Silverpoint

Figure library · 58 diagrams · page 1 of 10

Every diagram in the program

The teaching figures on their own, large, in order. Each one links to the technique it illustrates. Useful pinned beside the board when you only need the picture.
  1. Nine pencil grades from 4H to 8B with the darkest value each can makeHARD · LIGHT · THINSOFT · DARK · FAT4Hlayout2HlightHcontourHBgeneralBgeneral2Bshadow4Bdark6Bdarkest8BblackH = hard. The higher the number, the lighter and finer. B = black. The higher the number, the darker andsofter.

    Pencil grades

    pencil-grades

    Pencil grades →
  2. The overhand grip: pencil held under the palm, side of the lead on the paper, motion from the shoulderOVERHAND GRIP · MASS, TONE, LONG LINESwhole arm moves, wriststays quietThe side of the lead lays wide, soft marks. Pressure comes from the weight of the hand, not the fingers.

    The overhand grip

    grip-overhand

    The two grips →
  3. The tripod (writing) grip: fingertips near the point for short precise strokes, pivoting at the wristTRIPOD GRIP · CONTOUR, DETAIL, ARCHITECTUREshort strokes,pivot at wristHold it further back than you do for writing: an inch and a half from the point. Fingers steer, they do notpress.

    The tripod grip

    grip-tripod

    The two grips →
  4. A knife-sharpened long point with 8 to 10 millimetres of exposed lead compared with a short machine-sharpened coneMACHINE CONE2 mm of lead. Blunts in a minute. One kind of mark.KNIFE + SANDPAPER LONG POINT8 to 10 mm of leadTip for line, side for tone, same pencil. Re-point on a sandpaper block in twoseconds.roll the pencil as youstrokeA long point is the single cheapest upgrade in drawing. Every master in this program used one.

    The long point

    sharpen-long-point

    The long point →
  5. Studio set-up: board tilted about 25 degrees, light from the side opposite the drawing hand, slip sheet under the hand, paper at arm's lengthSET-UP20 to 30°light from the left(right-handed; mirror if left-handed)a slip of clean paper under the heelof the handA flat desk makes you draw with your fingers and foreshortens the page. Tilt the board and sit back.

    Board and light set-up

    board-setup

    Board, light and posture →
  6. Cross-section of paper showing graphite sitting on the peaks of the tooth, which is why light pressure leaves white in the valleysPAPER TOOTH (MAGNIFIED)light pressure: peaks only, grain showsmore layers or pressure: valleys fillCorot let the grain show for air and light. Fill the valleys only where you want a solid dark.

    Paper tooth

    paper-tooth

    Paper and tooth →