Lady VH

 

2013, VH, Colored Pencil on Paper, 8x10"

Six Pencil Drawing Techniques

1.) The Outline: This pencil technique is the most basic of all, and can be referred to as a ‘ light outline’ or a ‘heavy outline’.

2.) Hatching: The Hatching pencil technique is simply marking out small lines bunched together to create fill color from further away. This technique is a shading technique, and like outlines can be light or heavy by reducing or adding pressure.

 

3.) Cross-Hatching: The same method of hatching above, except the process is repeated in the opposite direction in a second layer on top of the first layer. This technique is a shading technique, and is a good way of adding darker shades to your pencil portrait, as multiple layers can be added. I don’t recommend this method if you wish to blend the graphite.

 

4.) Stipping: The Stipping pencil drawing technique uses the same principle as hatching, but the lines are very small, similar to tiny dashes. This technique is a shading technique, but for smaller areas such as iris’ of the eyes, or even designer stubble facial hair. This technique is great for blending if light pressure is used.     

 

5.) Back and Forth Stroke: The Back and Forth pencil drawing technique is probably the first shading technique all of us learned when we youngsters. It is simply moving the pencil in a back and forth motion at a more rapid speed all towards the same direction. Again, you can alternate the pressure to create lighter and heavier pencil shades. This technique is useful near the outline of the subject, to ensure the fill shade stays within the correct area. Exactly the same as when we were kids!

6.) Scumbling: Finally, the Scumbling pencil drawing technique. This technique is moving the pencil in small, circular motions keeping them all very compact.
This technique is brilliant for keeping the shading tight, and blends very well. This is a favorite of mine as I like to keep the graphite soft on the canvas, and blend the tones tightly to create a smoother texture.     More at http://howtodraw.pencilportraitsbyloupemberton.co.uk/