A pencil is an important drawing tool.
On-site sketching is a time-honored tradition for rendering an outdoor landscape, a portrait or a still life. People frequently use graphite pencils to make such a drawing, which they may then use as the basis for a painting. At other times the graphite drawing may be the desired end product. Using a photograph as the starting point for a pencil sketch isn't uncommon, especially when an unusual photographic angle creates a striking composition.
Instructions
1. Select a color photograph with an inviting composition, sharply defined subject matter and high contrast between the light and dark values.
2. Begin with drawing the basic shapes in the photograph. Make several quick sketches in this manner until you feel confident in your ability to recreate the basic shapes and outline of the picture.
3. Choose one of the preliminary sketches to make a more complex drawing, which will reveal enhanced form and depth.
4. Use all four grades of pencil to give each object depth. The 2B pencil will work best for creating darker areas within each object and the 4H can be used for highlights. For middle tones, the B pencil might be best.
5. Vary the length of your pencil stroke to create different visual effects. In some parts of the drawing, dots might be an effective technique to create a highlight area.
6. Crosshatching is important technique used to create darker areas or texture.
7. Use the 2B pencil to add any cast shadows that might occur within the picture.
