The 3 essential erasers (4/10)
This video will explain the 3 eraser types that are integral to the 5-pencil method.
These erasers are used differently than you may think. They are about more than just fixing mistakes and making alterations: they are essential tools for drawing realistic images, while also helping you avoid paper damage.
Trouble viewing the video? Check your version of Flash and follow the steps on this page.
The next video is on the ideal way to set up lighting in your drawing area
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Hi Darrel,
I am a teacher and have an extremely talented little girl from Cambodia that I want to see excel in art. I believe this is the place, and that you are the person to make that happen. I signed up to check out the site to try to ensure she is “safe” here. I will have absolutely no reservations at all about getting her signed up for your lessons. You will be just what she needs to unlock her talent and potential. Your relaxed and caring personality will help her feel comfortable. Thank you so much for your service. I may even come back and try my hand at drawing too, although I am not that good.
Hi Art,
I wish I had curriculum more suited for young children. You would know if it keeps her attention and interest or not. I have had some fairly young children learn my technique, but I was right there to simplify and make adjustments, and make it fun for them when necessary! I hope she will learn the things that will help her continue to grow and develop her passion for art. I drew as much as a child could when I was young, but my mother was a great inspiration and I would so look forward to the once a week where we would draw something together. When school would start again in the fall each year, I couldn’t wait to show my teachers what I had drawn during the summer. The adults in a child’s life can make all the difference.
I thank you for your kind words!!!
Darrel
Whats the youngest student you have taught? And is the electric eraser a optional thing to get or do we have to have it?
Hi Shantell,
I usually find out what the attention span is, and where there interest are. Then I pick out things that will help that exciting for them. Like I have said, there are so many levels of art that you can enjoy and learn something to make it work and keep it an adventure. I do not want to make it an unenjoyable experience and over their head. If it is just a line, then let’s just make the best line we can and enjoy the experience. I want them have as many little victories along the way, as they can. It keeps them trying and moving forward. I also want it to be a safe place to fail, so that they will want to try again and again and not be afraid of the negative reaction that they may receive from someone.
I have had children that have done remarkably well at eight to ten, and others that are not ready in their teens. There have been many times that a child is progressing at a rate that I think is wonderful, but the parent is the hinderance because the have unrealistic expectations.
However, all of us learn and absorb information differently, and I try to assess that and respond and adjust accordingly. I believe there is a certain amount of talent in everyone, now let’s find it and cultivate it, so that they can become inspired as well!
This is one of the reasons that I say, “have fun drawing”. That, can change everything and allows for even more “freedom” of expression!
Darrel
I could not locate a dry eraser pad, but I did find an electric eraser. It’s kind of crappy and the eraser things are only very small. Hope that’s enough
Hi Fabian,
If you have a drafting supply store, that is where you would find the Dry Eraser Pad. Those small Electric Erasers are very limited in their use. The erasers are difficult to sharpen and it is easy to damage your paper with the metal base that holds that eraser. If you can be accurate enough you could use it for the reflection in the eye.
We do have the Eraser Pads on our sight:
http://www.fivepencilmethod.com/store/
I hope that helps you. Have fun!
Darrel
Hi, I was just wondering about the electric eraser, do I have to get it? I probably will have trouble finding it on my hunt this weekend for my supplies, and I really don’t have a lot of money to spend. It seems like it would expand my range in drawing a lot, and believe me I really do want to get one, but just in case, do I really need it?
Hi Ariela,
No you don’t have to have it. It just gives you an added advantage, but I did without one for many years, and even now I only use it for very specific purposes! Maybe you can get one down the line. I hope you have fun drawing!
Darrel
what are the three erases called mr. darrel tank
Hi Katie,
You can look on our site if you ever want to have a list or reminder of what I have suggested for materials. The most important is the “Kneaded Eraser”. Then the “Dry Eraser Pad” would be the next one to have. The electric eraser is the last that you would need. It is quite expensive, but you can do without it if need be. It can help you achieve some things that is difficult with out it, but it is the luxury item that you can work toward later. It is better to get one of the better ones and it will last you for many many years if you take care of it.
