5 Things Drawing Bunnies Teaches YOU - Paint and Drawing Tips

Easter is Coming UP Fast.  Rabbits, Easter Eggs and CHOCOLATE are on my mind!!

WHAT makes a RABBIT? 

My days are busy with drawing and painting.  Not always fine art pieces but often a page in my Sketchbook.  As you know, I am an Avid Supporter of Sketchingbooking as a Way of Life. 

I just finished working on a session from Sketchbook Revival with picture book illustrator, Nina Rycroft on drawing a stuffed bunny.  Of course I had to move out from there to cartoon bunnies.  It really was fun.  One bunny led to another and soon I was making a little storyboard of bunnies.  As I worked I realized that those little bunnies had a lot to teach me.  (See last post for info on Sketchbook Revival here).  

5 Things the Bunnies Told ME:

1.  Attributes
What really makes a bunny?  When you look at a shape, what defines the 'bunniness' in it?  Big ears, fluffly tail, big back feet.  It isn't really that much.  But very important.  Any shape with those ears, feet and tail says bunny.  When you're painting a tree, what makes it a maple tree rather than a fir tree.  What in the shapes and patterns says maple tree. . . .  or a Rose rather than a Peony.  Asking that question is important to finding the essences of anything you draw or paint.

Bunny Construction - Using a Line of Action and then placing body parts, makes it much easier to Draw any Rabbit/Animal/Person

2. Movement
I turned my bunnies into people bunnies.  I made them run, jump and sit.  Suddenly I needed to know how a person runs, jumps, sits.  Where are their hands? How do their legs move? I realized I didn't really know. Now as I walk with Max, I am looking at head, arm and leg movements of animals and people.

3. Drawing
Here's where I really liked using that Line of Action.  Seeing the flow of the body and then matching up the body parts to the Line is my first step.  This gives me a framework to hang the clothes on.  Flesh out the arms and legs.  Finally add the embellishments - buttons, lace, hats.  Of course it is a people bunny.  But whether it is a person, animal or figure you need this information. 

HURRY, SCURRY TO THE PICNIC - Once I had the framework, dressing my bunny was easy. Adding Colour is DEFINITELY FUN!! 

4. Values
Adding colour to your bunnies means thinking of shapes and values.  Giving them mass and weight means visualizing the Shadows and Highlights.  Actually it is even more than just values.  It is also playing with your palette.  Trying different colours and seeing how they react with each other.  A great testing ground before hitting 'The Main Show'.

5. Confidence
After the first bunny things get easier and easier.  Soon I was tying my rabbits together with a bit of story.  Ideas were flowing.  Pen was scribbling.  Bunnies hopped onto the page.  It was joyful and fun.  Playful drawing builds confidence in your Mark Making.  It is motivating and inspiring.  All good things to keep you in an Artful Way.

EASTER PICNIC - As I said, once you start drawing these little guys little stories just come to mind.  (Ooops!! Sorry, didn't have time to paint them before posting but will get busy later and paint them.)

Happy Easter and have fun with your own RABBITS!!

Further Reading:
Putting Figures into your Painting - Using a Line of Action as a starting point to draw figures
Working with Flowers and a Line of Action - Using a Line of Action as a starting point for Drawing a poppy.
Do You like Chocolate Sundaes with a Cherry on Top - How to bind your own DIY Sketchbook from materials you have around your home.

So, Catch the Sketchbook Habit and Dive In.  Soon you will find there is "Just not enough hours to the day!!"

Happy Sketchbooking and see you next week.

WENDY MOULD IS ONLINE:  

I 'm Now offering Private Mentoring/Coaching ONLINE

Want to make pictures that sing?  Move your Art Career forward?  Get a handle on your art business?

Let's Talk

Imagine, your own personal coach, in discussion with YOUR images:  Discussing your goals; Ways to move your artwork forward.   Sessions: 30 minutes each

Package: 3 session: $75 + tx       Flexible Booking Schedule

Contact Wendy to book your session - Send me your pictures and let's Get to Work!

Get a Taste for Online Learning with my Blog & Video Combos: 

1.  Have you tried Monotypes?   - Blog post with video link on how to do Monotypes and ways to incorporate it into your art. 

2.  One Awesomemazonly Sketchbook Activity - Blog post with video link on a great Sketchbook Activity to inspire and challenge you.  

 (Be sure to like and comment while your are there. 🤗)

There is something you can do . . .

I am thrilled to be named a Finalist for the YWCA Women of Distinction for Arts, Culture and Design for my volunteer work.  Although there is no public voting for these awards there is one part of the event that is a People's Choice Award. 

It is the Connecting the Community Award.  (🡨link) 

It's purpose is to create awareness for the YWCA Community Programs.  This award is by People's Choice.  So follow the link and vote for me and my choice "Reducing Child Poverty".  Vote as many times as you like, results tallied April 24.  Thanks for your support.
When Life settles down: 

Art by Wendy Studio/Gallery is always Open

Looking to move your Drawing Skills to the Next Level?

Book a 3 Pack of Private Lessons with Me - 3 Lessons 2.5 hr each $225

Drawing/Painting lessons in graphite, ink, watercolour, watercolour pencils or coloured pencils Or any combination of these.
Flexible Schedule, at my Studio/Gallery, N. Surrey. 

Gift Certificates Available 

Be sure to like and share my posts to keep me coming into your box, 

You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page.

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy

Have You Demoed During a Show? - Painting & Drawing Tips

Paints Flying. Brushes dancing. People cheering. 

It's Show Day!  

Really.  People cheering.  

Don't you wish it was really like that.

The realities of Demoing while doing an Art Show are not quite like that. But they can be pretty close.  People may not cheer but they certainly will watch. They will smile and definitely tell you how wonderful you are. 

Wendy working on a heron during the Art Show - No, people don't cheer but they certainly hang over my shoulder and want to talk about my work.  

The West Fine Art Spring Show is over.  While I was there I  talked with artists that were doing demos in their booths.  Serge Demetrius Dube had a big demo set up and painted with gusto.  He certainly had groups of people around and they did cheer when the picture was done.  (Sorry couldn't get shots of that as I was busy at my own booth).  Serge had a large area for his display, paints with large tubes of paint and paints very quickly.  Very conducive for a splashy display.  

Serge's Demos are fast and entertaining.  His paintings come to life very quickly. 

But what about other kinds of demos . . .

Not all of us are fast, our space may be quite limited and our medium less dramatic.  Can we do a demo too? and Why would we want too?

Working in detail with coloured pencils doesn't seem that exciting but many were stopping to talk to Allison.  There was a real fascination with 'all those pencils'. 

Allison Philpott is a coloured pencil artist.  Definitely more low key demo than Serge.  But she had a table set up for her demo and worked on a picture throughout the show.  "I find it draws people in and it inspires questions and curiosity.  I like the opportunity to educate people about my medium.  It also eliminates those awkward silences".

Joyce 's lion painting was very intriguing to look at.  Especially with his eyes looking out at you.  

Joyce Trygg paints in watercolour and acrylic.  She feels demoing her work is important and always has a table with some work in progress for people to see.  "I always like to have a portion of the painting near completion.  That way it looks interesting and people can understand what it will be.  You know how terrible the early stages of a painting can be.  If it is an animal I always have the eyes nearly done."  (Note her small portable palette for her demos. Working in a small space is crucial when you only have a 10 x 10 booth or smaller) 

Jim is happy to chat at he works away on one of his small pieces.  It is captivating to watch the dots 'become something'. 

Jim Pescott works with pointillism in acrylic.  His landscapes are vivid and bright with a very realistic feel from a distance.  But up close you can see the hundreds of dots of paint that make up the picture.  "People looking at my style can't understand my art.  I find it helps them connect to the images on the wall when they see me work.  It urges them to ask questions.  These are the things that help build a relationship with them."

I chatted with artist Ken Nash, he paints very large, realist landscapes.  He calls his work Realscapes.  Ken wasn't demoing this show as he was busy in the organizational part of it.  "I do realscapes, very detailed work that does not make for an interesting demo.  So I often demo little things, like how I paint rocks or trees. It gives a sense of how I work."

