Graphite Drawing Techniques:

Graphite is probably the most common drawing medium that there is. Graphite most commonly comes in the form of a pencil and is what most of us simply refer to as "pencil". Therefore, a lot of graphite drawings are simply called pencil drawings, even though calling them graphite drawings would be more accurate.

Hatching and Cross Hatching:

The first two graphite drawing techniques is called "hatching and crosshatching". These techniques can be used with a variety of drawing media besides graphite. Hatching and crosshatching is achieved by drawing lines to create value. These lines may cross over each other. The more the lines cross over each other, the darker the value. By varying the frequency of marks, a range of value can be achieved. This range of value leads to the illusion of form.

Hatching:

Hatching is the process of drawing lines that do not cross over each other. The closer that these lines are placed to each other, the darker the value. This assumes that you're working on white paper with a dark drawing medium. In the apple drawings pictured below, you'll notice that the lines curve slightly around the form. Since the directional strokes that we make can influence the illusion of form, we should be mindful of the direction of the stroke.

Cross Hatching:

Like hatching, cross hatching relies on the concentration of lines to produce the required value. With cross hatching, the lines do cross over each other. This allows the artist a bit more flexibility. But like with hatching, we should consider the form of the subject when applying the lines. The lines should flow over the form of the subject. Notice in the image below how the lines are curved slightly as they flow over the form of the apple.

Random Lines:

If speed is what you're after, then using random or squiggly lines may be the technique that you choose. Value is achieved with this method by applying random lines. Just like with hatching and crosshatching, the frequency of crossing lines affects the values created. This technique is great for quick sketching and for creating interesting textures.

Stippling:

Stippling is the process of applying countless dots to develop the value. The closer that the dots are placed to each other, the darker the value. Stippling is most commonly used with pen and ink, although it can also be used with other drawing and painting media. If used in a pencil drawing, it's advised to use a softer and darker graphite pencil so that the dots are dark enough to be visible.Stippling provides a high level of control over the value produced.

Pen and Drawing Techniques:

Pen and ink drawing describes the process of using pens to apply ink to a surface. There is an endless amount of pen and ink techniques. Drawing with pen and ink allows the artist to create strong areas of contrast.

Let's take a look at each technique in detail...

Hatching: Hatching is a technique used to add value in a linear fashion. The lines used in hatching mostly go in the same direction for a defined area. When hatching is used, the lines do not cross over each other. (Although cross hatching can be used in combination with hatching) Hatching lines can be parallel or they can be used as cross contour lines to help define the form of the object. The closer the lines are to each other, the darker the value. The more space between the lines, the lighter the value.

Lines flow in unified direction.

Lines do not cross over.

Value is adjusted y spacing of lines.

Cross Hatching:

Cross hatching is just like hatching except that the lines cross over each other. The more that the lines cross, the darker the value. Cross hatching can be used with rigid straight lines or as cross contour lines to define the form of the object.

Lines cross over each other.

Greater frequency of lines produces darker values.

Random Lines:

Lines going in various directions can also be used to create pen and ink drawings. By changing the frequency of the crossing of the lines, you can control the range of value produced. Using this method can also create a variety of different textures.

Lines cross over each other.

Greater frequency of lines producers daker values.

Stippling:

Stippling is adding countless dots to create the value of the drawing. The higher the concentration of dots, the darker the value. The more space between the dots, the lighter the value. Stippling may be time consuming, but it allows the artist to have complete control the application of value, which can produce highly realistic results.

Small dots are used to create a illusion of value.

Greater frequency of dots produces darker values.

Ink Wash:

Ink wash is the application of ink with a brush. Ink wash is much like painting with watercolor paint. The more water, the less intense the application of ink. Therefore, value is controlled by the amount of water added to the ink prior to it's application to the surface.

Experimenting with sketching: Sketching types

The types of sketches used by artists vary depending on intent. Sketching involves the transformation of existing visual information or an idea to a two-dimensional surface, the paper. To do this effectively, you must know what you want to draw and how best to represent it.

1. Basic drawing skills, choosing the subject matter, basic steps, plan layout,

2. Environmental constructions, (basic approach to grid, frames, basic shapes & lines)

3. Environmental sketching in details; tone, texture, colour, shading, pattern, spacing, rotation, position etc.

4. Environmental sketching in a field; View section, trees, buildings, rocks, people, etc.

5. Sketching in a studio: Experimenting with styles, editing, digital editing, pencil rendering, digital rendering.

Observational Sketching:

Observational sketching is one of the most common ways to record the environment. The first rule is to draw what you see and not what you know or think you see. Sketching involves seeing not just looking. By not letting your knowledge of an environment muddle your observation skills. Consider observational drawing as as exploration, not mere documentation. As an artist you are making decisions about what to edit and include as part of the exploration process. You can use the process to emphasize aspects of clarifying the visual information.

Always think about what what you want your drawing to say. Ask yourself what you want the narrative of drawing to be ; that is what story you want it to convey. Creating visual information is one way of directing how something is to be read, or interpreted. In Art field, there are so many ways you can establish visual language.

Blind sketching: Blind sketching, an other type of observational drawing, captures an object or space without the artist being distracted by accuracy. In this type of drawing,the hand and eye communicate an image onto the paper without the hand construct the image. Your hand is not inhabited by the observations of your eyes trying to make the image 'correctly' This method of sketching allows you to concentrate on what you are seeing and helps to develop and strengthen the control of your hand in regard to what you want to depict.

This technique is good for how to move your hand according to what you see. It also improves intuitive spatial coordination when practised often.

Contour Sketching : The contour sketch is a single-line drawing that focuses on the outline of the form or figure. When we draw we should be attentive to the edge of the form and the quality of the line creating that edge.

There will be no tonal value added in contour sketching but by varying the thickness of the line can be express greater part of the object. The lead ( graphite) could be sharp or blunt, it could be soft grade (2B 3B, 4B) with dark lines and also good for crisp lines and crosshatching but not for tones.

In graphite, lines can accentuate accelerate, become thin and then become thick again. With each change, they indicate a subtlety in the form of the object represents roundness, a crisps edge,depth and thickness- all with a single line.

Design Sketching : Design sketches allow you to think on paper and draw what does not actually exist. The nature of the design sketch is one of exploration. It can take on any physical manifestation or display, including a variety of drawing types are both two and three dimensional. Design sketches can also be intermixed with text, photography, and other graphic images. Frequent sketching of existing objects hones your invented drawing skills.