Drawing: Basic Supplies info needed please!

[Amazingreys]

Hi all :)
I found a link in the index threads about types of paper for graphite drawing but what sort of pencils and other supplies might I need?
Arlene has recommended the book "Drawing Realistic Textures in Pencil" by JD Hillberry.....any others that would be helpful in the basics?
Anything else also, your suggestions are appreciated!

Thanks
Dana~

[lene]

Hi Dana

Personally I like a "mechanical" pencil; always sharp point (lead) no time spent on sharpen. I use 0,3 - 0,5 milimeter leads. I use hardness/softness from 2H till 4 B.
But ordinary graphitepencils in a good brand is just as good. Think they range from 9 H - 9 B (H= harder, lighter lead. B= softer, darker lead).
You can supply with different items like, charcaol pencils, carbon pencils + others, which you like. They have a different "shine" and look than graphite.
Also get an eraser of the "white plastic type" and perhaps an electric/battery one.
A draftmans brush is very handy keeping your paper clean when erased something.
I like to use tortillions - I would never ever use my fingers to smear graphite line, but I do know some do. I think it makes a mess, your fingers get dirty putting fingerprints where not to be + our skin contains oils that might damage the paper...

I don't have any idea which "level" you start from....
I have Hillberrys book and thinks it is fantastic ... But if I had been a totally beginner (if you are?) I would find it advanced to start out with.
An allround book like "Drawing for Dummies" B. Hoddinot has lots of information and small lessons to start with. Don't mind the title and simple look (sorry author), it is a great book ! And it takes the beginner by the hand right from start curving up to more advanced lessons.
I also find Lee Hammonds books nice for beginner or mid-level (is that a word?) skilled.
Also mind what subjects you prefer - or at least when you advance ... :)
Don't hesitate to ask if you need more info - hope to be of help :bye1:

[Rose]

Dana,

First, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Make it a great day!!!

Second, I think Lene covered a whole lot for you. Lee Hammond's book called "Drawing" is one I have and it is fantastic! Not only is there instruction for plain graphite, but there is a whole section dedicated to colored pencil!!! I really love the book. It's one of those reference books you will keep on your shelf forever. The "Drawing for Dummies" is equally good, as I found all the "Dummies" books very instructional and not at all low quality! :-)

I started out with regular number 2 pencils, but then jumped over to the mechanical pencils too as they are always ready! Will you be working mostly on pet portraits, still lifes, landscapes, etc? I think there are books that talk about how to draw pretty much anything you want... and I would pick an area to focus on and take a trip to the library, I found MANY good books there on colored pencil and any kind of drawing :-).

You're off to a good start! Good luck and keep practicing!

[Arlene]

i like stadtler pencils for drawing.

[Amazingreys]

Thanks for the great info Lene, Arlene and Rose!

Lene, I can scribble a bit but no formal training so I'm starting from the beginning.

As far as books go, I've always been one of those people who think that one can never have too many books :)

I'll probably get the "regular" type of pencils...I can't believe how many different "shades" or I guess degrees of softness/hardness there are! Luckily they don't seem too expensive

Rose, in the beginning I'll do whatever "exercises" are required to help me but my heart is in drawing animals/pets, and I'll be doing greyhounds more than anything else. :)

I hope to eventually be able to do them in various media. I'm not a painter but have a huge interest in pastel, CP and graphite.

I think I read in the archives that Bristol Vellum is a good choice to start for paper?

Thanks for all the suggestions.

I'm sure I'll be posting my projects etc. here soon. And more questions. :bangin:

Everyone here is marvelous.

Dana~

[Meisie]

'The New Drawing on The Right Side of The Brain' by Betty Edwards, is worth looking into. She starts at the very beginning.
Another interesting book, that I found in the library is : 'The Complete Drawing Course' by Michael Woods.

For me I like to use the oridary 'school' pencil, yellow #2 :D
Naturally when I'm working on a graphite piece, that I intend to frame and sell, I'd go for a mechanical/Staedler pencil too. But to draw for fun, I grab my trusty yellows ;) I always have a bazzillion of them around the house.

Charcoal pencils are also a lot of fun to work with, and so different from graphite. A good book I found for guidelines with this is 'How to Draw With Charcoal, Sanguine & Chalk' by José M Parramon.

Most important is to relax and draw draw draw :)

Have fun!

Meisie

[Amazingreys]

Thanks, Meisie! I appreciate your imput! :)

[scottb326]

I love drawing with mechanical pencil. They are really nice.
-Scott

[Meisie]

Remember to show us what you're doing ok?

Meisie

[Amazingreys]

Certainly......I'm looking forward to it!

QUESTION: Degrees of pencil. What is a nice basic range needed to begin with? One? All?

Not that they are expensive.....but do I need a certain range?

(I know, quit buying and start drawing! :bangin: )


Dana~

[Meisie]

HB is nice middle range...close to that yellow #2 ;) Then B is softer, 2B again softer and 4B is probably as soft as you'll need at this stage.
Going the other way it gets hard. F is still nice, then H is harder and well, really those H pencils are used more for technical drawing or for creating a specific effect. (eg impressing a line) They leave a very soft grey line, because they are so hard.

One could do a completed drawing with HB only, but I do like to have a 2B and 4B handy as well.

HTH!

Meisie

I've attached two images. They are the same, just the one is sideways, but a bit bigger for reading. The other is smaller, but I did add a few notes. Most useful is probably the very bottom row where I have made the darkest possible block with the different leads...you can see the values you are able to get with the two extremes shown here : 6B on the left and 8H on the right.
All the rest of the rows are graded values, I was just exploring and playing with a selection of grades.
Once you've bought a pencil or two/ three ;) do the same, scribble with them so you can see what results you can get with them. Then when you get to render someting, you will know which pencil to use, and how to use it, to get the result you are trying to achieve.

Sorry, that was rather long winded! :blushing:

[Amazingreys]

My goodness, this is great!
Thank you so much for taking the time to share.
You weren't long winded at all.....your post and images are very helpful to me.
Thank you again!

[lucky]

O.k. I think I've read what evryone said, hope I'm not repeating, but you should definitely add a kneaded eraser to your list. They are fantastic for erasing in varying degress, and you can also draw with them in a subtractive way. I really think they're essential!

~lucky

[Amazingreys]

Hi Lucky,
Yes I have one of those.....but my cats keep running of with it. I'm not sure what the appeal is :p Luckily they are inexpensive!
Thank you also for your imput!
Dana~

[Meisie]

You're welcome!

Maybe the cats are working away at a secret masterpiece ;)

Meisie

[lucky]

Maybe the cats are working away at a secret masterpiece

Lol! Cats playing poker!! :D