As an artist, you know that you can create many different types of drawings using a pencil. What works for one person will not work for another. It all depends on the style, passion, and approach that you want to take.
Some artists prefer a fine point for their sketches, while others prefer a thicker lead for dramatic effects.
The hardness of pencils varies, which affects the kinds of drawings that can be made. For instance, if you want to create something with a lot of detail, you’ll want to use a more complex lead. However, if you want something softer and gentler, you’ll want to use a softer lead.
Using different types of pencils and paper can achieve varying effects in your creations. Some using different types of paper artists prefer textured paper, while others prefer smoother surfaces.
With the help of various materials and pencils, you can produce a diverse range of pencil art.
Table of Contents
What are the 7 Types of Pencil Drawing?
The following are the different types of pencil drawings that you may want to try:
Pencil Sketching
Sketching is the fundamental building block of pencil drawing, often characterized by its free-flowing and nonrestrictive nature.
Sketching primarily involves capturing the essence of a subject through rapid, loose strokes using graphite or charcoal pencils.
Materials typically include various pencils (HB, 2B, 4B, etc.), sketching paper, and an eraser. Sketching plays a crucial role in the artistic process, allowing artists to quickly record ideas, compose elements, and map out a more complex piece.
It emphasizes observation and interpretation rather than a detailed, finished product.
Sketching is an excellent way to experiment with new ideas and explore different techniques. Using a pencil is an excellent method to understand its functionality and how it can be utilized to create diverse drawings.
This artwork is more of a rough drawing than a finished piece. One can utilize it to strategize the layout of a sketch or experiment with various concepts.
Mistakes made using a pencil are easily erased, and the drawing can be redrawn or revised.
Sketching is also a great way to relax and unwind. The pencil works excellently for sketching.
Outline Drawing
Outline drawing is a technique used in art and illustration to create a simplified representation of an object or subject by using only lines to define its outer edges and contours.
An outline drawing aims to create a basic shape or form filled with details later. It’s a great way to get the proportions and general shape of the subject matter correct before adding any details.
The purpose of an outline drawing is to capture the essential structure or form of the subject, providing a clear visual representation that can be used as a starting point for further artistic development or as a standalone artistic style.
Outline drawings are often characterized by their simplicity and minimalism, focusing on the basic shapes and proportions of the subject. They can be created using various drawing tools such as pencils, pens, or digital software.
After the shading or required details are filled or ink applied, the outline marks may or may not be erased.
A pencil works as an excellent tool for creating an outline drawing.
Gesture Drawing
Gesture drawing is a type of sketching that focuses on capturing a subject’s motion and physical form in its most elemental state.
This approach typically employs loose, expressive lines that follow the contours and energy of the subject. It’s often used as a warm-up exercise for artists, helping them to loosen up and concentrate on the essential elements of their subject.
Gesture drawing is significant in art because it aids artists in understanding the fundamental mechanics of a subject’s movement, providing a ‘blueprint’ that can be refined in later stages of drawing.
The aim of gesture drawing is not to draw a realistic depiction but to quickly understand and depict the essence of movement and shape.
Gesture drawings are usually done quickly, with few details.
This type of drawing can be done with a fine or thick lead pencil, depending on the level of detail you want.
Gesture drawings are often used as a warm-up before starting a more detailed drawing. They’re also a great way to loosen up and get creative.
Figure Drawing
Figure drawing is a fundamental aspect of visual art, concentrating specifically on representing the human form in its various shapes and postures. It often involves careful observation of a live model to accurately depict anatomy, proportions, and postures.
Figure drawing requires careful observation and accurately depicting anatomy, proportions, and form. For instance, when outlining a figure, the pencil creates clean, sharp lines that help define the body’s contours.
When it comes to shading, the pencil creates a range of tones, from light to dark.
Using various line weights, an artist can create movement and energy. For instance, crosshatching, where strokes are applied in different directions, can help create a more textured look.
All of these techniques are important for creating realistic and lifelike figure drawings.
Cartoon Drawing
Cartoon drawing is a stylized genre of pencil drawing that emphasizes simplified shapes, forms, and expressive lines to create humorous or whimsical representations of subjects.
The characters in these drawings are often exaggerated and have large heads and eyes. They also tend to have simple facial expressions.
Cartoon drawings are usually created using pencils, but they
Pencils allow cartoonists to develop the soft, fluid lines characteristic of their work.
In addition, pencil marks can be easily erased, which is essential for making corrections during the drawing process.
For all these reasons, pencils remain the preferred medium for many cartoonists. However, with the advent of digital drawing tools, some cartoonists are beginning to experiment with new ways of creating their work.
Only time will tell if pencils will remain the preferred tool for cartoons, but for now, they play an essential role in this unique art form.
Pencil Portrait Drawing
Drawing a portrait using pencils is a skill that takes time and practice to perfect. Once you master the basics, you create stunning portraits that capture the likeness of your subject.
Pencils come in various types, each with its strengths and weaknesses. For example, softer pencils are ideal for subtle shading, while harder pencils are better suited for precise lines.
In addition, artists can experiment with different types of paper to create different effects.
For instance, the rougher paper will allow the artist to achieve a more textured look, while the smoother paper is better suited for creating detailed lines.
By understanding the different properties of pencils and paper, artists can create various effects in their portrait drawings.
Hyper-Realistic Drawing
Hyperrealism in pencil drawing is a genre of drawing that resembles a high-resolution photograph.
Hyper-realistic drawings often employ techniques such as detailed shading, texture rendering, and color blending to mimic the details and nuances of a photograph as closely as possible.
Pencil drawings are often underestimated till someone sees a hyper-realistic and well-rendered work in this medium. It takes a lot of skill, practice, and patience to get the results that can make jaws drop.
Regarding hyper-realism, artists use graphite pencils composed of fine graphite particles suspended in clay. Graphite pencils come in a range of hardness levels, from 9H (the hardest) to 9B (the softest).
Creating this kind of artwork demands exceptional skill, great patience, and meticulous attention to detail.
Conclusion
Every artist has a way of working with pencils to create the effects they desire. However, there are some general techniques that all artists can use to improve their work.
By understanding the different types of pencils and papers available, artists can experiment with different looks and find the ones that work best.
Anyone can learn to draw breathtakingly realistic portraits or highly stylized cartoons. It all starts with a simple pencil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I draw for my starter?
It depends on what style you want to achieve and what subjects you’re interested in. However, some general techniques that all artists can use to improve their work include understanding the different types of pencils and papers available and experimenting with different looks to find the best ones.
What are the 5 basic drawing skills?
The five basic drawing skills are line, shape, form, value, and texture. These elements are the foundation of all drawings and can help you create any art. Mastering these basic skills will take time and practice, but they are essential for any artist who wants to improve their drawing ability.
What are the 7 drawing techniques?
There are seven drawing techniques that all artists should know: hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, blending, shading, and perspective. These techniques can help you create different effects in your drawings and add depth and dimension to your work.
Which pencil is best for shading?
The best pencils for shading are usually soft lead pencils with a lower number (such as 2B or 4B). These pencils create darker marks and can help you achieve a more intense drawing. However, it is essential to note that each artist has their preferences, so you may need to experiment with different pencils to find the ones that work best for you.
What does F Pencil Mean?
The “F” pencil is the softest lead pencil and produces the darkest mark. It is often used for shading and creating darker values in a drawing. Artists also use “F” pencils to develop a wide range of textures, from smooth and silky to rough and textured.