Certainly looking to the artists tells you how to set up a demo but I think my student, Karina sums it up as to why.  "When you get more information about the process to make the picture, you look at it differently. "  Certainly, my experience has born this out.

Side Note: After completing my research I have decided to buy another 2 x 4 table for my booth setup.  I can see that my table is too small. I have been demoing with my drawing on a board on my lap. However, after looking at other setups I think it would be more effective to have it out on a table.

Further reading: 
Preparing for the Big Show - points to think about as you get organized for Show Time
6 Steps to Victory over the Monster in the Closet - Planning and Showing in Art Markets
Set Up Day: A Day in the Life of an Artist - Steps in setting up for a show

There is something you can do . . .

I am thrilled to be named a Finalist for the YWCA Women of Distinction for Arts, Culture and Design for my volunteer work.  Although there is no public voting for these awards there is one part of the event that is a People's Choice Award. 

It is the Connecting the Community Award.  (🡨link) 

It's purpose is to create awareness for the YWCA Community Programs.  This award is by People's Choice.  So follow the link and vote for me and my choice "Reducing Child Poverty".  Vote as many times as you like, results tallied for the Awards Dinner May 11, 2020.  Thanks for your support. 

Spring Shows Coming Soon

Sunday, April 26, 10-4pm  Artswest Spring Show & Sale  Elgin Hall, 14250 Crescent Rd, Surrey, BC.   Admission Free, Raffle for picture of your choice, Refreshments, and more.  Info: www.artswest.ca

Wednesday April 29 - Saturday,  May 2, 10-4pm     Paints’n Bloom Show + Bonus Workshop DayMandeville Gardens, 4746 Marine Dr, Burnaby. 
Featuring Artists Wendy Mould, AFCA & Audrey Bakewell
in Support of the Alzheimer’s Society of BC.

Workshop Day, Wednesday, April 29 : 

10-12pm - Beginner Watercolour Class $40 All supplies incl - Great opportunity to learn the secrets of watercolor
1-3pm Creative Card Class $40 All supplies incl. - See the magic you can create with butterflies and flowers.
Register Wendy   

Art by Wendy Studio/Gallery is always Open

Looking to move your Drawing Skills to the Next Level?

Book a 3 Pack of Private Lessons with Me - 3 Lessons 2.5 hr each $225

Drawing/Painting lessons in graphite, ink, watercolour, watercolour pencils or coloured pencils Or any combination of these.
Flexible Schedule, at my Studio/Gallery, N. Surrey. 

Gift Certificates Available 

Be sure to like and share my posts to keep me coming into your box, 

You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page.

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy

Plein Air Painting or Chasing Pigs & Goats - Painting and Drawing Tips

Do you view Plein Air Painting as a Static Activity?  You come, you set up, you stand, you paint, you’re done.  Other than moving your painting arm, you are basically motionless. 

JUDGE, THE KING OF THE CASTLE - all the goats had a turn standing on the cart.  

In many ways, that is probably true. 

Of course that doesn’t take into account, your brain.  It is moving a mile a minute.  And don’t forget that you are stepping back, looking, evaluating and then moving in for the ‘stroke’.  So yes there is movement. 

However, Plein Air Painting with Pigs and Goats is definitely not STATIC.  . .

Painting the Flowers was a very Popular Theme for many of the artists

Last weekend was the Plein Air Festival at Kilby Historical site.  It is a great 3 day event.  Okay, as one of the organizers I am a little prejudice.  But really, 3 days to paint on a Historical site, for $20 with great prizes for everyone.  Who wont have a good time? 

Others were in the orchard, with the veggie garden and scarecrow to catch your eye

This is my 5th year helping out.  Each year I challenge myself to step outside of my box a bit. (see last year's Pen & Ink Portraits) This year it was to draw animals from life.  As a wildlife artist I draw lots of birds and animals in great detail but always from photos.  This year was going to be different.  No photos, just the real thing. 

THE 3 LITTLE PIGS - Chasing pigs around the pen to draw them was not such a popular place

Do you realize Pigs and Goats are on the move.  All the time. . . 

