: Have Fun

General Drawing Tips
You can draw anytime and practically anywhere. You only need a pencil, paper and an interesting subject.