Answer to Question on Mechanical Pencils
Several of you have posted questions about mechanical pencils. Here’s a video discussing mechanical pencils. Here’s the basic concept:
1) If you use a mechanical pencil, it’s best to use the type that has a larger lead (0.7mm) like a wooden pencil. Be sure you have a special sharpener that gets the pencil sharp enough.
2) Don’t use the thin-lead pencils (0.005mm leads). They are too square on the ends and break too easily.
3) I believe wooden pencils work better.
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Hello Darrel and All –
Just sharing some info….
I started your technique using Derwent brand pencils, which are very high quality; however, it soon became apparent to me that these instruments were not allowing me to achieve the same level of results as shown in the demos. The graphite in these Derwent pencils seems too soft and a bit too dark to achieve the desired results, even with a graceful tapered stroke.
So I can attest to the fact that, no matter the pencil brand, it seems that only the Prismacolor Turquoise line really provides the right grade of graphite for your methods. I switched to Prismacolor and my results are now spot on.
Mark
Hi Mark, It is a very good quality pencil. Some may not have them, but I would strongly suggest using all of one brand and to not mix them if at all possible.
I’m glad you are seeing positive results!
Darrel
Hello Darrel, as one of your new subscribers and an artist myself, I have a couple questions to ask you, such as:
In all your years of art, What is your prefered type of eraser? I am still debating whether mine is the gum or kneadable eraser, since I do not like the effects of the vinyl erasers…
Also when you draw human portraits or still-life what is the first features you begin drawing?
Finally, what are the order of shades/hardnesses in graphite pencils, do you use in your drawings?
Hi Roderick,
You should check out the videos on the materials I use with the 5-pencil method. There’s one video demo just on erasers. I use three different erasers with this technique. A large kneaded eraser, a dry erase pad, and an electric eraser.
To answer the question on pencils, I use the 4H, 2H, HB, 2B and 4B.
To view the videos that go into much more detal sign up at http://www.fivepencilmethod.com/free-video-drawing-tutorials/
Have fun,
Darrel
Hi Darrel –
Some info. that may be helpful to some: I use a Koh-I-Noor Pencil Extender when my pencils become too short. It’s a great tool (very light balsa with a wood pencil shape) that doesn’t negatively affect my tapered stroke. And, since I can’t afford an electric eraser, I use the PaperMate Tuff Stuff Eraser Stick pen. I just form the tip of the eraser into a point to create the reflective dot in the eye. I bought both of these tools at Dick Blick online.
I also think Giovanni Civardi’s “Drawing Human Anatomy” is a great book on drawing human anatomy, especially to learn about the muscle structures that create all of those contours and curves we see on “the outside”.
Can’t wait for the next DVD!
Regards,
Mark
Hi Darrel, i was wondering what you think about using charcoal?
Hi Dakota,
Charcoal is obviously a different media, but some get confused and they think it is what I use for my portraits. I personally prefer pencil because it is more precise and isn’t so messy. I like to achieve a wider range of values, but there is a place for charcoal, and I will use it for a specific art assignment. I just have such a love for the pencil, that I go there most often when I want to just enjoy creating something. It’s good to experience all you can though, so that you can pick what you find is the most satisfying for you. For me, it is has been good for me to learn many different medias, so that I can use them when I need to, and also decide what I enjoy the most. Some of the principles that I am sharing with you would be common to many different medias, but the technique and tools would change. Conte” Crayons are very similar if you would like some of the qualities of charcoal, but with color. Both are very dry medias, but the Conte’ Crayon allows colors to be blended together as well as the fresh textured look that is so characteristic of Charcoal.
I hope you enjoy whatever you choose to do.
Darrel
Hi darrel, i was wondering about the new video u just sent me? do u have to pay to download it?
Hi Dakota,
That isn’t the way we work. The individual tutorials that you receive are free! The new DVDs that can now be ordered for download online, are only sent if you if have payed in advance with a clear understanding that you have chosen to order the DVD in that format. It saves shipping charges and custom charges from sales in other countries. But they are significant files and take several hours to download, depending on your service provider.
There will always be a certain amount of free material provided for you. And it is safe to download without charge. I am sorry that my response has taken so long and I hope you have been able to watch the tutorials!
Darrel
Hello,
I have been drawing for over 40 years, and I have always been looking for several different ways to improve my work. I have recently finished a large project using Adobe Illustrator, which has for a long time(over 3 yrs.), kept me from getting me back to my roots, with traditional art on paper.
