How to get Darker Values with Pencil

[@aaimansabharwal5201]

Those pencils are in the right hands..

[@Fuzzy_457]

Thanks sir please help as more Thanks

[@melisasahin1372]

They're so lucky..😊✏️

[@spuddart3540]

* Cries in left handed artist*

[@user-og9nl5mt1b]

Good thing he isn't left handed

[@jusvibin3588]

@@spuddart3540 😭😭😭this comment is so underrated LMAOOO

[@nuezacarlo2712]

It is severely hard to find artist like Jono these days in youtube. I still remember the time when artist are really outstanding and informative not just a band of rich asses who likes to doodle then buys subscribers. Cheers to you man! keep posting these good stuff.

[@zqxy694]

Sounds like zhc🤣🤣

[@udithmohan993]

@@zqxy694 ur right😂😂😂😂

[@AlexAnder-rv1gu]

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA Well, as someone who went through art school 2002-06, I wonder how long ago you're pining for, because I don't remember any profs at U Waterloo being anything greater than what you lament about artists 'these days'. They've been fakers since the birth of 'modern art' (code for "if I do something totally silly, but no one else did it before - because it's totally silly - then I can sell it for a lot of money if I know the right people who can help me hype myself" )

[@lechonkawali5725]

Jono Dry's wet techniques is very underrated

[@ArtrichStudio]

VERY underrated

[@mimiko8577]

because it requires a lot of understanding and proper handling as he said its very toxic and can harm your skin and lungs. that's why I'm so curious on why he's not using a charcoal or a black graphite instead.

[@savannahb435]

Your content has inspired me to return from my 5 year art hiatus. I always assumed I was "just a pencil artist"; or as others like to say, a "good drawer". But your appreciation for the medium has shown me that there is no shame in working with graphite. Thank you!

[@MahmoudReda-vl4vb]

@Jono Dry, I used graphite aquarrel pencils (Faber Castell) to get dark tones in tiny areas. I either wetted the pencil tip and carefully went over theses areas or i darkened the area using the pencil then carefully went over it with damp paint brush... The interesting fact is that these areas were non-reflective at all (completely dark) give it a try & hope it works 😊

[@johnnycorcoran6975]

I tried it.. awesome

[@j_shelby_damnwird]

Thanks for the tip man. I’ve been looking for a method to fill in large dark areas in my drawings. It’s very tedious and the results not so good. That “shiny black” graphite effect is especially annoying and really ruins the work. I’ll try your suggestion 🙏🏼👍🏼

[@MahmoudReda-vl4vb]

@@j_shelby_damnwird glad to help 🙏

[@gpgthefunnyreligion4927]

wow

[@FireAngelOfLondon]

Two years later and there are pencils on the market that work well for this too. Faber Castell make the Pitt Graphite Matt range in grades down to 14B, though 7B or 8B seem to be the least shiny and the darkest. Staedtler make the Mars Lumograph Black range (not the Mars Lumograph range, the word "Black" has to be in there) and those are just as amazing. The Staedtler range go down to 12B but once again the 7B or 8B seem to actually be the darkest and most matt in the range. It is certainly worth trying them all out to see what suits you.

[@kalenzambrano9016]

A lot of pastel artists use isopropyl alcohol, for underpaintings, and backgrounds which works great, because it drys really fast, also you could consider using a liner brush for the finer details, and edges.

[@artbonita]

Thank you for mentioning how Linseed oil may cause a fire if left alone on rags! I paint with oils and had no idea! When you said that in the video, I looked down at my waste basket and said...”Holy smokes!” As I realized there were five or so saturated rags with oil. A million thanks for all your amazing videos and art! I love watching you work and create.

[@j_bubblez279]

Yes. You have to store it in a fireproof box

[@danieldraws]

You really need more subs. I personally think that your tutorial videos are the most underrated out of almost any art channel.

