How to Avoid "Graphite Shine" in Your Pencil Drawings

You've seen it... That obnoxious graphite shine that plagues your pencil drawings with a distracting metallic sheen! Here's some good news-it can be avoided. Find out how in this presentation by Darrel Tank.
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[@MidStutsman]

At age 67, I've been drawing for as long as I can remember, all from a natural ability and desire, but I've been studying your free lessons and have purchased a couple of videos, and I can say I am definitely "learning" so much and enjoying every bit of new information and techniques you so wonderfully demonstrate! Thank you!

[@namanaggarwal1957]

You are an inspiration. I am 24 and just started drawing

[@rnracefan]

I forgot to say I'm a total novice, a nurse who found drawing after being disabled with a TBI. I've never had lessons and information like this that helps me see improvement is very helpful and kind of you to share your talents so freely. Namaste!

[@J_Bant]

thanks a lot for people like you, because of this people who dont have enough money to pay for a class sessions could come up with tutorials and informations like this great job. god bless.

[@johnbowyer6902]

I've learned more about sheen from graphite from these few minutes than I have from any other media. Thankyou!😊

[@TheNewRiflemanBob]

This is the first video that I've seen on your channel. The video was definitely informative and I'm definitely going to check out the rest of your channel. As a quick note, there's no such thing as talking too long or going too much into depth. The more you talk about all of the different factors involved in our drawing, the more we'll learn. I sealed most of my drawings in plastic to protect them as much as possible as time goes on. While I can indeed take them out of the plastic and make them look better by utilizing some of the techniques that I learned from the video I will leave them the way they are. I believe that a big aspect of art is not about making everything prefect and crystal clear in the presentation, but rather to show the little details in the drawing which are deemed as imperfections. We can all look at our drawings and compare them to see how we improved over time as artists. When talking about our drawings with friends and family members we can have a long and fun conversation about the little things that went wrong in the drawing and how we took those things into account in our next project. Furthermore, what might seem as an "imperfection" can be viewed as part of the natural beauty of the work. Nature is far from perfect. In the end by having these little imperfections our work seems more real.

[@jolynntemplin7227]

I accidently came across your video and am wanting to see what else you have. I've been doing art for years but realizing how much more I do not know!! Thank you!

[@darlenewhite3899]

Thank you so much I learned more out of this short video than I have an all the other videos that I have watched. I am a beginner and as far as I’m concerned, your videos can never be too long. Thank you.

[@MarkShawMedia]

Another option is to go with a pencil that is not pure graphite but has more carbon mixed in. The Mars Lumograph pencils have almost no shine even when pressed very hard and very dark, especially the "Mars Lumograph Black" which will give you a nice rich, deep black with no shine;)

[@timeisgold7793]

I agreed to that

[@latoyarorie875]

Good to know, because just about all of my pencils have a lot of shine...even after blending.

[@rumsky_r]

The most scientific video about the subject. Thank you.

[@bullzdawguk]

Thanks for this tutorial. Graphite shine has been an issue I have and this has been a big help. Using this technique has instantly transformed my drawings dramatically.

[@stormyg1945]

I'm so glad I watched this. I have a tendency to get that graphite shine, and now I know that I can dull it down somewhat, as well as how to avoid it. Thank you!

[@JudyPruittHoustonArtist]

Thank you! These are tips that I'd forgotten. I've used pencil my whole life, but I did quit for a few years. Last year, I started drawing again and am better than ever. Shading has always been one of my strengths, but the last two drawings have had more graphite shine than usual. Now I can take my shading to a whole new level. I love your videos!

[@coalmansworld600]

this video made me realize what i was doing wrong,, I was plague with the graphite sheen from the day I started drawing... I never had any drawing education and only rely on raw talent... but after watching this I think I can be a little better or atleast ruin my drawing a little less... Thank you Darrel

[@pbrooks9]

Thank YOU so much for this video. I have had a constant problem with the shiny graphite. Love how the fixative also helps! Great information!

[@eltonsmathers6029]

Thank you. I learned more about tooth here than since I started drawing again one year ago. The description of the purpose of tooth makes me eager to go back to try graphite. I skipped to charcoal very quickly because of the value range possibility. Now that I know more about application pressure with graphite I want to do more experimenting.