Drawing them is a bit like a bunch of 2 minute poses in Life Drawing.  Actually some were maybe 1 minute.  It was a challenge.  My goat, Judge was first.  That little picture took me 4 hours!!  ‘The 3 Little Pigs’ went much smoother.  And I felt I got more interesting poses for my animals.

Things I learned while chasing Pigs and Goats:

1.     You need to watch the animals for a bit to see what kind of poses they make and what poses you want to include in your picture.  When I was drawing Judge I was so busy getting his body shape, I really didn’t pick a very interesting head position.  I wished later I had his head turned a bit. 

Of Course there is a show to display all the hard work

2.    You need to quickly layout where they will be your picture plane.  I used a rough circle the size I thought the animals should be.  For my pigs, I made each circle a different size, to put them in a different plane.  I also needed them to be facing different ways. 

3.    You really do need to chase pigs and goats if you want to draw them.  They don’t stay still.  While sleeping yes, but not such an interesting pose.  As they move, watch for a duplication of the pose you want. You wont get the whole body duplicated but you can see how: the legs work; the shoulder connects to the back; the different way the ears bend. . . .   Basically draw the pigs in pieces. 

4.    You should be ready to work on the setting/background when things are quiet.  In my case the pigs went into their house.  My goat trotted off to the other end of the field.  So I worked on the trees, the ground, fence posts. Other stuff. I had the advantage of knowing soon people would come along with food for the animals and they would be back.  I know, this wont work in the wild but hey, maybe with lots of practice I will be faster and able to do detailed 2 minute poses of a heron or deer.

Pigs, goats, flowers, old buildings all found their way into the paintings

5.    You need to be patient.  Waiting and watching.  Pretty soon they will turn, sit, stand. And you will be ready to gather more information for your drawing.

 

6.    You need to celebrate your work.  I know my goat and pigs aren’t perfect, but hey.  I am pleased.  They look like pigs and goats.  My pigs have a sense of movement.  They have interesting poses.  I am ready to try again. 

 Have you tried drawing animals from life?  Any thoughts on what helps you?

The Festival wasn’t all chasing pigs.  . .

Max and I got out for several paddles. Weather was up and down but still great sights.  Saw an bald eagle catch a fish and carry it off.  

It was meeting new people.  Catching up with old friends.  Sharing stories.  Lots of laughs.  Seeing how others took up their own challenges and come up with some neat ideas.  And of course the best part was celebrating at the end.  There was so many different, awesome, interesting pictures capturing the Kilby grounds.  The Festival has a Grand Prize which is juried, A People Choice Award and then lots of door prizes for all the contestants.  Any age can enter and any age did.  Even the weather cooperated, well for the most part anyway.  

Helen, Joanne and myself were the jurors, loved this winning painting by Stephenie Egg

Special thanks to Kilby and their Staff for hosting such a fun event.  And special thanks to singers Lawrence Congie and Bruce Coughean who sang for us Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Awesome sounds guys.  And of course a special thanks to all the sponsors for adding to the event. 

FYI - Plein Air Festival at Kilby next year - August 21-23, 2020

 Put it in your Calendar and join us for a fun time.  Come for 1 day or all the days.  Book a campsite with Kilby and stay the whole time.  That's what I do.  

 Looking to move your Drawing Skills to the Next Level?

Contact Me to Register ↓↓↓↓

Upcoming Drawing Classes: 

Sunday, September 22 & 29, Beecher Place, Crescent Beach, S Surrey. 1-3pm. $40 ea. 
Part 1: Get that Line Drawing Right - Sept 22
Part 2: Values, Light & Shadows - Sept 29
Beginners to Advanced Welcome.  Come to one or both.      

Drop-In and Draw
Monday, September 30, 1-4pm Beecher Place, Cres. Beach $20.  Get tips on old projects or new. 

Contact Wendy to Register and for more information.  

OR Book a 3 Pack of Private Lessons with Me - 3 Lessons 2.5 hr each $225 
Based on your Schedule at my Studio, N. Surrey. 

September 19-30 I will be at Beecher Place with Art Theo featuring Art by myself, Doris Biddle and Donna Schipfel.  During our stay we will be offering classes and showing/selling our work. I have Drawing Classes on the Sundays (Sept 22 & 29)  and a Drop-In Session (Sept 30)  for those that want to practice more from the classes or would like help in their own projects or starting new ones. 

