My Basic Technique

The drawing technique I use in this lesson is worked in layers. During the lesson, I build up values and details slowly, layer after layer, from the base line drawing to the last detail step.

My technique consists of a series of adjustment layers that gradually work each area into the right value. Details are worked in gradually, also.

This technique creates a subtle build up of detail that helps develop a very realistic likeness of the subject.

The Value System and Value Map

I will be referring to a "graduated" grayscale with numbers from one to ten in my instructions. "One" is the white of your paper and "ten" is the darkest black you can create on your paper without squashing the grain. In addition, each number value has a light, medium and dark component to it. I might refer to an 8 light, an 8 medium or an 8 dark in my instructions. (You can download the grayscale from the printable tools page.) I have placed these value numbers in the Value Map for you. (Also available from the printable tools page.) You can use the Value Map as a guide to help you see and place your values correctly as you draw.

It's important for you to use the right hardness of lead to create the values I'm describing. The lead hardness, or grades, I refer to in my instructions are for  Berol Turquoise Eagle Drawing Leads used on Strathmore 500 Series Drawing Paper. Experiment with your own paper and try to get the same values without too much pressure on the paper. If you don't have the exact leads and paper I'm referring to, take note of which grade of lead makes each value on your paper and then substitute those lead grades.

Working with the Drawing Technique

It's important, with this technique, to use the right hardness of lead for the value you're trying to create. If you use a lead that is too soft, it will leave behind notes that are darker than the value you want and the notes will be hard to blend in. You can save yourself a lot of time and trouble by using the right lead for the value you want to make.

Large areas are worked in layers that consist of a "fill" step followed by a "smooth" step.  Most of the time there will be additional "fill" and "smooth" steps taken until each area reaches the correct value. A "fill" step lays down a layer of graphite and a "smooth" step fills in the missed parts and removes dark notes. There are several ways to do both of these things and they are described to you in my drawing instructions.

Detail is worked into the drawing in layers, too, but with more of an eye to hard edges and soft edges and how they relate to each another. The level of detail in your final drawing is up to you. Stop anytime you feel your drawing is detailed enough.

The level of "smoothness" is up to you, also. I generally work quite "smoothly" because I love to do that. How "smooth" you want to make your drawing is entirely up to you.  Some people can work very roughly and still create beautiful detail.

Generally speaking, it's best to put in large details before smaller ones, then use the larger details to help place the smaller ones.