[@JonoDry]

I appreciate that! Thanks so much😊

[@vamsikrishna628]

@@JonoDry what is that solvent you use to get darker tones where can I get it

[@shashankashekhardey8786]

@@vamsikrishna628 he uses linseed oil. In Hindi it’s called til ka tel I guess. That white and black stuff.

[@atreyastryker2939]

@@JonoDryis there a way I can draw so it’s easier to erase with my tombo mono, it’s really hard for me to get a bright line and it seems pretty easy watching your videos

[@timothypadernal2747]

your artistic sense is absolutely genius. thanks for these tips!

[@ArtrichStudio]

youtube; better than college

[@hillarysyiem3929]

When Jono Dry explain ,, I'm always 100% understood 😁👍....❤️

[@JonoDry]

That's really lovely feedback -- thank you!

[@marcosvitor9019]

@@JonoDry pls, can i use charcoal with solvent ??

[@schneeeule7614]

the combination hyperrealism and surrealism make a very great effect. your work is brilliant. love it. 🙋‍♀️

[@arga_arts9515]

man i love your art...i wanna meet you someday

[@MidgeACE]

As someone who does oil painting would recommend trying Poppy seed oil. Dries faster than Linseed oil. Also Linseed oil can yellow or tarnish over time.

[@AnnaHans88]

You are one of the few artists I have found on KZbin who understands the dangers of solvents. Thank you for your channel and this well-researched video!

[@AlexJade]

I started experimenting with Gamasol as a solvent for my graphite after you mentioned solvent graphite and since I use it for color pencil blending already. The dark value using it is amazing. I really look forward to more of your explains videos.

[@skylarb.3363]

Amazing information!! Also, you can treat the linseed oil soaked rags just like you would with oil paint rags, a firesafe garbage can works great until you have enough to take in for safe hazardous waste disposal.

[@storm1968eu]

fire safe = a completely closed (no airing or draining holes) and full metal (no plastic bottom, bag or inner bucket) trash can with a complementary lid (full metal no holes), preferably hinged to the can and impossible to leave open, f.e. with a foot pedal. you can find them as standard bins for metal workshops where oil drenched cloth, paper and even clothes are part of the trade and the occupational hazards that come with the industry.

[@gayleliman3423]

Oh my Word, you are so generous and your work is brilliant. Thank you.

[@joannehopper261]

You can get a proper fire-safe, hazardous materials, disposables can with a lid that’s lifted with your foot. They come in different sizes and specifications, but some are OSHA approved and are usually Bright red. Better to be safe! I also spritz my towels with water at the end of every day to be triple sure. I have a very dear friend who lost her studio and house that way - it’s a real problem and should be taken seriously.

[@raycarter4030]

Watching that solvented(?) application around the two figures was the most satisfying thing of my day 👍

[@MichelleMoreusArt]

When the pandemic hit I started drawing again. I found your videos and and haven't stopped drawing. Thank you for the inspiration. I have since started my own channel, which takes up a lot of time , but I'll get back to my graphite. I feel the need to start a really large piece .

[@MichaelCarter]

Linseed oil stained many of my canvas papers and turned the paper orange to dark brown on the back over the years. Now PVA is applied first to seal the paper fibers from acidification. Some PVA in water could be added when stretching paper.

[@BabretManArts]

Bro may u get lots lots lots lots lots lots lots lots lots lots lots lots lots lots lots of success in your life. You are very hard working guy.

[@carolinependleton8445]

You are such an amazing artist with such a soothing voice.

[@runawhitley3277]

This video answered so many of my questions, thank you! I can't be around solvents for health reasons, so the idea of Linseed Oil was amazing. I would love to know in the future if you find it to fade at all or if the fixatives you use work with it as well. Best wishes to you!

[@redflag2508]

I live drawing with pencil and graphite. The work featured inspired me beyond words and shows me how much room I have to grow with drawing skills and the medium. What’s gift this video is. ❤️❤️❤️

[@therealdonnawagner]

By using linseed oil, you're essentially creating graphite paint (since oil paint is often made from linseed and any of a number of ground pigments). Therefore, you may want to look into the specifics of how to cure oil paint and protect it longterm so you have a springboard to jump from re: expectations and how to alter/customize your technique. Thank you for sharing this video! It was very interesting to watch your process and hear some of your findings.

