Coastal Weathered Tree - Part One

Step one:  Shading the sky is the first step to a landscape.  Applying the graphite in a light cross-hatching layer and then using a chamois to create a smooth even tone.

Step two:  I use a t-square and mars white eraser to remove the graphite on the edges, creating a crisp, straight border.  

Step Three: Cloud formations are created by using a kneaded eraser to lift the graphite from the paper.  Additional applications of light graphite, blending and lifting of graphite are used to build the clouds.

Step Four: After the sky is established, the middle and foreground areas can then be started….

Small Sketches

 

My blog has been neglected for way too long!  The last post was over 6 years ago.  Over the past few years, I have focused my attention to smaller drawings and sketches.  This collection is a sampling of these.  The smallest is approximately 1-1/2” x 2” and the largest 3-1/2” x 4”.  Using a smooth paper in a sketchbook called “Minimalism Art”, I am able to shade a background with graphite and then smooth it with a chamois.  Now the entire surface is an even tone base to start building up the darks, shapes of trees , textured grass and reflective water. A kneaded eraser is used to lighten areas of clouds or the sun.

Derwent - Drawn to Perfection

Derwent's new marketing communications includes 'Drawn to Perfection' 

reflecting its commitment to the artist community with the 

creation of innovative high quality art materials.

Here is my artwork 'drawn to perfection' 

with Derwent Graphic Pencils.

 

(viewable on pc only)

Derwent - Finished Work

Derwent - Graphic Pencils

finished work

Derwent - Work in Progress Cont.

I am totally loving these Derwent Graphic pencils! 

From the smooth laydown of the graphite to paper to the improved core strength allowing the sharpest point and crisp edges of the softest 9B are a shear delight.  Here are progressive scans of my current work in progress.  The light branches against the dark interior is usually a real challenge. But using a sharp tip of the 9B worked magically filling in the negative space between the thin branches.  The branches were then shaded using the HB.  The thin weeds were indented into the paper using the 9H and then a layer of 9B was applied.  This allowed the finest lighter lines to show through the darks.  The 2B is a beautiful mid-tone layered on the main barn boards.

Derwent - The Real Test - Work in Progress

Ultimately, the only test that counts is putting pencil to paper and just start drawing.  Here is the start of a barn as I try out the various Derwent lead grades.

Derwent Graphic pencils
11" x 14"
Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Board Smooth

Derwent - Comparison to Other Brands

This is always a fun test, comparing different brand's 

lead grades.  As graphite artists, there are a ton of 

HB lead Brand Comparison

different brands and finding which one fits your 

specific drawing technique can be challenging.

Over the years, I have tried most brands of graphite pencils.  My favorites are a mixture of brands as well as lead ranges.  

HB Lead Comparison 

The HB lead test definitely produced the most variation!  The brands used were Grafwood Caran d'ache, Palomino, Faber Castell 9000 series, Tombow and the new Derwents.  

The HB Derwent and Grafwood were the most similar in value with a nice silver tone.  However, the Grafwood laid down a bit smoother.  

Faber Castell had the most similar firmness as the Derwent but noticably darker.

The Palomino and Tombow are the darkest and the lead much softer.  The Tombow has more shine than the Palominio.  These make for great sketching pencils!  

4B Lead Comparison

The next Brand comparison was using the 4B lead.  The Brands included were Grafwood, Tombow, Palomino and Derwent.

These were much closer in both firmness as well as values with more subtle differences.

The Derwent, again is the lightest in value of the four with very little 'graininess'.

The Tombow is next in value darkness.

The smoothest, buttery feel goes to Grafwood and Palomino.  Both nice range of light to dark application.  Both have dark value with the Palomino being slightly darker.

9B Lead Comparison

I have only one Brand with a 9B and that is the Grafwood.  Again, the Derwent is slightly less in value that the Grafwood.  The Derwent is consistently firmer, leaving crisp, dark lines.  The Grafwood tip 'weardown' was markedly quicker than the Derwent.

9B Lead Brand Comparison