Saturday 21 May 2016

Graphite Drawing Of Human Figures In Pencil

By Helen Baker


Drawing and sketching are often the two hardest aspects for a budding artist to learn. While some artists are born with inherit talent in these areas, these individuals are few and far between. For those drawing human figures in pencil, charcoal and ink, whether from a live art model, photograph or skeleton, the task can often seem even more difficult.

When it comes to drawing and sketching, terms used can vary widely. Most often when drawing from a live art model, the correct term is life drawing. Whereas, those drawing from figurines, photographs, skeletons and other items are considered to be figure drawing. In the latter, the form can include different colors, tones, shapes, sizes and postures all created with different mediums.

For most artists, figure drawing is often the most difficult of artist undertakings. In fact, entire courses are now dedicated to the subject at colleges, universities and museums worldwide. Most likely, due to the flexibility and enduring themes associated with this type work.

Different artists take different approaches when drawing the human form. For example, some may draw from photographs while others may use skeletal models. Whereas, some artist may draw solely from inspiration and memory. While this is case, most denounce drawing from photographs due to past comes which have often fallen flat in comparison to other mediums.

Light and shadow are an important aspect of this type drawing. For, whether using crayon, pencil, ink or other medium, artists love to create shadows and reflections by using light and dark tones. As such, using light and shadow is a technique that has become popular with artists and photographers.

When it comes to pencil, most artists prefer to use different orientations of graphite. Depending on the intensity and shadowing required, there are a number of different formulations of light and dark tones available. One nice difference between graphite and charcoal or ink is that pencil can be erased and manipulated to make changes. Whereas, if an artist makes a mistake using crayon, charcoal or ink, the piece must often be recreated from the beginning.

A number of well known artists of past and present begin with a pencil drawing then override the pencil sketch with ink. One of the most prominent of these artists is that of Picasso. In many different works, especially when it comes to cubism, Pablo used this technique as an outline before finishing the piece.

Artists have been taking note and drawing the human form since the earliest of times. Whether cave dwellers, or artists using crayon, charcoal, pen, graphite or ink, most have fun doing so. Although, while cave dwellers often painted a sequence of pictures which provided stories of the past, many artists working today have an eye on the future. Whether that future be having a piece in an art show, gallery, museum or selling original artwork at festivals and other venues.




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