I've just been trying a few pencil sketches which I felt needed some random marks over a reasonably wide area, and I cannot believe how difficult it is! I keep finding myself getting into a pattern of marks and following it over the area. Even the size of the marks seemed to becoming standard size and direction.

Any tips?

Thanks

Hi K9Keith! Can you exand a little regarding what effect you're trying to achieve, then lets see if we can help.

Best wishes,


Steve Williams
PA & RSC Wigan / Warrington / St Helens

Hi Steve,

On this occasion I was trying to show pockmarks on stone, and in the same drawing trying to do bark on trees and a random effect seemed the best to aim for.

In the past I have also tried something as simple as shading in an area - again with randomly spaced dots and each time I seem to end up with neat rows.

It ought to be easy but...

Thanks
Keith

Hi Keith! Have you tried shading with the edge of the pencil rather than using the point? Using different weight and even different pencils, you can achieve a whole variety of effects. Also use a Putty Eraser to take some areas away.
taking things a stage further, even try shading with Watercolour Pencils, and coax out some subtle colour with a damp brush.
When I paint, I use the edge of my brush to achieve dry brush effects, and a similar effect can be achieve with the side of the pencil; have a go and lets know how you get on, or if you don't think this helps, then come back to me and we'll try something else.

Good luck and very best wishes,


Steve Williams
PA & RSC Wigan / Warrington / St Helens

hi, dewent graphics are the best pencil i use and they range from 9H to 9B, 9B being the softest and darkest, always have a light edge as you always have light over dark and dark over light, the dark receeds the light comes forward, to do marks if you are copying a picture try to do it by sections or just try it randomly and quickly. pencil is my best medium, i hope i have helped :)

Try holding a B grade pencil say 3b/4b/6b on it's side and rub gently in small circular movements over the paper. increase and decrease the pressure on the paper using your arm, Not by pushing the pencil into the paper. give it a try you can achieve some very interesting textures by using different grades of pencil. then if you can make small marks over the top as required. or very lightly hatch over the top with a 4h to seal in all the graphite. good luck