Our sit is:
http://www.fivepencilmethod.com/store/
Have fun drawing!
Darrel
Hi Darrel,
I was just wondering what the first eraser was called, I had a little bit of trouble hearing it on the video. Also thanks for all these video tutorials, I think its great you are putting in the time and effort to help others. I have just applied for the free lessons to start with and am hoping to get the disk lessons afterwards. I am looking forward to starting as I am studying graphic design at the moment, and am looking to improve my overall drawing, after searching I manged to find your tutorials and I am happy to say they are the best around.
Thanks alot
Hi Jack,
I hope I am not too late in letting you know, that the eraser is a “Kneaded” eraser. It is the most important of the three and Is an integral part of the technique.
There will be new tutorials on a continual basis, although they are coming as they are being created and produced. I am so glad that you have the opportunity to take advantage of what I can share with you. Thank you for your assessment and comments! I hope you have fun drawing!
Darrel
I’m so sorry Darrel for being an idiot. If I’d have spent as much time researching your site as I did on Amazon, I would have found your links to the supplies before I wrote that long letter. If it’s possible just delete it. At any rate, please forgive me for overstepping my bounds there.
Paece, Robin.
Hi Robin,
You are fine! Bless you! I am glad that you found the information. It’s easy to overlook something and I certainly can identify with you.
Thanks for your enthusiasm and for letting me share all of this with you. I didn’t let others see the post, but it’s for your sake and request rather than me not wanting it posted. I hope you are enjoying the tutorials!
Keep in touch!
Darrel
hello,
i saw the before and after pictures before i subscribed to the tutorials. the results are amazing. i would consider myself as a good artist and especially enjoy drawing people.the only problem is i dont have any of these materials. i dont have the money to buy them either. i know these materials make a big difference in how the outcome of the drawing will turn out. so do you think i can make do with just some regular paper and pencil? or will it affect the result of the drawing too much?
Hi Karen,
It is certainly better than nothing, but you will have some different results. The grades of the pencils is probably first in importance. The eraser is probably next. The paper you used will determine the texture and the range of values that you can achieve.
You should be able to find the pencils and the eraser for about a dollar apiece. Use only the grades that I have mentioned so that you will have some standard to follow and have an idea of what to expect. Practice what you can, with what you have, and gradually try to get your materials.
I hope you will be successful in your effort!
Darrel
I am looking forward to learning your techniques on drawing.
Hi Bea,
Welcome! Let me know how it goes for you. I hope you have a great time!
Darrel
Hello again Mr. Tank,
( I wrote on the making your tapered stroke consistent video:D )
I got the kneaded eraser, and I also got the eraser pad. I did get a mechanical eraser, but sadly a very not so good quality one D: It’s the Derwent brand but unfortunately I couldn’t afford anything better. http://www.dakotaartcatalog.com/battery_eraser_refills_derwent_battery_eraser_wrefills-p-1518797.html
and I’m actually kind of hoping I can set up a stand downtown and sell my drawings eventually!
And I was wondering if you had any comments on the Derwent brand because I really don’t know anything about it :S And what brand is the eraser you’re holding in this video?
Thanks sooooooo much,
Sarah!
Hi Sarah,
It sounds like you are off to a good start with the supplies. The electric eraser is probably the last thing that you will be using. It is for special thing that will come up later, but you are right that it is at the low end of the scale. It will come in handy for adding a very specific highlight, such as in the eye. Maybe at some point you can upgrade!
The one white and red one I was using is a KOH-I-NOOR no.2850C. If it was the black one, it was an ELITE, and it has been discontinued. The ELITE was the best one of any of them in my opinion.
I hope you can achieve your goal of selling your drawings. Take it a step at a time and each of those steps with care and with plenty of practice, so that it becomes as second nature as possible.
I will share all I can, and I hope you have a good time!
Darrel