BEST PENCILS FOR GRAPHITE ARTISTS TO TRY

[@KirstyPartridgeArt]

QOTD: What are your favourite pencils to use for your graphite drawings?

[@melaniefranco1213]

Kirsty Partridge Art it’s a bit of a grainy feeling with charcoal

[@candys.art_]

Actually I use normal school pencils and mechanical pencils 😂 also I use black colored pencil as there are less shiny

[@ghsshshd9935]

Can you draw a micro pig in flowers that would be amazing it's really fun

[@astaroth......]

faber castell

[@ashnikfield4224]

I love using Derwent!

[@paulameredith4843]

I first picked up drawing about 7 years ago after having a heart and being in a coma for 10 days. Just started drawing with a no. 2 school pencil and a regular eraser. Just felt like drawing one day. Then I watched lots of KZbins and learned so much more. Practice and started watching drawing portraits. Which I love to do. Not there yet but getting better. Love my growth. Oh yeah I’m 72 and still a working nurse

[@vaniavieira6012]

I'm happy for you☺️

[@santospaoloalcantara9601]

God bless

[@doubledenterprise3680]

Who?

[@ranjeetakaur3219]

God bless you. Keep drawing it's very soothing. 👍💐

[@uzumakinaruto2336]

Woow. Good to see the 70s youths are drawing. Yeh I like drawing as well. It is sooo satisfying

[@chrys9256]

The Lumograph Black are some of my favourites, though when I first got them I didn't like that they are harder to blend than graphite and the results where too grainy for my taste, they seem to stick to the top of the paper's tooth. What I do now is block in the base values with graphite powder first and get that as dark as possible. Then when I go over that area with the Lumograph the result is much smoother. The tooth of the paper is already somewhat full with the powder so the Lumograph go over more smoothly and become easier to blend. Also to avoid shine I never use graphite pencils on top, instead if I want to darken something I use a brush or paper stump with a bit of powder from the 8B pencil.

[@NotRalff]

Chrysostomos Chrysostomides Man exactly that's what i do it now.. tooo... Its hard to blend with it

[@TheLondonForever00]

I'll give you a little tip. If you are trying to achieve a really smooth finish, start with the 2B first. Lightly block out the area first with the 2B and then go over with the next value you choose. They need to be layered for the ultimate smooth finish. It's the smoothest gradient I've ever been able to achieve and I have been a graphite artist for 20 years. The transition is so smooth it looks computer generated. The blackest is the richest out of any carbon, charcoal or primo elite. These pencils are a game changer. I do a lot of testing with various pencils and I get closer to reproducing this method with anything else. Try what I've said and you'll see what I mean, you'll have a eureka moment, trust me on that!

[@reaganthomas4315]

This would be a good replacement for my Ebony pencil. It’s jet black and it’s smooth, but it’s waaaaaaay too shiny. Thank you for telling everyone about these.

[@prakruthimuthappam2305]

These charcoal pencils are great . I love your realistic paintings thanks for the ideas 🤗☺

[@jwle84]

Hi Kirsty, I don’t know if anyone else has suggested it but I’d advise trying the regular lumograph pencils with the black ones. They are the blue painted ones. When I’m trying to block in black areas I use the blue 8b and blend it in to get most of the black down. Then go over it with the black 8b. The blue ones blend easier but are still very black and matte. They seem to fill in the tooth better. Just something to try. I only use the lumograph and lumograph black pencils now and have the full set for my portraits. I love the value range I can get from them.

[@sahityadas466]

Use solvent or nail polish remover to blend mars luminograph just like color pencils.

[@laurakenney100]

That's spectacular. It looks just like a photo. Well done. Those pencils sound interesting.

[@KirstyPartridgeArt]

Thank you!

[@katywuste9054]

Absolutely love your portrait drawings, literally can’t get enough of them. Another great video, thanks Kirsty

[@TheLondonForever00]

Kirsty, the reason you see that (shine) is because what effectively done is burnish it. You've no need to keep going over it. Block out the area for the eyes in the 2B black and then do a couple of passes with the 8B. You then won't have this problem. They're isn't a need to go heavy with these and you keep the tooth in great working condition. You can with blu-tack remove the 8B back to the substrate without anything left on the surface. A soft white or a black Factis Eraser works extremely well with the Lumograph black. Hope that helps

[@saydvoncripps]

Had the same problem..plus getting a real black! I use Tom Bow pencils because im a messy drawer, and they dont smudge as much. Ii have now ordered these. I will try them. Thanks for the advice.

[@saydvoncripps]

Got them! Spot on! Everything you said is true.