[@sugarmeowmmy]

His videos are so soothing. Made the mistake of watching Jono's video before an exam. Yep.. I slept and missed my exam. Better get back to watching the rest of the video😂

[@JonoDry]

Oh my gosh that's terrible I'm so sorry🙈

[@happyart7839]

@@JonoDry sir which solution do you use with graphite powder plz give me proper name of that solution

[@travissennett1026]

@@happyart7839 He was using Gamblin Gamsol as a solvent and Gamblin Linseed Oil for the oil. Both can be found and pretty much any art store

[@natashiabahnhansen6733]

I SEE that new piece in the background! (at 7:25 and 7:44) It looks stunning! Please tell me you have a timelapse coming for that one!!

[@JonoDry]

I'm so glad you like it😊 Yes it's on its way!

[@mackeejack6731]

“Accept your medium” you’re brilliant man. I’ve always struggled with accepting the sheen

[@JeffLee-tz4og]

Hi Jono, thank you for your videos. Mixing linseed oil with charcoal dust is an interesting idea. Linseed oil + powdered pigment is the definition of oil paint (In this case the pigment is charcoal). Therefore, if extended drying time is an issue, there are drying agents available to add the oil/pigment mix to speed up the drying time. In addition, there are other oils such as walnut oil, poppy seed oil and safflower oil which are sometime used to make oil paint. (Linseed is still considered the best binding oil to use but it brings a yellow tinge to the pigment so alternative oils have been used to reduce this element.)

[@sushantgajghate3590]

You Genius! You are sooo underrated . I have been following you from a long time and you still amaze me.

[@JonoDry]

Thank you for your support!

[@daviderigamonti2731]

Jono Thanks for your valuable advice!

[@connieadamsmattson5767]

Thank you, Jono. I've always been a "pencilist" but was told when young that one cannot make a living in it... that no one wants it. I should not have listened. I love your work, keep going! You inspire me! ❤

[@ronancruz8547]

Have been binge watching your vids everyday man, Best pencil artist in youtube ever.

[@user-zj9pq5xc7x]

Your work never ceases to amaze me. You are an incredibly talented person!

[@JonoDry]

Thank you so much! That's really kind to say😊

[@travis6279]

I've found that using charcoals for dark tones is really effective with graphite drawings. I've always liked the way those mediums interplay as well. Also, I've heard carbon pencils can give really dark values without that sheen. I haven't experiemented with those yet myself. What I have been doing lately is gradually building up tones by layering light and then darker pencils on top of each other. It doesn't give me pitch dark tones, granted, but I do get a nice range of values.

[@elhomo6406]

I used charcoal for a little while but I found that it would result in the shine of the graphite being far more noticeable against my darkest shadows. I ended up moving back to purely graphite just to maintain uniformity throughout a piece.

[@lisedescoteaux821]

Wow, wow, wow! I cannot believe how good and patient you are, making those masterpieces in pencil! Your work is magnificent, I would love to have half of your talent! Congrats! I would certainly give the solvent/linseed oil a go! Thank you for sharing

[@johnathonm4649]

I love your content so much, Jono! You’ve truly helped me fall into my own, and progress as an artist. Thank you so very much for sharing with us. 🙏

[@cilandialane3084]

Jono I did a test after seeing this video with M Graham walnut oil. Takes very little. I was amazed. It dries fairly fast as well. Love your work. Thank you for videos.

[@geckonia]

That would be my preference as well. Little to no odor. 👍🏼

[@rutbrea8796]

Great! I watched your other video and didn't know that you had other videos in which you explained about the material you use and your technique. Thanks so much.

[@jnb2524]

I just bumped into your channel and was fascinated by the way you draw. I subscribed right away! It's time to brush up my skills again. Thanks for giving us this amazing channel. Cheers from Canada!A

[@floydsartdairy1862]

You’ve been a great help in learning more about art techniques. By the way, I'm a salesperson in an art store, and most of the tips I give to my customers that do hyper-realism Or use graphite, I got from your channel and they Helped them and myself a lot.