I have been searching several different methods, to enrich my work. Here is an Idea you may or may not be aware of, while I was looking around, I found an item that could be of interest, it’s called Blu-Tak (yes the spelling is right). Unfortunately, to my knowledge, this item is only available in the UK. If interested look at http://www.sibleyfineart.com/tutorial–pencil-drawing-tools.htm#pencils
The artist name is Mike Sibley. I admire his work as well.
Note: Blu-tak is known as poster mount puddy, and looks the same as the kneaded eraser – that we both use and believe in – however the power that Blu-Tak has, is far more then the trusted kneaded eraser.
-Thank
Ron
Hi Ronald,
i am glad to share with you. Welcome.
If you haven’t already watched my tutorials, you will find that the bounce of the “kneaded eraser” is important, and the fact that it regains it’s form with each tap is very beneficial. I want to avoid any sticking to the paper, but the “Blu Tack” has a sticky quality. For instance, I want my eraser to slide easily on the paper when making a clean stroke for a hair. I think that if someone cannot acquire a kneaded eraser, it might be an alternative. It might have a particular advantage that would make it a viable part of your arsenal!
Thank you for sharing. I appreciate your input!
Darrel
if you don’t mind haveing a scrap piece of paper a mech-pencil can be sharpend by shadeing while you turn the pencil in your hand. you can also get tip shapes bye not turning it. that wil draw very fine lines you simply can’t get with normal pencils.
Hi Caleb,
The very angle used with my method, allows a self sharpening effect and cuts down tremendously on the use of the pencil sharpener or lead pointer. Turning, or rotating the pencil periodically as you draw, will maintain the proper bevel on all sides, so that you can continue drawing with that fine line and have an accurate placement of each stroke.
I think that one thing that might help in using the mechanical lead holders, is to remove the pocket clip that is usually attached to each one. That way, the shaft is as smooth and unrestricted as it can be, and as much like a regular as possible.
Thanks for your comments! I hope that you have found the demos helpful.
Darrel
Bic leads break very very easily try using pentel leads or pilot enos.
pentel forte pro II pencils are the best I have over 200+ of em.
Pentel Kerry is also good so is the side fx.
Regular pencil are good for sheer covering power.
Hi Cory,
I was not referring to the plastic mechanical pencils that are readily available at the office or variety store that most of us use today. I am referring to the mechanical pencils that were used for drafting, etc. They use the same size 2.0mm lead, that is used in the make-up of a wooden pencil. The others we all use are very thin 0.5mm to 0.7mm leads, which is the reason that they break so easily, and also, they would not allow you to have the grades of pencil that are needed for this technique.
I hope that I did not misunderstand you in my assumption! I hope that this is useful to you!
Darrel
Hey Darrel,
I noticed that you used an electric eraser, what would be a good substitute for that?
Thanks,
Jay
Hi Jay,
The electric eraser is just an extra advantage and not indispensable. I used a kneaded eraser for almost everything that I wanted to do for many years. If you are careful about the amount of pressure you use with your pencils, the kneaded eraser will work quite well. You can mold it into the necessary shapes to accommodate what you want to do and the spaces that you have to work in.
I hope that you have had a chance to view all the free tutorials and in order to get the most out of my technique! Have fun drawing!
Darrel
Hello, when I was younger, I was considered the best drawer in my class from kindergarten to 6th grade. I was horrible at people but apparently better than most. Im still horrible at people, i do more anime now. But I do want to learn how to draw more realistic people. Im good at drawing animals and i love shading, but Im also bad at doing hair. When i draw or write, i can only use a mechanical pencil. (Im very picky) If I use a regular pencil, i get shivers. So i dont use them.
Hi Lianna,
I hope you have a few mechanical pencils so that you can have all the grades available to you while drawing. I hope that you have the real mechanical pencils that are used for drafting, because the variety store pencils that we are so accustomed to in our everyday lives now, have too thin of a lead and cannot be sharpened.
There are many things that go into making a good realistic portrait and I will share everything that I can with you. Don’t forget to watch the free “Critique” and “Tips” demos that come out from time to time. The “Portrait” series on DVD will soon be here as well.
I hope you have fun drawing with me!
Darrel
When you draw with mechanicle pencil your not suposed to have it out so far if you have it out that far its definitly going to break and mechanicle pencils last longer
Hi Bunker,
Thank you, that means a lot to me! I hope that you will enjoy what I have to share with you.
Darrel