[@jainulbadal4545]

You are the person that no one could watch away with your drawing

[@kblissart5794]

My favourite graphite pencils are the Caran D'ache graphwood pencils, their not as shiny as a lot of others and they go crazy dark. . I love how the drawing turned out, it looks so realistic! Really liked the video! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the steadler mars lumograph pencils.

[@RoseThistleArtworks]

Wow! That drawing turned out FANTASTIC! I liked that I did not know what the finished drawing would look like and discovered that as you went along. Your finished drawings blow me away! I think they are good, really good, and then you just keep going and it's crazy amazing! I was looking at those blobs on his hair and wondering if you had blinds behind you that were casting sunlight through those little holes onto the drawing and then I realized that it was not that. You did that on purpose. Just amazing! This video is so informative about the shine vs non shine. Thank you so much. Your organization of the information and presentation of each piece of information are so incredibly helpful and then to get to see your art work in progress, too, just sends it all to outerspace!

[@naiarafinotti6437]

I have one of these, and I'm trying to do some blur backgrounds and shadows with, but really have this grainy look. So, I'm using a sandpaper to make some powder and apply to the paper with a tissue or a brush. And after, I complement the dark areas. Works for me. Helps to make it more smoother.

[@Marykk1448]

I gotta tell you, I’m a huge fan of your channel. Your videos are looking so much more Cinematic and you do an amazing job teaching what your so amazing at. I’ve already learned so much from you. Not just that, I support you on patron and from all the pages I’ve supported over the last couple of years, none of them come close to how thorough as yours. Your content is so diverse and you cover so many different subjects and the fact that you supply a reference photo and a sketch to go along, it’s worth every penny supporting you. Keep doing what your doing. Your amazing. Oh and you look so beautiful in your videos!

[@derickchatfield]

I bought a set of these pencils about twelve months ago, and never used them, after watching your brilliant video, I will go and dig them out, and see what I can do with them. Keep up the good work, you inspire me and I'm sure lot's of other people also. 😀

[@MichaelJVanecekWrites]

Have been using almost exclusively the regular Lumograph pencils for over 20 years with no real complaints except for that bit of shine. Very happy to see their black version for the darker shades. Definitely will get me some to experiment with.

[@StuartwasDrinkell]

I use graphite powder and a brush for a soft background gradient. The bonus is youre saving all that waste graphite when sharpening. It does shine some but not as much cause theres less compression on the paper. Beautiful drawing btw.

[@movz8006]

I'm still using faber castel graphite pencil for my portrait drawing and for the colored drawing I use prismacolor I love them both

[@larsjensen6731]

Another EPIC piece Kirsty! You truely are gifted! Keep on rocking that amazing art 🤘.

[@hickyhaddock7638]

Wow! I just had to comment and say the portrait looks AMAZING! 🤩

[@bonjourbonsoir2206]

My god how talented u are!!!!!

[@donnawalter3061]

Fantastic realistic drawing of John snow Kirsty, you are a very very talented lady, you are so kind for sharing your knowledge with us all, you are beautiful inside and out, and you constantly make me PROUD, keep up the great work that you do 😍😘😚

[@RunaaSteinamrk]

Great review and the drawing is amazing. I don't think I've ever seen falling snow in a drawing before 🙂❄️

[@sumansarkar8136]

Your teaching methods are very effective

[@artbyhasan3099]

very well done kristy..grear guidness and work

[@angelawilliams9059]

I luv to draw and im really good at it but alot of tips are so helpful. Ive never done anything other than pencil art. Ive always wanted to do charcoal. Seeing your drawings with charcoal im totally gnna try it now. Thanks

[@MegaHatoon]

Wow.. can we stop and appreciate your art🤗

[@shahoodbaig7695]

I just realized I have two of the 6b pencils of the Mars lumograph. Wow 😍

[@virenf9824]

that is a amazing piece of art work i'm not the only one that is super happy that i found you, ever classmate of mine ask me to make a drawing , thanks you so much for these amazing videos

[@pravinmj7970]

The video ends with another amazing art.Lovely!

[@cindyfoster8332]

Love your work. So much talent and a real joy to be able to watch you!!! Thanks

[@madihahmohamud5571]

Hey I know your video is posted last year but Im so glad I found your videos. Ive been drawing abt 4 years now and I decide to enhance my techniques cuz I dont go to class etc. I just learn by myself. I just purchase this pencils and Im loving it! Never knew this pencil going to be my new favourite. TYSM

[@brenttaylordotus]

I like using Derwent pencils and controlling the contrast between forms. Can’t go as dark sometimes but you can make things stand out here and there

[@creativequeen8371]

Wow! I'm new to sketching, as off yesterday. Your work and information provided is amazing and helpful. Thank you.

[@chelseygooch4073]

After you're finished with a graphite pencil drawing, such as this one, do you put any type of finish on the top to prevent it from smearing? If so, what do you like to use?