[@spikeybunny6577]

What solvents would you recommend for these wonderful dark values, other than linseed oil?

[@staceycerninka9714]

Very captivating he is. Inspiring and i can yell he obviously knows what he's doing. I will be trying the lynseed oil. Thank you

[@valkyrie_592]

wow your art is so drop dead gorgeous. I really would love to have a piece of you in my home somewhere in the future

[@SC4RArt]

This is fantastic!! Really enjoy watching... Thumbs up! 👍👍👍

[@studyoung2102]

Thank you sir for creating videos with contents like this! You are amazing!

[@DragonNo1]

Jono: thank you for your videos; your work is remarkable. In order to make the linseed oil dry faster, I normally use Liquin or any alkyd type varnish. I've been using it in my oil paintings for many years, and never seen the yellowing that some people predict. You may want to test it with your graphite + linseed oil to see what the result on paper. Cheers

[@lauriekane4686]

The linseed oil technique is intriguing, and I'm definitely going to try it. I just wonder, that over time, will the oil seep throughout the rest of the drawing, spoiling the areas that are lighter, with less graphite saturation? I wonder if it will "yellow" the piece, throughout? ❤ your work!!

[@edzejandehaan9265]

Both worries are unlikely. As Jono says, linseed dries (because it oxidates), so no risk of seeping, because it becomes a solid. As used here, mixed with graphite, any slight yellowing will stay invisible because of the dark grahite particles.

[@kas88an]

I really wanted to try this technique too... i gave it a try but my drawing had the exact problems that you are concerned about. At first it looked just absolutely wonderfull, but after a month or so the oil started to seep through and affect the parts that are not completely black. I have not yet found a solution for this myself as there can be various causes for this to happen. Maybe the oil i used was too liquid or maybe i used too much of it... i don't know. But absolutely try it before you use it. And give your tests some time, because for me this all started to show after a month or so. Ps. Share your experience if you find something useful. ;)

[@mc_va]

@@kas88an have you tried water soluble graphite? Faber-Castell has it in different hardness and there's also water soluble graphite sticks, you can get really deep blacks and you can kind of erase a little bit

[@AlexAnder-rv1gu]

I also wondered that, Laurie. Edze, have you used linseed oil on paper before? The yellowing is a real effect, and like Jono said - he did various TESTS for this video, but they are still not dry. So he can't make any comment about the long term effects on one's drawing. Yellowing takes place over years and all paper slowly yellows, but paper that was painted on with oils changes dramatically in only months. (I can attest to this personally from experience) Kaspars, thanks for sharing your experience. Jono did say to be careful not to over-load your dabber, but I suspect that any amount of oil that is enough to transfer the medium will eventually result in at least some oil seepage like you experienced.

[@hakanlundberg]

Unfortunately the acidity of a drying oil will damage the paper. A good quality WC-paper will perhaps sustain longer than other cheaper papers because of how it’s sized inside and on the surface. But the acidity of the oil is still far too aggressive for paper. And the oil as it continues to polymerize over the years will also become more and more brittle. Further, the linseed oil-or all drying oils for that matter-will yellow when it polymerizes. I would not recommend using oils with paper that hasn’t been prepared for oil paints if you want your artworks to last and look good longer than a few decades. Note that some solvents will also irreversible harm the cellulose. Although since they evaporate the “harming process” will end after that. And yes… oil will penetrate the fibers. The seizing may prevent some to penetrate just like it prevents water from penetrating. But the paper will still get “moist” by the oil. Oils in general penetrate fibrous materials easier than water. That doesn’t mean it will necessarily-as a binder and not a solvent-dissolve any graphite pencil marks on the surface. And because of that it may go undetected.

[@Naga2Hands]

Thanks Jono ❤️

[@Madasuto]

Great Video Jono thank you! one question does de linseed oil let a oily stain on he paper?