Doris will be offering a 2 Day class working with Acrylics $80 and a Ceramic Painting class $45.  Donna will be offering 2 classes on Watercolour on Rice paper $40 ea.

FYI

I am scheduled for a Demo at Opus this fall: 

 Drawing: Values, Light & Shadows - Saturday, Oct 19, 11-12:30 or 2-3:30 Free 

Contact Langley Opus to Register  604.533.0601

My Etsy Store is always OPEN: Etsy - WendyMouldsArt

Originals, Prints, Commission Work and Instant Printable Cards for all Seasons available.

Be sure to like and share my posts to keep me coming into your box, 

You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page.

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy

10th Anniversary - Top 10 Posts - Painting and Drawing Tips

Today is a Special Anniversary . . . . It was 10 years ago today that I started writing my blog:   447 posts.  It is interesting and amazing.  At the time when I started, I didn't really understand what a blog was, who would read it or what I would say.  I also wasn't very confident in my writing ability.  I definitely didn't think I would be doing it for long.   Popular Posts Daddy's Boots Finished!! - Or My Secret Tool for Children's Faces NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY The little Guy is done!! Daddy's Boots - 16 x 20 Matted - Graphite - $500 There.. This post is my most popular post . . . . and has been since it was created - March 11, 2014.  I was thrilled at its popularity for several reasons:   1.  The picture  was inspired by one of my favorite photos of my son when he was young. 2.  It is a graphite drawing and sometimes I feel Graphite as a Fine Art form is not valued.  It is a great reminder that colour does not always rule 3.  This was a prompt to help me focus my blog writing more on Painting and Drawing Tips.  It has been a learning curve to do that but I am starting to understand how to present  my ideas in interesting ways.  My Week with Robert Bateman - Full Report - Painting & Drawing Tips Master Artist Session at Hollyhocks Retreat with Robert Bateman - That's me, second from the right in the green jacket Why Wildl... 2nd Most Popular Post . . . . On October 13, 2017, I started my week with Robert Bateman on Cortes Island.  This was a definite HIGH in my life.  With a small group of Wildlife artists we studied, discussed, talked and lived the Creative Process.  We were in an ideal setting: on the coast of an island; deer grazing in the forest around; herons and eagles soaring over the ocean waters in front of us.  Even now sometimes it seems like it was a dream. How to Find Your Starting Point in a Drawing - Painting & Drawing Tips NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY THE FIRE DANCE - Ink & Watercolour - Purchase Info Your Ready to DRAW. . . But HOW DO... Using Edges to Make Soft & Fluffy Drawings/Paintings - Painting & Drawing Tips NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY CATCHING SOME SUN, WIP - when finished matted 11 x 14, $225 It was a special treat when Ma... HELP!! I am Flat, I've lost my Shape - Painting and Drawing Tips NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY You work your heart out, painting a lovely picture.  You step back and look.  Everything is fla...  Posts Recognizing my role as a teacher . . . This may seem a strange comment to make.  But I am a self-taught artist.  Yes, I worked as a teacher in my other life but not as an art teacher.  Most of my learning came from books,workshops, practice and more practice.  It feels like a real accomplishment to feel I am now on the other side of the fence, and able to give help and support to new emerging artists.   Turn your sketchbook into Your Own Personal Treasure - Painting and Drawing Tips NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY  Make that Sketchbook YOURS! To really keep that sketchbook habit growing you need to really... Where are the Mid-Tones? Painting & Drawing Tips Sunrise on Mermaid Cove, Summer 2017 Early in the morning, as the sun breaks over the mountains, the shoreline comes alive. Steve and  I ... 