[@stephw1363]

Great question id love to know too. I have just a very old can of fixatif that smells so awful i rarely use it.

[@elizdonovan5650]

Unless you’re a professional who wishes their work to last indefinitely, a cheap can of hairspray works for a student/early learner who is on a budget. Try it and see what you think. ☘️🌝🌲

[@bane-980]

Ordered these today. Looking forward to trying them out. Fantastic portrait btw.

[@renjamin69]

This might sound weird or pointless but getting the Mod Podge Gloss Clear Acrylic Sealer makes the drawing have some shine so you can't tell where the pencil strokes are. If you don't want a glossy effect then.... sorry. Don't know what to tell you :T

[@benderama7988]

I can't believe I actually recognized who you were drawing while you were finishing the first eye. I'm a huge nerd. Thanks for the review, these pencils have been on my amazon list for a while.

[@misstricksmix]

Amazing drawing tips !!! Thank you gor sharing !!!

[@ashnikfield4224]

IM A HUGE GRAPHITE ARTIST THANK YOU SO MUCH! My favorite pencils to use are Derwent! I love graphite drawings and it’s basically all I do :)

[@ANina1111]

I use them ages, Staedtler Lumograph are fantastic pencils. I used all sort of brands but Lumograph are the best, you can use them in combination with Mars black. I use the 6B and 8B from MarsBlack as my darkest darks and 2H,F,B Lumograph as the lighter values- mix them up. You can sharpen them with one way blade into really long sharp tip. They don't blend too much, and don't go over it with regular pencil again,,,you get the shine but if you use matte varnish fixative you get rid of it 👍❤️

[@nonoylustriajr5698]

Pretty artist with nice voice you're very talented!! Thank you that's very helpful!🤗

[@dianesterling2835]

Awesome portrait of Jon Snow. You have inspired me. Thanx so much!

[@kenneth1767]

A little goes a long way. I'm used to regular Staedtler pencils, and the first thing (besides the feel) that I noticed was how little graphite was being used to cover an area. The matt finish is a definite win.

[@shaymaorabi7902]

Oh my God !! this is an amazing drawing 💕 Well done

[@ninaanns7226]

Wow, such talent 💕

[@JamieBoots]

Nice review. I think that graphite is a crystal which is why you get the shine. As long as the picture is lit correctly it is not a problem, it's just one of the natures of the material.

[@pawandeepsingh1921]

thank you kirsty for uploading this helpful video. we just love your art❤

[@dannyburns4392]

The lumograph black are carbon and quality. You should definitely try the Conte A Paris Pierre Noire. They are like nothing I’ve ever used before. They seem to be charcoal but mixed with wax so they are matt black. They are REALLY dark and have zero shine. I can’t recommend them enough

[@marshalepage5330]

I like your tissue technique for wolf's carbon pencils. It turns out perfect.

[@NickRowlandsMusic]

Flawless work as always Kirsty!

[@farkhonda.29]

Wonderful!! Looking forward for your next video! ❤️

[@thunderbunny4346]

I thought "yeh 😄 a new video from kirsty" and then I realized you're drawing Jon Snow 😍😍 Amazing!

[@meghanworkman6449]

I will definitely try these. I love working with graphite, but I don't like the shininess of the darker graphite pencils. Thanks for this video!

[@jsmith3478]

Bought these the other day. So far, so good.

[@hlk01]

Thanks for the review. I ordered a set from amazon using your link. It was also cheaper than going direct so thank you again. 👍

[@katherinesullivan-simonds7019]

My favorite pencils!!! Glad you found them

[@darthollpheist1156]

I never really mind shine. I think of it like a TN panel (computer monitor type), if you're looking directly at it, as you should be, there's no issue. That being said, I still buy art pencils because you have to have the different hardness if you want to make nice art. My favs are HB, B2, B4, and B.

[@marianpopa354]

I wanted to try the Faber Castell ones but I've changed my mind. These seem much better ty

[@vwood2]

Thank you for an excellent review. But the real star is the drawing - your talent is astounding! 👏🏼

[@ginasartcorner5686]

Wow! This was fast :D didn´t think you would try them out this soon! The drawing looks super cool! Great job.

[@AlexYorim]

Nice! This would be on my wishlist.

[@atvalleau]

I've never used the Lumigraph pencils, but Wolf's carbon pencils work really well for me. Very dark but with little, if any, shine. Sort of like a cross between graphite and charcoal. Great work, by the way!

[@nikolion4256]

Do they blend well?

[@atvalleau]

@@nikolion4256 Yes, I've found the Wolff's carbon pencils blend very well, and they seem a little less prone to smudging compared to charcoal. They are also very dark, so a little goes a long way. I've only been able to get B, 2B, 4B and 6B in these pencils. Might be all they have.