[@melisasahin1372]

You're drawing extremely realistic. You r a pro..🌟

[@fariaislam09]

I am in love with your work... I wanna learn more about your techniques ❤️

[@copyrightshouldart]

These tips are really good to know. Thank you for sharing those. I will have fun testing my graphite tools and hopefully, my art will become even better.

[@stoneiecloudnine]

In my experience with linseed oil the biggest things I've always heard (I've done these and not had a problem) is keep the old rags out of sunlight and just lay them out flat on the shop floot(concrete) you don't want to wad them up the fold trap the heat or expose them to direct sunlight because that somehow speeds up the reaction making more heat. If you don't have a concrete floor at hand I'd imagine a square foot tile from a home Improvement store would be fine or anything stone or metal that size mostly you just want a place you can lay the rags out so the heat dissipates quickly and on a material that won't burn.

[@veunsplantgirl6370]

Your are my inspiration Jono king of all graphite art 👌

[@akrisk_graffitit8203]

i recommend using a soft palette knife for the graphite powder cause u can get a much more variety of details and get into tight corner areas.

[@artisan7555]

And your introduction shot lighting is amazing less contrast and milky colour grade....😮😯😍😍

[@mariyears]

I've learned so much from your videos! Thank you!

[@x13xmonkey]

I really appreciate these art lesssons.❤️🇨🇦

[@andreapiedmonte1954]

This opens the door to a lot of possibilities to experiment with: alcohol, egg, rabbit skin glue. There's also graphite over matt medium. I had better get busy. By the way, I had to watch this video twice. I was so taken with your drawings, especially the conjoined figures. Took my breath away.

[@ez_is_bloo]

I was just looking you up an hour ago because I thought I missed an upload and then I saw this just now.😅 Great video!

[@maisie6904]

Wonderful explanation.

[@GmcArt]

You are my favorite artist ❤️

[@tanujagaikwad2200]

the best method I think is the graphite powder and cotton....🖤thanks for help sir...

[@fevronija]

Your work amazes me every time!

[@ArtStyllent]

Thank you for sharing your techniques.. it'll be help full for us😊

[@cherieadamsdodd256]

That solvent background is amazing! Thanks for sharing how you do it! I wonder if the non toxic pencil blenders used with coloured pencils will work 🤔

[@pablopicoso]

Started using solvents back in the eighties but never linseed oil. Gonna have to check this out and thanks for the cautionary warning. Did not know this about the heat.

[@Art_by_Rashed]

I love you artwork❤️ My dear artist jono dry

[@bonaventureart]

This is cool You're amazing Jono Dry

[@ks3394]

Thank you so much 🥺....u explained so well

[@vipresssammemmedli1758]

Solvet & Charcoal very good mixing 😊😊😊

[@arduav1]

Thank you Jono. This video has really helped me

[@JonoDry]

Glad to hear it! Thanks so much for watching :)

[@jimmycricket7385]

Basically there are three different solvents for pigment, all with different drying times. From fastest to slowest they are spirit, water and oil. Some clever artists can use mixed media and get great contrast with inks charcoal and graphite. Sometimes less contrast is the effect an artist seeks. Ghostly and ethereal.

[@adamjohnhurley]

These videos are super great man, has seriously been helping me out finding materials and things. I have a question? What do you use for your table, I’m looking for a large piece of wood so I can stretch a large piece of watercolor. Any suggestions? Thanks again!

[@spikeybunny6577]

I believe he uses MDF, paper tape, and clamps

[@soumitrachattopadhyay8195]

I've also used a mixture of water, graphite and a little bit of adhesive in my previous artwork, it was really helpful... After watching this video I'll definitely try linseed oil and graphite mixture... Thank you sir 😊🙏🏼

[@tinaheard3866]

I'm always looking forward to new vids from you ... all are so informative and inspiring !! Thank you for taking the time to share !!

