NPS Sketchbook Club

  Have you ever wondered why your pencil sketches sometimes don’t look quite how you imagined? Maybe the shadows seem patchy, or the tone feels flat, no matter how carefully you try. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, too. Often, the secret isn’t just in your hand, but in what’s under it, your paper. Let's dive into both the pencils and the paper. A Quick Look at Graphite Pencils Graphite pencils are made from a mix of graphite and clay. The balance between the two determines how light or dark your pencil marks will be. You’ll usually see pencils labeled from 9H to 9B: H pencils are harder and lighter, precise and fine for details B pencils are softer and darker, B pencils as soft and rich for bold, dark shadows F pencils sit comfortably in between If you’re shading, softer pencils like 2B, 4B, and above, are your friend. They lay down more graphite with less pressure , making shading feel smoother and more forgiving. Four Simple Ways to Shade: Shading is ...

Master the single biggest secret to professional shading: H vs. B Pencils! H (Hard): Think Hard, Highlight, Helpful for light lines, clean details, and planning your sketch. They stay sharp longer and won't smudge easily. Perfect for initial drafts of your artworks. B (Black): Think Black, Bold, Blending. These soft pencils deliver deep, rich tones and are essential for shadows and intense shading techniques. Save this post for your next drawing session and tag a friend who needs this art guide.