Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
The materials listed here are my favorites. Feel free to experiment and sub-
stitute different products if you prefer.
Paper
For the drawings in this topic, I used Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Board.
The smooth finish is good for blending pencil drawings. The vellum surface
has slightly more texture, which I like for charcoal and color drawings. If
you wish to buy only one pad, buy the vellum finish, as I think it is more
versatile.
I use 100-lb. (210-gsm) paper. The weight refers to how much a ream of
that paper weighs. Heavier-weight paper is thicker. You don't need to buy a
heavier paper unless you are going to paint on it.
Pencils
I like graphite pencils made by Derwent. The pencils I use most often are
2B. I also like 4H for tighter detail, and 4B for extra darkness. The letters
on a pencil indicate whether it is hard or soft: B pencils are softer; H pen-
cils are harder. The number refers to the level of hardness or softness. For
example, a 4B pencil is softer than a 2B pencil. I also use Derwent charcoal
pencils when I want a looser, smudgier effect.
Colored Pencils
My favorite colored pencils are Derwent's Studio Colour Pencils. Studio
pencils are fairly hard and are good for detail work, although they can be
blended if you don't press too hard when drawing with them.
Pastel Pencils
