I’d like to discuss a technique that can elevate your graphite pencil drawings to the next level: using a black colored pencil or softer, darker graphite pencils to create a wider value range and achieve greater depth in your artwork. Look at this picture and read below!

In the world of pencil drawing, understanding and utilizing value is key to creating realistic and captivating pieces. By incorporating a black colored pencil or softer, darker graphite pencils in your work, you can significantly enhance the tonal range and depth, bringing your drawings to life.

I recently worked on a portrait of a young girl and wanted to demonstrate the remarkable difference that adding dark values can make. By comparing the before and after images, you can see how the introduction of the darker pencil transformed the piece, adding dimension and depth to the girl’s face, making it appear more lifelike and visually captivating.

Incorporating a black colored pencil or softer, darker graphite pencils can help you:

1. Achieve richer, darker values: Traditional graphite pencils may not produce the darkest shades you need. Using a black colored pencil or a softer graphite pencil, such as a 6B or 8B, can help you create deeper shadows and darker tones.
2. Enhance contrast: A greater range of values allows for more contrast, which is essential for capturing the viewer’s attention and emphasizing the focal points of your artwork.
3. Create more depth and volume: A wider value range enables you to accurately depict the way light falls on your subject, enhancing the illusion of depth and making your artwork more visually compelling.
4. Bring out subtle details: Darker pencils can help you emphasize and define subtle details, such as facial features, hair, and clothing textures.

If you’d like to see a step-by-step demonstration of this technique, make sure to check out my YouTube channel, where I have a video tutorial on adding dark values to a portrait drawing using a black colored pencil and softer graphite pencils. It’s an excellent resource for artists looking to improve their skills and create more impactful, lifelike drawings.

So don’t be afraid to experiment with darker pencils in your graphite artwork. By embracing a wider value range, you can achieve greater depth and create truly stunning, realistic pieces that will captivate your audience. Happy drawing! Watch this video to see how it’s done: