This document provides examples of different techniques for creating value and shading using graphite pencils in drawings. It highlights works from artists such as William Bailey that use fine detail, Wayne Thiebaud that uses loose lines, and Lucian Freud that creates a clean drawing without blending by paying attention to the value range. Further examples note how it is possible to create rich blacks with patience, how pencil allows for crisper drawings than charcoal, and how an artist used small circles to build up shading without blending.

1. l
Examples of Graphite Drawing
(Pencil Inspiration)
There is a wide range of ways to use pencil to create value (shading).

2. lWilliam Bailey, Seated Figure
This artist uses the pencils capacity for fine detail to focus primarily on the face in this drawing.

3. l
Wayne Thiebaud, Two Figures on a Bed
Notice how loose the lines are creating the areas of value. This is a
completely valid way of using pencil, and often creates a sense of
energy otherwise lacking in a more “finished” drawing.

4. Lucian Freud, Self-Portrait, 1946
Notice how the artist doesn’t blend,
but still creates a very clean
drawing.
Pay attention to the value range in
the ear. There are extremely light
grays and very dark grays. The eyes
and inside of the mouth are almost
black.

5. Whitfield Lovell, Untitled 2003
Graphite on cream buff paper and
collaged playing cards
Note the rich blacks in her
hair and eyes. It is
extremely possible to go
very dark with just pencils,
but you have to be very
patient. Note

6. l
Eric Beltz, Delirium
It’s difficult to keep a pencil
drawing this crisp and clean,
but nearly impossible with
charcoal. That is one of
pencil’s advantages.

7. l
Rembrandt, 3 Sketches
of Prodigal Son and Women
Gesture
Robert Kogge, Untitled 3
While this drawing has the least exciting content (to my eyes), it never ceases to amaze me.
It looks like the artist used small circles to shade. It is not blended, but marks are built up very
slowly on top of each other. You can see the texture of the paper, which is really nice!