Drawing Tips and Techniques, How to Draw, Graphite, Charcoal and Carbon Pencils

[@TheGhostrider1209]

Absolutely amazing, your technique is so fluid and graceful. I enjoy your work so much,thank you for sharing your work with us it has truly made me a better artist. I have plans to buy some of your work once you have some more to sell to have in my small art studio. This one has become a favorite so far. Can't wait for more.

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thank you! it always makes me so happy to know I'm helping fellow artists and anyone who enjoys drawing and painting, Its a pleasure to share these videos on youtube, I will be putting up more drawings in my ebay store soon, thanks for the kind and encouraging comment:)

[@TheGhostrider1209]

Going to try those Conte a Paris pencils and try a horse picture similar to this. I always enjoy your work and love it when I see a video in my sub box.

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

The Conte pencil are definitely worth a try, they are a very nice quality black, but the pencils do have lots of grittiness, Thanks again for the kind words, more videos will be popping up in your sub box soon:)

[@josephlevacher995]

That voice!!! So calming. Bob Ross of drawing. Lol.

[@sandyphillips2467]

That’s just so clever thank you for your time Sandy

[@clem3268]

You are a great master and an inspiration to all ! Thank you for your amazing videos :)

[@sandyphillips2467]

It just beautiful thank you for your time Sandy uk

[@margaretbrownhill1193]

I've looked at this a lot over the last few months, I ordered the pencils today so that I can try and do it. The last of my blocks tumbling down I haven't drawn a horse or any animal for over 50 years but I know I have to do this. Thankyou so much for being so inspirational and your help in getting me to this place

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

This is one of my favourites Margaret, I enjoyed drawing this, the Conte pencils were an experience though lol, once you get used to them they are wonderful for the really dark darks, Glad i was able to inspire you into having a go at this one, its a lovely image.

[@margaretbrownhill1193]

smoothie77 it is a lovely image it captivated me when I saw the reference photo on patreon, now I want to do something about it, I'm not letting negative memories influence me anymore

[@estellegrove4853]

Absolutely lost for words! Fanbloodytastic! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@jazminalvarado8433]

It turned out spectacular! Love the photo and the drawing! Blessed with a soft sounded voice! Thank you

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thanks Jazmin, I'm pleased you like this one, the photo really is endearing, I appreciate you kind words:)

[@shabnamtheunissen581]

The Conte pencils are carbon indeed. Thanks for showing how you draw. Very beautiful and inspiring.

[@MegaYosarian]

For me this is quite removed from your usual subjects. A great study and a wonderful technique. You have a great way of describing what you do with no drama or background 'musac'. Thank you very much Smoothie, you are still inspiring me and your followers.

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thank you so much, that's a very kind and encouraging comment, its great to hear you are still being inspired and enjoying my videos, your comment just made my day!

[@meggienaipal8833]

So beautiful. Thank you I have learned so much from this.

[@SandyCampbellHemet]

Absolutely stunning!! I so very much enjoy your patient and peaceful voice and all of your helpful tips. So happy I found you!!

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thank you Sandy, you're comment just made my day! :)

[@forestntt72]

I have my money here ready to buy your book when you bring it out. I would imagine there are many out there that would like to see a techniques book from you too. Excellent art as always.

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thank you! I'm working on it, its like everything I do I take my time and try to do it well, as soon as its ready I will announce it on youtube, thanks for the interest and kind words:)

[@JNeedels]

Thank you for showing us your processes, this video has helped me most of all because I struggle with getting the fine highlights, and filling in all the "pores" of the paper. But seeing how you lay down charcoal more than once and blend more than once. I also have issues with the paper blender making the blend too dark, and the method you used to pull some of the charcoal back up was very helpful. Thank you.

[@laszlosomogyi1782]

Amazing

[@mariakellner2221]

Such a beautiful image,superbly rendered,tfs

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thank you Maria, I'm glad you liked it, www.marylkaart.com

[@donaldserpette3792]

Hey Smoothie! Excellent job with this picture. the picture was a wonderful choice for your source. Plus the wonderful relationship between the little girl and her horse, that the drawing speaks... Well done my friend:)

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thank you Donald, I'm glad you too see the relationship between the horse and the little girl, for me its what the picture is all about, its a very special moment the photographer captured, its a very strong and endearing image. I always appreciate your comments Donald Thank you:)

[@emson263]

Smothie Your drawing looks better than the oryginal picture !

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Oh I don't know about that, but its very kind of you to say. The grid method certainly helped a lot, thanks

[@willywalt9712]

That's awesome. Just subscribed. The British accent adds to your credibility too.