[@ivanfoo2497]

Thank you for explaining the reasons for the shine and importantly for showing us how to avoid it. As you say it is wonderful to know how much control we have over this medium. Your explanation was very clear. This is such an important topic and I am grateful for the information you shared. It really does change the way I use graphite now, for the better.

[@attilathehamster6774]

You may well have solved my pet pain and in a very logical and understandable way. Thank you both.

[@eloyhbermudez]

one of the best drawing videos i ve seen in my life

[@jamietr5418]

wow, he makes drawing sound like a science study, but in a good way! I think Darrel can be both artist and scientist! ;D

[@slanguagefreak2388]

His hair are so wonderfully white and thick.

[@finch45lear]

This is a wonderful channel. Teachers are incredible people.

[@andreabatten9124]

Very informative tutorial thank you. I have always pressed too hard and have found it spoils the drawing. It helps to be reminded of the basics of value change and how this can make a shaded area appear much darker. I look forward to your next tutorial :)

[@frankiefrank4853]

Very cool. The video is strait forward with a good technique and very little sacrifice for the dark value. I am appreciative for the information. Thank you!

[@MarkShawMedia]

Just should be mentioned not to spray that fixative on unless your area is WELL ventelated as it gives off some toxic fumes you don't want to be breathing in.

[@5PencilMethod]

Excellent point, Totem. Darrel does mention it in the full length video, but it is well worth noting here. ~Diane, 5PM Team

[@antoniomaccanti5800]

High quality teaching. Thanks.

[@harusameiro]

Really awesome tip with the wokable fixative! I think I'll go buy some, I've never used it before. I'm definitely guilty of pressing too hard, even with the softer graphite B pencils, trying to get the darkest value right away.

[@lonestarpatriot876]

Great video! I had this problem which I first noticed when drawing pupils of eye's. It is blinding to have graphite shine, and it made it hard to see everything else I was trying to draw.

[@johnaquino7619]

The way that graphite is described as somewhat metallic in its shine (in this video) coupled with the flattening of the paper tooth, gives me the impression that this creates a surface similar to a reflective mirror. This seems to make sense as the problem being addressed is graphite "sheen" , or - the fact that it's reflecting light at the viewer - like a mirror. Though, the obvious difference being that you won't be using a sheet of paper filled in with pencil lead to see how you look in the morning before heading off to work. :-)

[@roguesirena]

I'm learning SO much. Thank you.

[@rnracefan]

Thanks for great information with great explanations!

[@artetinta2470]

Loved it! Learnt a million things! Thaaaankssss!

[@rkidlat]

Makes a lot of sense. How do I deal with tight areas where I need shading like eyes or teeth? I can't do the broad strokes to get the grades. I've been using a paper stomp but now I've got to figure out another way. I'm in the middle of a portrait and discovered these pointers. I've been using charcoal pencils and a stomp. That's what I get for not getting any training. I've got a lot to learn. Appreciate your help.

[@virginiaholliday6952]

I'd like to hear your feelings on blending with paper stumps, then erasing to create a negative effect. And thanks for being there!

[@5PencilMethod]

Hello Virginia! Rather than using a tortillion (blending stump) for blending, which muddies up the textures, Darrel uses a brush, which is much more gentle and allows the drawing to remain fresh and vibrant. Of course, I suppose you could over-brush, but it is much easier to have a lighter, gentler hand with a brush than with a stump or blending stick. Blending, or layering, of the pencils is what the 5-Pencil Method is all about. Sometimes you will see Darrel use a brush or even a q-tip, however, he does not use traditional blending tools such as stumps, blending sticks or tortillions because those are not necessary when following the layering steps of the 5-Pencil Method. ~Diane, 5PM Team

[@ginevracoal]

I use the same method, I'm glad it's right! Great video as always :)

[@nilspipenbrinck8040]

Why not just using a colored pencil instead of the graphite. The pigment is just lamp black. Gives a deeper black without the shine.

[@kudoumi]

wow thank you very much... this vid have changed a lot of my thoughts.. i used to think like ( oh i have make it very dark ) so i always end up having that ( shine ) thank you so much

[@MrCaptainInternet]

Very informative..thank you

[@bellesmom2012]

Love your work & I'm so appreciative of your tutorials. I have one request: when you title a video a numerical amount of hints, could you please list them below somewhere in the video by number? I take notes in my sketchbook & I want to keep the amount of writing to a minimum, I have a ruled notebook for longer instruction but like having handy notes with me all the time. This would help tons, thank you. Thank you for all your instruction. I have some dvd's, which I highly recommend, but I love the shorter you tube videos as well. THANK YOU!!!

