Making The Picture Sing

Using her fine attention to detail, this artist creates a loving tribute to her subject.

- Gillian Groveilli

MATERIALS

• HB, 2B, 6B Pencils – I have a preference for Faber Castle Pencils, but this technique can be used with any graphite pencil range.

• Acid-Free Paper – Most papers are acid -ree now. You can get archival papers if you need them. Most of my drawings are done in my Canson drawing book.

• Blending Stick or Burnisher – This is made from compressed cardboard and looks like a cardboard pencil. It is used to blend the pencil for a smooth finish. Be careful not to use it too early in your drawing as it can place a ‘seal’ over the page stopping you from adjusting tones later on.

• Plastic Eraser and Kneadable Eraser – It’s good to have a plastic eraser with very sharp edges for white lines and highlights. Sometimes I cut the eraser into wedges with a Stanley knife to keep the edges sharp.

• Sharpener – Metal sharpeners seem to work the best. Keep a sharp end on your pencil for the finer details.

• Ruler – You will need a ruler to create your grid. You can also use your ruler to measure things if your drawing doesn’t look right and you can’t work out why.

STEP ONE