Shading with graphite pencil

Here about shading with graphite pencil.

This shading technique can be used to draw any subject and it can be used to vary the texture in a drawing, too.

• You can successfully draw smooth subjects with this relatively rough shading, like flower petals or glass, if you shade the entire subject with the same method so that it looks unified.

• Add even more interest to a drawing by creating different textures. Try using "side of the pencil" shading (as described in Basic Shading) to draw rough looking areas and "tip of the pencil," or a combination of the two, to draw smoother looking areas.

Side of the Pencil Shading

The shading to the right was created with the side of a soft pencil, held in an overhand grip and at a low angle. (See Basic Shading)

Tip of the Pencil Shading

The second example was made with the dull tip of a soft pencil. This time, the pencil was held in an underhand grip. That's the way a pencil is normally held when writing.

You can see that it creates a smoother texture than that created with the side of the lead.

Combined Shading

The third example combines both of the shading techniques explained above.

When "tip of the pencil shading" is added over "side of the pencil shading," the texture looks a little smoother and darker. Additionally, this type of shading is easier to control so you can use it to shade small areas and to create finer detail.

The paper's texture will effect this type of shading tremendously, so make test hatches on a few different kinds to find a texture you like before you begin.

Practice the Shading Technique

The flower to the left was shaded using the combined technique.

To practice this technique, draw the flower by following the steps on the next page.

Save this flower and print it, or open the next page in a new browser window so that you can look at the finished drawing on this page as you work through the lesson.