[@davidbarker5823]

I would love to hear your opinion on using graphite powders

[@thelatephilipj]

ty for the tips

[@paintnpaper]

thank you thank you ! the shine was always my issue !!!!

[@bevsartsandcrafts715]

This is the third time I've watched this :) these videos are great to refer back to if needed. I always recommend these videos to anyone who has a drawing query :)

[@jolovesminnis]

Thank you for the tips!

[@s.a.1555]

Great video! Very useful!

[@gabrielbonuel389]

I learned a lot from ur videos....tnx I will buy a very nice materials for my pencil drawings

[@nancylee2120]

Very helpful video. I had never considered how my pencil might be affecting the paper's tooth. Explains so much!

[@08diegobc]

Could you please make a video showing all the materials needed

[@gayluinstra1396]

This was helpful!! For sure!!

[@MarcusWolford]

Is it explained somewhere why he doesn't use a charcoal pencil for his darkest darks to avoid the shine?

[@5PencilMethod]

+Marcus Wolford, while Darrel doesn't say "I don't use charcoal because...." the understanding is that he can achieve even the darkest colors with only by layering the 5 pencils. Since he wants drawing to be accessible to everyone, including beginners, he usually does not focus on mixing media in a project. I hope that helps, but if you have any other questions, feel free to email [e-mail]. ~Diane, 5PM Team

[@helalaoui]

Thank you

[@SaraFelippi]

AMAZING VIDEO!I love it! Thank u so much for sharing with us. :)

[@D4Mathur]

Thank you!

[@kahnaemery7767]

That was great information. Thank you Mr. Tank. It all makes sense-and now I have a purpose for all the varied grades of pencils that I own! I wonder if you have done (or would) do a demo for the LYRA graphite crayon, XL?

[@5PencilMethod]

+Kahna Emery Glad you liked the video! Darrel has not done a demo on LYRA, but we never say never...if it happens, we'll let folks on our mailing list know and add it here. Thank you for checking! ~Diane, 5PM Team

[@jeramieivy6032]

how do you sharpen your pencils?

[@joshywhvick]

very useful. graphite shine is the worst

[@yoheff988]

So it shines, what's the problem? It's part of the graphite. Unless you are using what I call a poster creating techniques, not much you can do about it, that is of course if very dark is your desire.

[@Robert-it9xv]

I finish my graphite drawings with a prisma 935 black pencilno Shine

[@cedriclaynesa509]

Thank you Mr KFC 😊

[@papa.alfredo]

use hi quality graphite pencils, the best? Staedtler Limograph Mars. These German pencils are the very best graphite pencils, give it a try, you might be very surprised! many greetings from Germany, Alfredo

[@5PencilMethod]

Hello Alfredo! Staedtler Mars is one of Darrel's top five picks for pencils! Thanks for commenting! ~Diane, 5PM Team

[@emmanuelred1]

I learned a lot~Thank YOU so much for this video~=D

[@josevaladez9973]

does the brush pick up the graphite?, If so will it darken the lighter shading when blending?.

[@5PencilMethod]

+Jose Valadez Yes, you have to be careful when brushing to direct into the areas where you want the graphite to go. Of course, you can erase anything you need to, but if you are careful to use control with your brush, you will be able to cast the graphite only in the areas where you want it to go. ~Diane, 5PM Team

[@josevaladez9973]

+5-Pencil Method / Drawing With Darrel Tank. thank you

[@JDvorak2009]

Is the shine from the graphite, or is the shine from adding so much pressure to the pencil, that it actually polishes the surface of the paper?

[@5PencilMethod]

We can't speak for everyone, but at 5PM we emphasize using a consistent pressure and not bearing down on the pencils to avoid burnishing and/or destroying the tooth of the paper. Even without excess pressure, though, the layers of graphite do add up to eventually produce that shine, so these are some tips to help avoid and/or minimize that. ~Diane, 5PM Team

[@jolovesminnis]

Very nice video. I'm a beginner. Is it important to keep your pencil sharp? Or is it better to be a little dull?

