Are you a beginner artist who's looking to enrich your pencil collection? Things can be quite overwhelming when you start browsing for pencils, as there are various types. Which one should you choose? Which one will work best for you? The answer is you should try before deciding, but if you're on a budget, of course, you can't just them all. Before you buy pencils online, here are some basic types to keep in mind.
Types of Pencils for Beginners
Graphite Pencils
If you're just starting out with drawing, it's important to know the different types of pencils. Graphite pencils are the most common and are made from a mixture of carbon and clay. They come in a range of hardness, from 9H (hardest) to 9B (softest), with F and HB in the middle. Hard pencils are great for light, precise lines, but can scratch the paper. Soft pencils are better for creating darker tones and have a wider range of shades. For beginners, 2B or 3B pencils are a good place to start. And remember, use a craft knife to sharpen them!
Pastel
These pencils made from a strip of hard pastel fastened in a wooden barrel are quite delicate. If you accidentally drop them, the pigment will break easily. Unlike soft pastel pencils, these ones are harder and resemble coloured pencils. They are perfect for intricate line work and shading. Additionally, they are non-waxy and blend well. However, keep in mind that the marks made with these pencils are not permanent and will require spraying with a fixative to preserve them.
Coloured
If you're looking to buy pencils online, you'll come across endless options and sets of coloured pencils. They're made in the same way as graphite pencils, with the pigment mixed with a clay filler and a binder. They also contain added wax, which acts as a lubricant and allows the pencil to glide smoothly over the paper. You can find coloured pencils in a wide range of colours and forms, including standard, water-soluble, and those with thick or thin leads. Unlike pastel pencils, coloured pencils do not need to be sprayed with a fixative. Some coloured pencils create sharp lines, while others are softer and can be easily blended.
Coloured vs Pastel Pencils
Coloured pencils have wax or oil thing that holds the colour together. You can sharpen them and get those fine lines and detailed work. Pastel pencils are a bit different. They're made with pure pigment and a binder, which gives you a more vibrant colour. And the best part? They're not as messy as those pastel sticks. You can smudge and blend them easily, creating all sorts of colours and shades.
Conté Sticks, Crayons and Pencils
Conté sticks, crayons, and pencils are made of natural pigments and gum Arabic. They're perfect for creating coloured sketches, especially with earth tones like white, black, greys, browns, and rust. You can use them on coloured paper and combine them with other dry drawing supplies. The pencils are great for line work, while the sticks are perfect for filling in larger areas of tone. They can be blended and smudged, but erasing them might be a bit tricky.
Charcoal Sticks
Charcoal sticks are charred wood and have been used as drawing materials for centuries. They are created by carbonizing wood, typically willow but sometimes beech or vine, and are classified as either soft or hard. These sticks come in four different thicknesses - thin, medium, thick, and extra-thick, with the latter being referred to as "scene painters' charcoal." Thin sticks are perfect for adding intricate details to drawings, such as fur or feathers. On the other hand, block charcoal is best suited for covering larger areas.
Graphite Sticks
Graphite sticks, a favourite choice for traditional pencils, offer a unique alternative to the classic wooden casing. These sticks are essentially a thicker version of the graphite strip found at the core of a pencil. Available in HB, 3B, 6B, and 9B grades, they boast several advantages over their wooden counterparts. The sticks feature a round barrel shape, and certain brands even come with a thin layer of plastic paint that can be easily removed, ensuring clean fingers while in use.
Pens and Ink
When it comes to pens, the options can be overwhelming if you're a beginner. Technical pens are great for quick sketches, but they don't offer much variation in line. Fountain or cartridge pens, ballpoint, fine liners, and roller balls are all great for both sketches and detailed drawings. Ballpoint pens are especially smooth and convenient for sketching. All pens can create fine, smooth lines with subtle results. Drawing inks come in a variety of colours and can be either waterproof or water-soluble. While water-soluble inks aren't as widely available, they can be blended with water to create tones and soften line work. India ink is a popular choice, originating from China and producing a warm, deep sepia colour when diluted with water. Plus, it dries quickly and is waterproof.
Don't Forget Your Sharpeners
To make sure your drawing supplies are complete, don't forget to grab a sharpener. A craft or utility knife will do the trick for sharpening wooden pencils, Conté chalks, and carré sticks. With a sharpener, you can adjust the point of your pencil, stick, or chalk to fit the task at hand. Plus, it's handy for trimming erasers too.