[@listerd93]

Hey Jono, just watched and thought that you're pretty much creating a super loose graphite oil paint. There's comments about liquin which would help with drying. Main caution would be the archival-ness of your works, as the linseed oil can damage non-treated paper. Arches makes a oil painting paper that has been sized so to avoid seepage and damage, maybe worth looking into?

[@sweetkorn.]

Thank you so much for sharing 💙 You're amazing person and artist 💓

[@joefortunato833]

Not sure if someone mentioned this yet, but as a substitute for linseed you can get walnut oil alkyd medium (also for oil painting) that dries in a few hours

[@ybbal8640]

I finish my graphite drawings with a "matte" finishing spray that takes away the shine and gives a uniform darker look. I just have to trust the process and that it's not going to look complete or correct until I spray finish it. I look forward to trying some of your methods :)

[@kyleolivarez1366]

What type of solvent do you mix with your 9B graphite? Acetone? Also, do you have a mixed ratio you try to follow, or do you just try and obtain a certain consistency?

[@skynomad1]

Excellent presentation and informative. Thank you for sharing your expertise. Beautiful artwork!

[@rossweissetv]

God lvl tips kudos to you bro. Im new here and i cant stop watching your videos.

[@nathanieljayvillamera6470]

Another lesson, this is really great, though I can't afford to buy ypur art materials, but I used baby oil and graphite powder for dark backgrounds. Thanks for this video Jono!❤

[@johnnycorcoran6975]

Baby oil? 🤔 how can you protect your work?

[@lelone22]

I saw another video of yours where you draw a big eye and I was wondering if you can tell me a good type of graphite pensils to start with and what do you use to get so much realistic detail in your drawings.

[@mizuhokusuha]

Thank you very much for these wonderful techniques!

[@paul_domici]

Thanks Jono! This is very helpful! I do have issues getting good contrast with graphite! Like you said good paper is important but knowing where to leave highlights is also important! Jono we are waiting for you to do a live drawing session on youtube so that we can all draw along then share our results with you on instagram!!! Much Love Maestro!!!

[@JonoDry]

Thanks so much for the comment Maestro! That's a really good idea. I'll definitely give it some thought! I've got an art channel running on my Patreon account if you're interested in taking a look: www.patreon.com/jonodryart

[@charlotteperely4054]

Magnificul your job.

[@xavierjacintofx]

Greetings, at 4:10 you talk about mixing graphite powder with solvents, and at 6:28, about linseed oil. I would like to know (if possible) the details of both of them in order to make a few experiments too.

[@aaimansabharwal5201]

I had a question, do you blend after shading your pencil sketches?

[@clementinelives]

You usually try and get the blend as smooth as possible BEFORE blending, otherwise you rush the process and you get that grainy look that pencil provides

[@andrewsoper5505]

Thank you so much. If it works with oil painting mediums, what about an acrylic flow medium?

[@Whd29393]

Jono dry, you are my inspiration in the art world.

[@LeperKing1174]

It's funny how unnecessary youtube channels get 1M subs and this guy is at 200k?? Dude Jono should be at Million subs by now

[@maheshtutika2566]

Dear @Jono Dry. You are truly gifted/blessed artist, even though you deny that it is luck. It is talent that leads all the way. Could follow a bit of hardwork that you mentioned but nonetheless you are truly amazing artist. I follow your arts/videos and the xplanation that you offer is incredibly helpful for beginners like me. We are blessed to have you on youtube and sharing your work. The day I get closer to decent drawing at beginner level , will be your patreon and follow full length. I try to go through all comments to that I dont have to ask same repeat questions. For now no questions as I am always in AWE of your work. God Bless you.

[@JonoDry]

Thank you so much for your support, Mahesh 🙂 🙏

[@ironmanabhi007]

Really helpful video , Thank you sir !!!

[@ks3394]

U r a legendary artist

[@oonaghluke4052]

Brilliant tips thank you you're lovely!!!

[@haragiri5996]

Thank you for the great advice, I'll make sure to try out these methods

[@user-zj9pq5xc7x]

My God! The timing is just right!