6 Stories your EDGES Tell! - Painting & Drawing Tips NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY PERCHED BUT READY - $225 Matted to 11 x14 Whether you paint or Draw you worry about your E... Get those Values Working for You -Painting & Drawing Tips Have you ever finished a painting and felt it just looked flat? There is no life to it.  Yet, you planned, worked hard and tried everyth... How to find the Right Sketckbook Friend? Painting & Drawing Tips NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY A Friend:  : a person who you like and enjoy being with. (Merriam-Webster) In your daily li..  These Posts tell me Sketchbooking and Drawing Skills are valued . . . One of my passions is my sketchbook work.  My post on turning your sketchbook into your own Personal Treasure is a favourite for me.  It is so inviting to see your book decorated by you and  filled with your memories and treasures inside.  This has always been easy to do for Acrylic Painters but to find a way for Watercolourists to do this was a SPECIAL.   Looking Forward . .  Celebrating my 10th Anniversary is exciting, looking back over my posts fills me with memories and ideas for the future.  I am Inspired and ready to roll.  Some of the things I want to focus on more are:  a.  More thoughts on Drawing Skills: this will start with my demo Discover The Language of Drawing -  Opus Langley, January 12, 11-12:30pm & 2-3:30pm  Free but Registration Required: 604-533-0601  and yes I will touch on some of this with my blog posts  b.  Building on the Sketchbook Habit: This is a multi-facet topic for me as it seems to encompass painting and drawing practice, travel journals, using different mediums, building your own treasures, and more.   c.  Wildlife drawing and painting: Of course all my work centers around this theme.  Painting and Drawing more is all part of "Building your skills" a constant goal for me.  There seems to be always something new to learn.  I look forward to continuing to share my journey with you.  My Number 1 Resource that helped me blog . . . As I mentioned at the beginning, my confidence in writing was very low.  I considered it an important day in my life when I happened upon the blog Enchanting Marketing written by Henneke Duistermaat.  Her writing style called to me and turned grammar and writing lessons into an enjoyable experience.  I recommend you check her out.   My Special Blogging Treat  . . . Each year that I blog I create a special treat for myself - a book of all my posts for the year.  Blog-to-Print offers good support to Blogger and Wordpress Blogs.  They on line program offers an quick and easy way to publish all your posts in a soft or hardcover book.  I just ordered my 2018 Book today.   Having a printed copy of your posts is very empowering, I highly recommend it.  (NB. Their 38% off sale is good for a few more days.) Put your Blog into a Book Are you looking back to 2018 or looking forward to 2019?  What are your Artful Plans?  I look forward to hearing your thoughts. Next up for me - Painting my Wildlife in the Garden Series - Tips on improving those Photo References, see you next week. My Etsy store is always OPEN:  Etsy - WendyMouldsArt    Originals, prints and Instant Printable Cards for all Seasons are available.  Images are changing often so be sure and check back often. Coming up later this week, Printable Valentine Cards, in lots of time to personalize with colour if you like.  Featuring Cats and Dogs - of course Max is my inspiration for the dog drawing!  Special Opportunities Coming Up in the New Year: Marketing Workshop - Let's Get Your Art Out There!! Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019 10-3pm with Wendy Mould, AFCA.   Need a focus for your Marketing Strategy?  Unsure where to start, where to head next?  Marketing takes so much of your time away from the Studio, learn where to focus your energy and ways to maximize your time.  At the end of the day you will have plans and be ready for Action.  Cost $84 Working with Wildlife Artist Wendy Mould, AFCA bridges the gap between the Entrepreneur and the Artist in the Marketing World. Contact Wendy to Register.  Be sure to like and share my posts. You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page. Have a great Artful Day, Wendy