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Many thanks Brian, and welcome to the channel.

[@choochoochooseyou]

Excellent walkthrough. Great finish.

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thanks, kind of you to say :)

[@jpwartist]

I've used these conte pencils for s few years on my graphite work. They give excellent dark values. They're actually black pastel. They work best if you shade an area you want black with them, then use a rubber point ended shaper to blend, then a small brush to smooth it out. An excellent pencil.

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Sorry for the late reply JP, I only just noticed your comment, I will try using a brush to smooth it out, thanks for the info!

[@jamessimpson9525]

Wow brilliant! nice to see a different genre of subject!

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thanks James, I'm glad you like the change of genre, I will be drawing some more different subjects in the near future, I will still be drawing lots of landscapes too.

[@jamessimpson9525]

smoothie77 excellent look forward to that. I've shared some recent work on your patreon page hope you don't mind

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Of cause I don't mind! I will take a look right now...

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Really nice drawings James!!! I just commented on Patreon, are you able to view the comments...I'm not sure if I done it correctly?

[@jamessimpson9525]

smoothie77 hasn't come through yet. I'll keep checking

[@nosineb]

Superb piece of work Smoothie as always. One of the best lessons I've got from watching you is to slow right down and take more time. Thank you.

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thank you, yes its important to take your time, there's no rush, just relax and enjoy the whole process.

[@katherinesimonds622]

I'm in love with this drawing. Your ability is absolutely stunning, and while I just cannot do what you do, I eagerly await every one of your videos! Thank you :)

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thank you Katherine, I like this picture too, I'm sure you could do this, try the grid method it really help and makes things easer:) I appreciate your kind words:)

[@derickchatfield]

Excellent, really enjoyed watching this video, I shall have to get the old pencils out. keep up the good work.

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thank you very much Derick, get those old pencils out and have a go! (don't forget to sharpen them first) :D

[@margretmartin7572]

So beautiful Jon! Just love it 💗

[@bobandwilkernohan2184]

I enjoyed this tutorial very much, very clear and informative. I have a box of assorted Conte pencils given to me which I still have not used. I especially liked that there was no distracting annoying back ground music. I also loved the subject, Well done!

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mauricebeadsmoore5322]

I know this is not your usual scene but what a wonderful result I cant wait to have a go.You have such a patient and interesting way of describing your techniques and look foreward to your videos Thank You Smoothie

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thank you Maurice, I really appreciate your kind words! more videos are on the way, I wish you all the best with your horse drawing:)

[@mauricebeadsmoore5322]

Thank you for reply so quick I wonder how you find time to fit it all in

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

I wonder myself sometimes lol, I always think if some one is kind enough to take the time to view and comment on my videos, its the right thing to do to comment back and at least say "thank you" It may get to the stage where I get just too many comments to answer, but I will always try my best to answer as many as I can.

[@grahameke3533]

Smoothie, this is fantastic. So well done. I love how precise and accurate you are, especially with your tones. Agree, the drawing looks better than the photo and I love that you ventured out a little beyond your comfort zone. I really enjoy your videos, very inspiring.

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

That's a very kind and thoughtful comment Graham, thank you, not so sure the drawing looks better than the photo, but hey I'm happy to go with that if you say so :D

[@NilRochaArt]

Cool, I really like how you use graphite, thank you

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thank you Nil, very kind of you to say:)

[@izakpolman6280]

Such an amazing drawing, just love it.

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thanks Izak, I'm pleased you like this one.

[@msee383]

Hi Jon, love the Conte crayons/pencils. On my wish list for Christmas.

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Hi Martin, I wouldn't wait for Chrismas, I'd get them now lol, they are super dark and feel strange to start with, but once you're use to how they smudge and blend you will find them a joy to use, definitely worth getting a couple or even just the darkest (3B i think) and see if you like it. Hows the knee today?

[@msee383]

Ok will buy some now. The knee is very painful. But have to wait to see if my pre-op pain (nerve damage from 9 ops) kicks in anytime soon. Fully expected.

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Ouch, sounds painful, I hope it eases off so you can get back to your artwork, a bit of drawing might help to take your mind off it a bit.

[@lvbailey1]

Wow, Smoothie, you're fearless! 👩🏻‍💻🤦🏻‍♀️💁🏻🙆🏻🙋🏻 Love it! Thanks!

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Hahaha! I don't about that:) its easy to be brave when you use the grid method, thanks for the comment, it certainly made me smile:D

[@davidtaylor7456]

This is brilliant work thanks for sharing

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

You're welcome David, thank you for watching and commenting.

