Drawing Human Figures In Pencil

By Helen Baker


While there are a number of different mediums which can be used for drawing, charcoal, ink and graphite are often the most popular. When drawing human figures in pencil, many artists prefer to use different shades and tones of graphite. Generally, by changing different soft and hard tones of graphite, an artist can enhance and highlight shapes and curves in the human form.

When it comes to drawing and sketching, terms used can vary widely. Most often when drawing from a live art model, the correct term is life drawing. Whereas, those drawing from figurines, photographs, skeletons and other items are considered to be figure drawing. In the latter, the form can include different colors, tones, shapes, sizes and postures all created with different mediums.

For most artists, figure drawing is often the most difficult of artist undertakings. In fact, entire courses are now dedicated to the subject at colleges, universities and museums worldwide. Most likely, due to the flexibility and enduring themes associated with this type work.

As with all art, the outcome need be unique. As such, there are a number of different approaches an artist can take. For example, while some prefer working from photographs of individuals, others prefer to sketch the person live in a studio. Whereas, others may draw solely from memory and inspiration.

While light, dark and shadow play an important role in photography, the same goes for life and figure drawing. Artists often use light and shadow against the surface and curves of the body when sketching a live model. Whereas, others use light and shadow to create shapes and other figures within a primary drawing.

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.

Artists have been taking note and drawing the human form since the earliest of times. Whether cave dwellers, or artists using crayon, charcoal, pen, graphite or ink, most have fun doing so. Although, while cave dwellers often painted a sequence of pictures which provided stories of the past, many artists working today have an eye on the future. Whether that future be having a piece in an art show, gallery, museum or selling original artwork at festivals and other venues.




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