I really love graphite. Here is a drawing I recently did. I am currently teaching an online Foundation Drawing class. One of the pencil techniques I am teaching is how to lay down an even value of graphite and subtract and add tonal values. For me this technique is like sculpting with clay. I can add and subtract, push and pull the graphite. It almost develops out of a fog. Here I used a graphite stick to lay in the foundation tone of about 50% grey, and then I lightly drew some insects and other images onto the paper. I used a kneaded eraser and an electric eraser to lighten areas and a Tombow HB pencil to work on the darks. I still have some more work to do on it. It is 11 x 14 but I thought I would post it in progress.
If you wold like to jump into a drawing class online I have this class starting again April 15, 2015. Have you ever worked in graphite like this? Let me know. I would love to hear from you.
Happy Drawing!
Mindy
I love your work. I am a current Foundation Drawing student. I have found that even though I keep my competed assignments in plastic sleeves, they still smudge easily. Do you use a fixative after your drawings are complete? If so, what would you recommend?
By the way, I really love the class!
Hi Michelle!
So glad you are enjoying the class. I am too! You are not the only one who has asked about preserving graphite drawings from smearing etc…. I am going to d a blog post and will let you know when it is up.
Happy drawing!
Mindy