7 Drawing Techniques - Part 2

Pressure Technique

The pressure technique can be applied to create different shades and tones. The intensity of the tone is varied due to the different levels of pressure applied to the drawing tool.

This works exceedingly well for drawing tools that are hard. E.g. graphite, pencils, charcoal, etc.

To apply this technique, press hard on the drawing paper when shading and slowly ease of the pressure. Observe how the shade fades off as the pressure eases off slowly.

This whole effect can be completed with the use of just one drawing tool. It can be used to create dark or light tones. I've included an example of the many different levels of tones that can be created.

The more sensitive an artist is to the pressure, the more levels of intensity that he or she can create.

How many levels can you create?

Layering Technique

The layering technique can also be used to create different shades and tones. A particular drawing area is darkened by shading over the same portion over and over again to achieve the intensity required.

You can try this technique with drawing pencils. Start with a HB pencil and shade lightly over a rectangle. Next, go over the same area with a darker pencil, say 2B. Repeat the process with a few other pencils, each darker than the previous one. Observe the effects.

You can also try this technique using just one pencil. Watch how the layered portions become darker and darker as you continuously draw over them.

Note that this technique works best when working in dry conditions, unless you want the shades to blend together.