[@5PencilMethod]

Sharp pencils are very important. They can keep you from pressing to hard and scoring your paper. It also helps if you keep your pencil at a slight angle (so you're not pressing straight down on the lead) and rotate it regularly. The rotation works almost as a "self-sharpener" and keeps you from wearing down your pencils too fast. Best of luck as you continue your education! If you're interested, you can try Darrel's online Art Studio classes free for 30 days. There's a wealth of knowledge there and you'll have full access to all of it - you don't even need to enter credit card info. You can learn more at www.fivepencilmethod.com/artstudio. Hope that helps :) ~Jeremy, 5PM Team

[@josipristic]

Thank you Darrel, as always you are thorough, you are master! :)

[@ThePlasticBowl]

So question, the same way you can damage the papers teeth by applying to much pressure with a pencil could you also damage it by adding too much pressure with say a kneaded eraser?

[@arttalkwithmr.s6703]

Speaking as an art teacher, I can confidently say no. Pencils have a much harder surface an the eraser, especially a kneaded one. Pencils forcefully push down the tooth while a kneaded eraser is far more gentle and won't. hurt your paper's tooth

[@ThePlasticBowl]

Mr. Schwartz's Art Hour Ok thanks I was wondering about that.

[@lilstkngal]

after fixative sprayed over the drawing, can you continue to draw on top of the sprayed area?

[@JosueRamirezBarraza]

If it's a workable fixative yes you can, but it's not the same, i would only do it if it's absolutely necessary.

[@JosueRamirezBarraza]

If you put a permanent fixative then no

[@didee1000]

What is the name of the slim eraser Darrell uses in this video please? I couldn't hear what he called it. Thanks!

[@5PencilMethod]

Didee M Our class members have found them by doing an internet search in their search engine of choice (such as Google) and then price-shopping from there. Most have found them through Amazon. The company name is Tombow and the style is the Mono Zero. So if you search for Tombow Mono Zero, you should be able to find it that way. ~Diane, 5PM Team

[@didee1000]

5-Pencil Method / Drawing With Darrel Tank Thanks so much! I did as you suggested and found them at amazon.ca.

[@aaliyahpreudhomme9245]

Didee M it's a kneaded eraser

[@mevirukas]

Does that "Workable Fixatif" work on colored pencils?

[@5PencilMethod]

Yes. You just want to make sure, if you are going to be doing layers, that you let each layer dry before applying the next. If you don't, it can intensify the colors (not in a good way) and ruin the look of your drawing. ~Diane, 5PM Team

[@khuonghuynh792]

Hi how are you doing? Just curious, what kind of paper do use for your drawings to get those skin textures?

[@5PencilMethod]

Strathmore Bristol 300 series. For more info on the materials that Darrel uses and why, you can sign up here: www.fivepencilmethod.com/tutorials. ~Diane, 5PM Team

[@spiritsgyre2021]

You laud the natural beauty of the pencil and then spray it with awful contaminants. There are pencils that lessen sheen without adding more spray cans into the environment.

[@patriciakimworsley9315]

Thank you! Darrel may I ask what sharpner you use, I've bought so many in the past and they have all been useless! I'm looking for a really good one! And thanks again for all the help you give us!

[@5PencilMethod]

Hi Patricia! Darrel uses and recommends the X-acto pencil sharpener. We sell it in the Art Supplies section of our Store page at www.fivepencilmethod.com/store. ~Diane, 5PM Team

[@patriciakimworsley9315]

Thanks so much Diane, ill have to order!!! :)

[@ellawescombe5065]

Hi some constructive feedback... this 26 minute tutorial could be reduced to about 12-15 minutes if you cut out so many tautologies. Thanks for the helpful information though.

[@5PencilMethod]

+Ella Wescombe Thank you for the feedback! We have found that most of our members like the various ways that Darrel states things, because not everyone learns the exact same way. An explanation that resonates with one person will not necessarily "click" with another. I do understand your point, though, and appreciate you taking the time out to let us know! ~Diane, 5PM Team

[@fencefirst2722]

+5-Pencil Method / Drawing With Darrel Tank yeah it how you do it.. thank you

[@donnahughes9575]

I love the tautologies...I find bits of info in them.

[@The-Secret-Dragon]

your videos contain a lot of helpful information but they are waaaaaay to long and rambly. :(

[@AJM9991]

Yes, some very useful tips for a beginner...but 'hints per minute' are pretty low

[@stowmane9869]

nonsense!

[@arcademono205]

😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@RobynHannamSkyWriter]

As a beginner user of this medium, found it very helpful. Cannot wait to start on it. Thanks.