Marylin Scott - Sketching And Drawing Bible

Discover new techniques

This small but information-packed book is divided into three sections, with the first, Choosing and Using Materials, introducing you to the exciting range of drawing implements and materials from pencils, charcoal and ink pens to pastel, colored pencil and relatively new inventions such as paint sticks and colored inks. First, the properties of each medium are explained and then you are shown how to use themhow to build up tones in pen and pencil drawings, for example, and how to mix colors on the paper surface in pastel or colored-pencil work.

The second section, Further Techniques, expands on the technical aspect of drawing and sketching by demonstrating a range of different methods in a series of clear step-by-step sequences done by professional artists. Although the book is aimed primarily at beginners, even experienced artists may find some surprises and new ideas in this chapterif you have never tried making a drawing from ink-blots, scratching into oil pastel or combining different media in one drawing, now is your chance. If you have become over-familiar with one medium and want to experiment, try out some of the different mediums and methods for yourself, and you may find a whole new world opening up.

Learn about tools and materials

Look at paintings by established artists

The third section, Subjects, which ranges from landscape through figures and animals to flowers and foliage, shows the drawing media and techniques in action. Here you will find an inspirational gallery of finished works by a wide range of professional artists, each of whom have established their own styles, working methods and approaches. This chapter is intended to help you learn by example; looking at other peoples work is an essential part of any artists learning curve, and you may find that it helps you toward discovering your own artistic interests, establishing a personal style and becoming confident in handling your chosen drawing medium.

But although developing skills is vitally important, what matters even more is to take pleasure in what you do, so treat the book as a springboard to launch you into the exciting world of picturemaking. Think back to the joy of drawing and painting in childhood and try to recapture some of this feeling, experimenting with different subjects and ways of interpreting them.

See how professional artists sketch subjects

Pencils and graphite

Pencil leads are made from graphite, a soft crystalline form of carbon, which is mixed with clay and fired in a kiln. The greater the clay content the paler and harder the lead, while more graphite gives a softer, blacker mark. The lead is encased in wood, usually cedar, which is marked on the side with a number and letter classification. B is for black, with more graphite; and H is for hard, with more clay. The higher the number the softer or harder the pencil, so the highest number, 9B, is extremely soft.

Graphite sticks are shaped like thick pencils without the covering of wood, and are also graded: 2B is a useful average. Some sticks are lacquered for clean use, so scrape them down if you wish to make broad marks, and wrap uncoated sticks in tinfoil. Graded leads are made for some technical, or propelling, pencils. Office pencils are usually graded HB or B, and ones that make black marks can be used for drawing. Use a sharp craft knife to sharpen your pencils.

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Using pencils and graphite,

Pencils

Good-quality pencils have properly defined grades and even-grained wood casing.

Mechanical pencils

These pencils are designed for technical use, and so make a standard-width mark.

Graphite sticks

These graphite sticks are coated in lacquer. Thicker, uncoated sticks give fast sideways use.

Ungraded pencils

Soft, black, ungraded pencils have large diameters and thick leads, and are useful for broader work.

Paper stumps

You can soften pencil marks with a finger, but a paper stump, or torchon, is better as fingers are always slightly greasy. Small stumps are rolled to have long points, and dont obscure your view. Larger stumps are double-ended.