[@nikolion4256]

@@atvalleau thanks man

[@Alina-kb1qf]

This 8B is best pencil ever! Really love it

[@gossenxdxd6292]

Kirsty partridge thank you for this channel...that helped me reach what I needed to be satisfied... in just 1 month... i can really draw realistically...with a big part of your help...thank you❤

[@Gutsu_]

Kirsty you're so amazing. Love your work.

[@verna1630]

Hey! I am 12 years old girl from finland!😊 I want to be good at drawing like you! I love your drawings❤ much love from finland!

[@bseely772]

Amazing Kirsty!

[@MrSteamDragon]

Brilliant. Stunning. Any chance of some do’s and don’ts on sharpening and insights as to the pros and cons on the various types of sharpeners for graphite pencils? ...cheers Mal, Oz.

[@miscellaneousstuff1155]

That drawing was insane!

[@williebraxton1988]

Your drawings are beautiful. I'm glad to see you use an electric pencil sharpener. They do work sometimes. Most artist frown on them completely.

[@ArtistChristie]

i used to use the staedtler lumagraph mars pencils . the 7b and 8b didnt have shine, but i recently bought them and i think they changed how they produced them because it pure graphite so i went ahead and purchased these. hopefully i get them soon and i hope they are like the old ones too.

[@muhammadtalhaimtiaz8616]

Thanks Kristy you solve my problem. Thanks again

[@nimishapandya3564]

There are faber castells which are matt (black matt 1111 pencils)☺

[@melonie42O]

Wow, what an amazing drawing.

[@filipinoarchmage5793]

I love Staedtler Lumograph pencils especially 9B which I never knew existed until I saw it. 😊

[@happymom1108]

Hope to watch you talk about how can u draw in portrait so accurate?

[@DjaRodneyArt]

Really helpful tips...thanks.

[@ishandraws8884]

I use these!🙌🙌now i'm feeling proud

[@maisabelreyes6605]

Really great drawing.. Thank you for sharing... 😊😊

[@jadetobin]

My goodness you're amazing!! That drawing is....don't even have words .... the detail and ...just wow!! This was great info on the pencils...I'm on the search for nicer pencils. Darker darks for sure and less breakage. I just have a cheaper set that I started out on. But I also can't spend a ton on them either :/ I've also been looking at, and loving the look of water soluble graphite, especially for backgrounds or certain looks. It gets so dark as well. So maybe a mix...getting a good set of regular pencils and add a small set of med to dark water soluble graphite...not sure. But this was great info!! Thanks so much!!

[@nikhilsuresh230]

These are good, Staedtler also has extra dark pencil of grade EE . They are darker than 9B and no shine.

[@panzerpatriot4920]

When I tried FC Pitt Graphite Matt 8B, it felt for me too as if I was drawing with an oil pencil, like Polychromos or something. Kinda disappointing, but I might try 12B or 14B someday. I like the look from your Staedtler Lumograph, need to check them out aswell.

[@SamsArtStudio]

Great tutorial!

[@veeraaswal8051]

There is also ee grade in the lumograph and it's great

[@tarungurraiya8748]

Thanks for giving such information

[@ianwalker3922]

I've been using Mars lumograph black pencil for a while and I think Pritty much the same as you but like you said in the video 📹 you did if you draw by building the graphite up There are very good and do what they say on the tin... 👍👍 try them there a step forwards for us pencil drawers thanks for sharing top stuff

[@michaellopez9673]

Thank you for this video. Very inspiring!

[@ambarishaoxn1614]

Your videos are amazing! Keep creating such videos , it's so helpful ! And also could you do a video on General's Charcoal pencils? Thank you.

[@1118freeze]

Came here for a pencil review and ended up loving your artwork

[@kittykatsfc13]

I just got some they are fun & felt like a color pencil a bit but the best part i love drawings lashes with the😊 thanks for the video ❤❤❤

[@rt-ks2bh]

My favourite pencils that shine are your teeth,,there so bright and clean,,love your vid,,thx for sharinggggg

[@kaths4155]

Im a young artist but i really want to improve please do some tutorials i love this

[@CaffeiNeko]

I LOVE those. I bought them a while ago and I absolutely love them. I agree they have a slightly different texture/blending capability tho as I saw in another comment.

[@whateversart7939]

thank you for another helpful video :)!

[@KirstyPartridgeArt]

No problem :)

[@biggersound]

You're an amazing artist.

[@bottleofarts101]

Wow I am really impressed by your work!

[@lillianblade7861]

it's been up for two minutes and already has 127 views.....

[@KirstyPartridgeArt]

Notification squad is strong xD

[@geckonia]

You do beautiful work. 👍🏼