Introduction to Graphite and Colored Pencil Drawing

Learn techniques for observational drawing, with a focus on still life and portraits. Students will be introduced to drawing principles such as gesture, structure, and composition. The goal is to learn the basics of graphite and colored pencil drawing and the skills acquired will help those interested in keeping a sketchbook.

Introduction to Graphite Pencil and Colored Pencil Drawing Materials List
 

Graphite Pencils: At least one 2B, one HB, and one 2H pencil. Additional pencils: 4H, H, B, 4B.

Recommended pencil brands: 

Tombow Mono Professional Drawing Pencil

Staedtler Lumograph Drawing and Sketching Pencil 

Faber-Castell 9000 Pencil

Derwent Graphic Pencil

Colored pencils: One red, one yellow, one blue pencil. Optional: brown, black, white Recommended brand - Prismacolor
 

Paper for graphite drawing: A pad of Strathmore Series 400 Paper 11" x 14" Or Strathmore Series 400 Paper 14” x 17”

Or any size Strathmore Series 400 Paper pad that is at least 9” x 12” or larger.
Link to all the paper sizes here: Strathmore 400 Series Drawing Paper Pads.

Colored pencil paper: If you are using Colored pencil, I recommend this paper: Legion Stonehenge Drawing Paper Pad - 11" x 14", White, 15 Sheets (optional) Also comes in “Warm White” called: Legion Stonehenge Drawing Paper Pad - 9" x 12", Warm White, 15 Sheets (optional)

 

Erasers: One Gray Kneaded Eraser - Prismacolor Kneaded Rubber Erasers or
3 Pack on Amazon - PRISMACOLOR Design Eraser on Amazon 

Tombow Mono Mechanical Eraser (optional)  or General's Mechanical Eraser (optional) 

 

Sharpener:  Any Graphite Pencil Sharpener
Or One - Kum Long Point Sharpener- Blue (color)
Link on amazon: KUM Long Point Pencil Sharpener, sharpens in 2 steps; 2 spare blades includes. With lead pointers for 2 mm and 3.2 mm. BLUE only - from Amazon
Link from Jerry’s: KUM Long Point Pencil Sharpener- Blue Flip Top Reservoir with Lead Pointer (for 2mm & 3.2 mm leads) - from Jerry’s Artarama
Link from Michael’s: KUM® Automatic Long Point Sharpener with Lead Pointers - from Michael’s

Support/Drawing board (optional) Not necessary to purchase-

A foam board or any hard surface to support your drawing. This is an example - Blick Sketch Pad Board 15" x 16"