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Graphite Drawing Of Human Figures In Pencil

By Helen Baker


When it comes to drawing and sketching, there are several different mediums which can be used. One of which is drawing human figures in pencil. Whether sketching an acquaintance, colleague, friend or art model, it is important to pay attention to detail. Whether attending class, posing as an art model, or simply sketching for fun, drawing is one area of study which many people find challenging and enjoyable.

The proper term for sketching from a figurine or object is considered figure drawing. Whereas, when working from a live model, the preferred term is often that of life drawing. While drawing or sketching from a model or object is often difficult, life drawing can be a great experience for live models and artists.

Life and figure drawing are the two most difficult aspects in this genre. While this is the case, the plethora of art classes in drawing, sketching and other areas now being offered at museums, colleges and universities is on the rise. As a result, there are now more artists working with these different mediums than in quite some time.

There are many different approaches an artist can take when working with the human form. Whether working from skeletons, photographs or live models, the artist also has a choice of different mediums from pen and ink to pencil and crayon. Photography is often accepted as a viable option though many dismiss using this aspect due to the lack of artistic and editing capabilities.

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.

While some artists prefer to work with crayons, charcoal or black, white and colored ink, many artists prefer to use a graphite pencil. Being that graphite is most commonly used in figure drawing, pencils are often sold in various formulations of intensity. These formulations range from very soft to very hard with medium soft and medium hard formations also available. Like charcoal, pencil drawings can be manipulated and erased.

Many well known artists have been known to draw in pencil then sketch over the pencil drawing with ink. One of the most popular and well known artist to do so was Pablo Picasso. In fact, when it comes to cubism, it is fairly easy to see both pen and pencil when viewing this work in a museum whether by Picasso or other artists in the genre. Artists do need to remember that once the pencil has been traced with ink, recreating the piece is the only option for editing and revision.

As artists have been drawing the human figure since prehistoric time, it has remained a viable and popular art form for centuries. However, it has only been since the late 19th century that women were admitted into figure and life drawing classes. In fact, a number of historical documents show that nude models for aspiring female artists were largely unavailable at the time. As such, women have come along way in the art world as well as the world at large.




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