Drawing with a Pencil: Learn Drawing Techniques

Drawing Techniques for Beginners

Basic Pencil Drawing Techniques

Artists are familiar with standard drawing techniques that you should know before putting a pencil to paper. Some are so common that you have probably used them before without realizing it.

• Back and forth: This is one of the most basic techniques. With this method, your hand makes a basic back-and-forth motion. A smooth movement creates even lines. Depending on how much pressure you apply, your drawing will be darker or lighter.

• Hatching: Hatching means laying lines in rows and columns, crossing them. Use a pencil to create a grid of perpendicular lines. Lines placed close together create a dark area, while lines spaced farther apart create a lighter area.

• Cross-hatching: This technique is a variation of hatching. Instead of making a series of parallel lines, your marks intersect in a cross-like pattern.

• Scumbling: Scumbling is one of the most relaxed drawing techniques. It is essentially freeform “scribbling” across the page without a precise endpoint. The more you scribble over a particular area, the darker it will look.

• Stippling: This interesting and beautiful technique is especially suited to patient artists. Stippling is a dotting technique. Whether you’re drawing lines or shading, everything is drawn using dots alone. The same rule applies here as with the other techniques: the closer together the dots are in an area, the darker it will be.

• Blending: If you’re using charcoal or a pencil, try blending them. Start by using a back-and-forth technique to cover the whole paper, then rub in a layer. You can use your finger, a cotton swab (also known as a tortillon), or chamois. Another blending option is to experiment with powdered graphite and use a brush to gradually create silvery tones on your paper.

Next time, we’ll go over some tips and advice before you start drawing, and then we can get started!

I hope these tips help with your first drawings. Good luck with your creative projects!

Your Sabína.