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get the lead out: selecting the right pencil for your drawing

There isn’t any lead in pencils – never has been. In fact, at the core of the humble pencil is powdered graphite that’s fired with clay to produce various degrees of hardness. But because graphite is soft and malleable, qualities also found in lead, it was mistakenly thought to be a form of lead when it was first discovered. So when early pencils were made with a core of graphite, people called them “lead” pencils and the name stuck.

It’s important to focus on quality when buying art pencils. The beauty of graphite is that it leaves small, smooth particles on the paper. Poorly processed, low quality graphite can produce unpredictable and random tones or can actually scratch the paper instead of marking it. Next, be sure the graphite core is centered so the pencil doesn’t break when you sharpen it.

High quality artist’s pencils deliver reliable and even tones and are graded by the hardness of the graphite. Pencils are not an expensive art supply, so experiment with several ranges of hardness to experience the differences in tones. For beginners, a low-cost selection would include a 6B, 4B, 2B, H and 2H from a reputable brand of artist’s pencils.

Make Your Mark

Wood-Cased Artist's Pencils

• The most familiar pencil has a cedar wood case with a graphite/clay core and range in hardness from very soft (9B) to very hard (9H).
• Start with 2H, HB, 2B, 4B and 6B – and add the full range of pencils from 4H to 6B for extremely fine and realistic work.
• Purchase quality pencils for more reliability as you sharpen them.

Clutch and Mechanical Pencils

• Clutch or mechanical pencils are a favorite for many artists because they have a constant size, weight and balance that doesn’t change during use.
• Can be expensive initially, but refills are reasonably priced. Experiment with the lead diameter and determine your preference.

Progresso Pencils, Graphite Sticks and Graphite Crayons

• Progresso pencils are thick pieces of graphite with a layer of lacquer on the outside to provide cleaner handling. They’re ideal for sweeping, expressive work as well as shading.
• Graphite sticks or crayons are chunky, crayon-like pencils that artists most often use for large-scale artwork and life drawing. They can be messy to handle, but add a more tactile element to drawing.

Powdered Graphite

• Very “hands on” artists use powdered graphite, applying it to paper with their fingers or on cloths. It’s idea for drawing soft, loose marks, or to prepare a toned drawing surface.

Carbon Blends

• Carbon pencils are made from lampblack, a derivative of burned oil, and deliver a dark black, smooth line. Available alone or blended with charcoal and graphite, the mark depends on the particle size, which varies depending on the composition.
• These pencils provide a true black, unlike graphite tones.

Chalk and Pastel Pencils

• Black and square, Conte Crayons are made from graphite or carbon mixed with a wax or clay base for a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Hard pastels are available in a pencil form for easier use.
• White pencils are either colored pencils or pastel pencils and come in a variety of combinations of pigment, chalk, clay, gum and wax.

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