Creating Texture in Graphite Drawings - Painting & Drawing Tips

When I think of birds and animals I think of soft, plush feathers or fur.  I want that look that makes you feel how smooth their coat is. 

So why would I want anything else?

WHAT'S FOR DINNER - Graphite $500 Matted Unframed

When I think of texture, I think of more than soft and smooth, I think rough and coarse.  When I draw my wildlife I want them to stand out but still be part of their environment.  Unfortunately, although they might have a coat of smooth silky fur or feathers, their surrounds may not.  I need some options. (Read more on my thoughts of making soft and fluffy birds and animals here.)

How do You get rough coarse texture with a only a pencil and paper?

Each pencil has its own properties - note the difference between the 8B and 2H both in colour and texture

First you need to understand a graphite pencil.  Graphite pencils have a lead which is a mixture of clay and graphite.  Your HB pencil is a good mix of both that gives a sturdy lead and a fairly dark mark.  However, by increasing the graphite and decreasing the clay, you can get a much darker mark.  The down side is a more fragile lead as graphite is very soft.  Pencils with labels like 4B, 6B or 9B indicate more and more graphite and less clay.  Thus the 9B pencil is very dark, very soft and has very little clay.  On the other hand a pencil labeled 9H is very hard, has a very light mark and is mainly clay. 

Graphite deposited between the tooth of the paper. 

Secondly you need to understand paper.  Paper has a tooth.  The role of a pencil is to deposit graphite on the paper.  As you do that you can deposit the graphite between the tooth or flatten the tooth and put it on top.  Those little white flecks of tooth between the graphite is what gives the surface a rough look.  By using a very soft pencil, 8B or 9B, you can put down a very dark mark, soft enough that you will leave the tooth in tack. Note the examples above, the 8B gives quite a dark rough surface where the 2H has a lighter mark with little tooth showing.

THE FAMILY OUTING - Graphite with a touch of coloured pencil - $500 Matted Unframed

The foliage in THE FAMILY OUTING has been completed without flattening the tooth of the paper Using harder pencils lightly allows less graphite to be deposited, a lighter mark but preserves the tooth.  Uses darker pencils the mark is darker and still keeps the tooth.  Looking at the close up you can see how the different pencils were used to develop the foliage.

Detail from THE FAMILY OUTING - notice the white flecks in the foliage.

Thirdly contrast the rough and smooth.  Mixing the rougher more porous darks and lights with smooth blended darks and lights increases the sense of texture. This mix is very effective and works  both ways.  In the case of the goats above, the rough finish of the post contrasts with smooth blended goats to make them appear softer and the post rougher.  Notice how soft and smooth the Sandhill Cranes are when contrasted with the grasses that surround them. 

OUT ON A LIMB - Graphite with a touch of coloured pencil $225 Matted Unframed
Doesn't this little chickadee look soft as its smooth sleek texture contrasts with the coarser finish of the leaves and stems.  

This tiny little chickadee in OUT ON A LIMB is a great contrast in texture.  The rough leaves makes the little bird seem even more soft, you can almost feel the light, smooth finish of the feathers. 

Special Note: 
I do apologize as I realize even with my close ups, it is harder to really see the difference in textures on a computer screen. However, if you saw the originals it would become very apparent.  Take your pencils and a blender and try a few experiments to see what I mean. 

Comment on Materials:
My favourite pencils are the Derwent Graphite pencils although I do use some other brands for special effects. My paper of choice for Graphite is not really paper.  It is 2 ply White Rising Museum Board, a good strong support that has a great tooth, will hold lots of graphite and takes the punishment of the blenders.

Let me know how your experiments work out.  My next post is going to be on a subject new to me - Coloured Ink Pens.  As you know, I am a confirmed black ink person, who knew coloured inks could be so fun and forgiving. Looking forward to sharing with you.

Opportunities Coming Up: 

1. Heart to Home Art  Show & Sale, Saturday & Sunday, Nov 17 & 18, 12-5pm daily

Surrey Art Center, Bear Creek Park, 13750 88 Ave, Surrey
Looking Forward to seeing you there. Guaranteed to find that perfect One-of-a-Kind Gift - Handmade Arts and Crafts from 30+ local Artists. Free Admission, 

2.  Paints'n Bloom Workshops & Art Show & Sale in Support of the Alzheimer's Society of BC

Gardenworks at Mandeville Gardens, 4746 Marine Dr, Burnaby

Show Days: Thursday, Nov 22-Saturday, Nov 24Workshop Day: Tuesday,  Nov 20

10-12pm - Beginner Watercolour Class  FULL

1-3pm Christmas Card Making Class  1 Spot Left

$40 ea. All supplies incl. Beginner to Advanced Welcome

Registration Happening Now Contact Wendy 

Artists reading this post also find the following valuable:

3 Ways to Turn Drawing Despair into Action here

Drawing a Seagull Part 1 and Part 2 Starting here
Using Edges to Make Soft and Fluffy Birds & Animals Part 1 and Part 2 Starting here 

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Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy