Graphite pencils are an essential tool in any artist’s toolkit, as well as a staple in school classrooms, offices and studios around the world. Graphite pencils offer versatility and precision from fine detail to detailed technical drawings. But what exactly makes a graphite pencil so unique? In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about graphite pencils, from their history and composition to their uses and types.
What is a graphite pencil?
A graphite pencil is a writing and drawing instrument consisting of a wooden body and a graphite core. Graphite is a soft, greyish mineral made up of carbon atoms that gives the pen its writing properties. The wooden casing protects the graphite core while allowing it to be sharpened for a sharp and precise line. Unlike ink or markers, the graphite pen is easy to erase, making it a practical tool for both writing and artistic drawing.
Understanding the strengths and darknesses of the pencil
One of the key aspects of graphite pens is the grading system used to determine their hardness or softness. This grading can be confusing at first, but it’s easy once you understand the basics:
- H-graded (hard): Pens graded with an H contain more clay, which makes them harder. The higher the number before the ‘H’, the harder the pencil (e.g. 4H is harder than 2H). Hard pencils create lighter lines and are ideal for technical drawing or fine detail.
- B-grade (soft): B-grade pencils contain more graphite, which makes them softer and darker. The higher the number before the ‘B’, the softer and darker the pencil (e.g. 6B is softer and darker than 2B). Soft pencils are ideal for shading and creating deep, rich black tones in artwork.
- HB and F grades: “HB” pens are considered medium, offering a balance between hardness and darkness, making them suitable for writing. The “F” grade is similar but slightly harder than HB.
Graphite pencil types
There are several types of graphite pencils, each with a specific use:
- Standard wood graphite pencils: The most common type of pencils are the classic wood pencils. They are available in different grades and are versatile for writing, drawing and sketching. Some pencils use recycled plastic instead of wood, an environmentally friendly alternative. Standard graphite pencils can be further distinguished between school pencils and artists’ pencils. School pencils generally have a finer core than, for example, artist grade Derwent Graphic or Derwent Sketching graphite pencils. A thicker core helps artists to create bolder pencil lines.
- Mechanical pencils: They don’t need to be sharpened and many prefer them for technical drawing and fine detail. Mechanical pencils are available with cores of different thicknesses, from 0.3mm, 0.5mm and 0.7mm up to thick 6mm graphite sticks.
- Graphite sticks and blocks: Graphite sticks offer a larger surface area for bold and expressive work and are ideal for large-scale sketching and shading. Derwent XL graphite pencils, for example, are thick and handy to use and are particularly suited to bold and expressive lines. Derwent Graphitone water-soluble graphite sticks, on the other hand, add even more excitement to expressive works using water.
- Water-soluble graphite pencils: These are unique in that their traces can be manipulated with water, allowing artists to create watercolour-like effects. These are ideal for mixed media work.
- Graphite powder: It can be used to create large areas of texture and to create a soft, smooth effect.
Use of graphite pencils
Graphite pencils are incredibly versatile and are used for many different purposes:
- Art and illustration: Graphite pencils are an essential tool in an artist’s arsenal, whether for sketching initial sketches or creating highly detailed artwork.
- Technical and Architectural Drawing: The precision offered by the harder pencils makes them ideal for technical drawings, plans and projects.
- Writing and note taking: HB pens provide a balance between softness and hardness, making them ideal for writing.
- Graphic painting and mixed media: Water-soluble graphite pencils allow artists to experiment with washes and blend seamlessly with other media. Derwent Graphitint drawing pencils, for example, with ink mixed into the graphite, can help bring colour to graphite work. This combination gives the drawings a light saturated colour, but adding water makes the tone more vivid and bright.
Essential tools for using graphite pencils
Graphite pencils are versatile in themselves, but combining them with the right tools can enhance your work and improve results. Here’s a brief overview of essential products that work well with graphite pencils:
- Erasers: Different erasers can help correct mistakes and add creative detail. Carbon erasers are ideal for removing graphite without damaging the paper, while vinyl and pencil erasers offer more precision for small details. Electric erasers allow fast and accurate erasing of fine areas.
- Blending stumps: Blending stumps (also known as tortillons), wipes and napkins help to soften and diffuse graphite, creating smooth transitions. A chamois cloth can be useful for large-scale shading.
- Sharpeners: A quality hand-held sharpener or a handmade sharpener will give you better control over the sharpness of your pencil. Some artists use electric sharpeners for convenience. When choosing a sharpener, it’s good to remember that there are also many different types of sharpeners available. Some sharpeners make the tip of the pencil longer and sharper. While other sharpeners may leave the tip of the pen just shorter. It all depends on the degree to which the sharpener blade is attached.
- Fixative: Spraying the work with a fixative during the process will help to prevent smudging while allowing further work. For finished work, the fixative provides permanent protection after only a couple of coats.
- Paper choices: Smooth paper is ideal for drawing fine details, while textured paper offers more grip for bold drawings. Canson Dessin and C’a Grain drawing papers are ideal for pencil work.
Using these tools in combination with graphite pencils will help you achieve more professional, refined results, allowing for greater control, precision and creativity in your work.
Summary
Graphite pencils are more than simple tools; they are versatile and indispensable tools for both creative and practical endeavours. Knowing the grades, types and uses of graphite pencils will help you choose the right pencil for your specific needs, whether you’re an artist, a writer or just someone who loves the feel of pencil on paper.
So grab a pen, start sketching, writing or drawing and discover the endless possibilities this humble tool has to offer!