Pencil Techniques (Sketches)

I've always loved to draw, ever since I was a little kid. But I've realized now that I don't know much about the proper way to sketch and the pencil techniques that go along with it. So far, the book Sketching by Alwyn Crawshaw has taught me several new tricks to get varieties of lines and shadings.

There were three methods I learned in the section that I read for today.

The first method is called the "short hold position" (16). This method is pretty self-explanatory. By holding the pencil closer to the tip, much like how you write, you gain the most control for sketching (16). I tried some strokes and doodles using the short hold position.

The second method is called the "long hold position" (16). For this technique, you hold the pencil farther away from the tip. According to Crawshaw, "The long hold drawing position allows more freedom over a large area" (16).

The last method is called the "flat hold position" (16). This position is applied by holding the pencil almost flat on the paper so that you can use the long edge of the lead, as the name suggests (16). Crawshaw states that this process "...allows you to work large shaded areas with fast, free, broad strokes..." (16).  For all of these methods, I practiced by using different amounts of pressure. This helped me create darker and lighter lines.

Prior to reading this section in the book, I had always held my pencil in the short hold position for all my sketches. I even used that method for shading. Now I see that by using varying positions, I can accomplish different shades or lines in a more efficient way.

After reading and practicing all this new information, I decided to do a quick sketch that demonstrated all three methods. I noticed a big difference in my sketches from before (compared to this new sketch). There were more line variations, which made the sketch a lot more interesting.

After this little sketch, I have begun to agree with Alwyn Crawshaw when he writes "Sketching is the most uplifting and enjoyable...it is a great teacher, whether you are working with pencil or paint, outdoors or indoors" (7). Just reading and learning three new methods for sketching has given my sketches more life, much to my enjoyment.  

I am wondering if there are other pencil techniques out there that will create new/different types of lines?

Citation:

Crawshaw, Alwyn. Sketching. New York: Collins, 2008. Print.