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Making Your Blacks, Black

 

Pencil art is all about contrast. So it is important that your blacks are true blacks and your whites true white. This article will cover using the correct pencils to get true black in your art work. If you are just starting out in pencil art, you may be using only one grade of pencil. For example, many start using mechanical pencils or #2 pencils. These do have their place but you will not get a realistic effect if you do not utilize the different grades of graphite.

 

Graphite is graded on a scale of hardness which also dictates darkness of pigment. Here is a chart utilizing the different grades:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basically an "H" grade indicates the lead is harder and will lay down less graphite. Pencils with an "H" grade are useful for fine lines and small details because the lighter and harder lead sharpens to a great point. "HB" pencils are completely in the middle of the scale, balancing hardness and pigment. (Most mechanical pencils are "HB".) "2B" pencils are the plain old #2 pencils you used in school. From "2B" on up the scale indicates softer lead, and the higher the number, the more graphite that is laid down. Therefore, to get darker values you would want to choose higher "B" grades of graphite. Since these pencils also have softer lead, they blend very easily.

 

To get nice dark values I like to use GENERALS "6B" or "8B" Extra Smooth Woodless Graphite pencils. Some pencil artists like to use fine black pens to achieve the darkest values in their drawing. However, ink is unforgiving and you can achieve the same look with a soft graphite pencil. If you need to cover large areas with dark values, try powdered graphite. GENERALS sells pure powdered graphite in a large plastic bottle. This can be applied with your finger, a soft cloth, or a blending stick. This renders a darkness similar to a "6B" or "8B" pencil. However, it can be messy so protect your area and the lighter values in your drawing. After protecting any white areas, I find it easier to begin with the darkest values. This sets the tone for the finished piece, and once applied can easily be blended into the middle gray areas. I will write more about shading, including the tools to use for it, in the next article.