BASIC PENCIL TECHNIQUES

BASIC PENCIL TECHNIQUES  

You can create an incredible variety of effects with a pencil. By using various hand positions and shading techniques, you can pro­ duce a world of different lines and strokes. If you vary the way you hold the pencil, the mark the pencil makes changes. It's just as important to notice your pencil point. The point is every bit as essential as the type of lead in the pencil. Experiment with different hand positions and techniques to see what your pencil can do!
GRIPPING THE PENCIL
Many artists use two main hand positions for drawing. The writing position is good for very detailed work that requires fine hand con­ trol. The underhand position allows for a freer stroke with more arm movement-the motion is almost like painting. (See the captions below for more information on using both hand positions.)

Using the Writing Position This familiar position provides the most control. The accu­ rate, precise lines that result are perfect for rendering fine details and accents. When your hand is in this position, place a clean sheet of paper under your hand to prevent smudging. 

Using the Underhand Position Pick up the pencil with your hand over it, holding the pencil between the thumb and index finger; the remaining fingers can rest alongside the pencil. You can create beautiful shading effects from this position. 

PRACTICING BASIC TECHNIQUES 

By studying the basic pencil techniques below, you can learn to render everything from a smooth complexion and straight hair to shadowed features and simple backgrounds. Whatever techniques you use, though, remember to shade evenly. Shading in a mechani­ cal, side-to-side direction, with each stroke ending below the last, can create unwanted bands of tone throughout the shaded area. Instead try shading evenly, in a back-and-forth motion over the same area, varying the spot where the pencil point changes direction.

Hatching This basic method of shading involves filling an area with a series of parallel strokes. The closer the strokes, the darker the tone will be_

Crosshatching For darker shading, place layers of paral­ lel strokes on top of one another at varying angles. Again, make darker values by placing the strokes closer together.

light), apply heavy pressure with the side of your pencil, gradually lightening the pressure as you stroke.

Shading Darkly By applying heavy pressure to the pen­ cil, you can create dark, linear areas of shading.
Shading with Texture For a mottled texture, use the side of the pencil tip to apply small, uneven strokes.
Blending To smooth out the transitions between strokes, gently rub the lines with a tortillon or tissue_