Learning about pencils (graphite portraits)

If you are just starting out in using graphite, there are many good sites to check out. One that I have found useful is Darrel Tank's 5-pencil Method. His work is fantastic, and he helps you understand what the different kinds of pencils can do. His "method" uses only 4H, 2H, HB, 2B, and 4B. He stresses a particular stroke with the pencil - the flow on--flow off stroke. Although I do not agree with every suggestion he makes (for example, he stresses not using a blending stick), he gives careful instruction on shading for just about anything.

There is so much to learn here!

The web site is:

https://www.fivepencilmethod.com/

You can watch free lessons and order DVDs (also downloadable) for specific purposes, eg. animals, people, landscapes, buildings, textures, and more. You can also join the community, send in your work and have others and Darrel comment on it.

There are many videos on YouTube as well:

https://www.youtube.com/user/5PencilMethod

So, here's another source for valuable advice on how to draw with graphite.

Enjoy!

#arttips #art #graphite #beginners