[@maliaspoerke2818]

I just found what these pencils are made of. Here is the description. 1710 Series Black Conté Drawing Pencils - Provides the artist with a pure gradation of shades. The lead is a combination of graphite and clay providing an unparalleled easy working characteristic superior for sketching and drawing. 1710 series available in 5 degrees.

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thank you Malia, I think read that somewhere too, its still puzzling though because these are way too black to be just graphite and clay, on Ken Bromley's website it says pigment paste is use, so I'm sure they're adding black pigment into the mix. but thank you so much for taking the time to let me know:)

[@ccsitaround]

Amazing work, beautiful and great lesson, thanks.

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thanks Larry, I'm pleased you liked it, much appreciated.

[@farleyfishman6579]

Conte Pierre Noire pencils are made with soft leads that are dense, deep, indelible and matt black. These pencils work brilliantly on all types of supports, from craft paper to linen canvas. These pencils are suited to both drawing and sketching. With a sharpened lead, the drawing is lively and accurate; with a half-worn lead, the work is more spontaneous and free.

[@melodeeclaassen5443]

This is beautiful!

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thank you Melodee, that's very kind of you to say.

[@edwill62]

very very cool.....Thanks Smoothie

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

You're welcome E Will, thanks for commenting:)

[@glenmiller6404]

another great video ! going to have to get some of those conte pencils !

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thanks Glen, they are certainly worth having in your kit, they are a bit rough and ready, but they do the job.

[@stumpyden]

another great video A1 full of lots of tips

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Kind of you to say Denis, thank you!

[@stumpyden]

smoothie77 I been drawing for years(65 now) and I always learn something from you

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Wow that's a long time, I've only been at it for 28 years I'm sure you could teach me a thing or two:) have you got any drawings online to see?

[@carolann963]

Only joined your channel this year, and have just watched you drawing the little girl with horse for first time. Incredible! Not only that but your style and calming voice over is very relaxing. Looking forward to more. Thank you.

[@omojesuchannel3731]

Wow! This is brilliant sir, I love it. You’re a teacher in deed. Thanks for this. Please do you have a tutorial for how to draw grid lines on a drawing paper and on the phone?

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thank you! No sorry I don't have a video like that on youtube,

[@farleyfishman6579]

Smoothie, very well done especially your love of horses I hear and with our friend Lineke sending you some drawings. So as per the Conte, 1 is lead which is soft and they make one with charcoal (carbon)...FYI.....hope this helps.....also I enjoyed your videos........you share my kind of interest.......thanks

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thank you Farley, yes our friend Lineke is an amazing freehand artist, the drawings she sent to me were incredible and inspired me to try and draw horses, they are a wonderful subject to draw, The conte pencils I used were the Peirre Noire, I checked the conte website and yes it said they are soft lead, Ken Bromley's website said they are filtered paste pigment, soft lead implies they are graphite? they don't look or feel like graphite, definitely more like carbon/charcoal, maybe they are a secret mix they don't want to tell us about:) thanks for the info and kind words Farley, much appreciated!

[@Agui007]

Hello smoothie I love this one! It has indeed a more realistic depth hence the rich dark tones! I applaud you and it brings mention to the fact that I too am doing my first ever horse portrait next month on A3 so this has helped :)

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thank you Agui, horses are beautiful animals and a pleasure to draw, I wish you all the best with your horse portrait, I look forward to seeing it too:)

[@Agui007]

smoothie77 Thank you smoothie and always for your kind input. 😊🙏

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

You're very welcome my friend:)

[@silvanocece1365]

Magnificent artwork ✍️👌

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thank you Solvang, much appreciated.

[@jcepri]

You, Sir, are an absolute treasure. Thank you for sharing your incredible knowledge and talent with the world. Seriously. To say that you inspire is an understatement.

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Well, thank you so much Jeff, that's a really nice compliment, wow, thank you! It a pleasure to share my knowledge with you.

[@sueizzard7719]

Really helpful videos.

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thanks Sue, I'm glad they are helpful to you.

[@icefireobsidian7490]

Not sure if anyone ever answered your conte question but they are clay based pigments compressed. Normally you buy them in sticks. From experience the black ones are more gritty than the traditional red ones.

[@jerzyk1293]

Excellent drawing Smoothie. Just as it was said here - better than original picture. I love the term you used here " the back part of the horse" ...well that may be ...no I'd rather keep it to myself haha. Excellent drawing and some new media used that I should try. Greetings :)

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thank you Jerzy, I think the photographer should get the credit for this one, its an amazing photo that captured a perfect moment, I wish i knew who took the photo, I would certainly reference them, Haha yes the "back part" I have to be careful not to say any wrong words as I have youngsters watching this channel, I mentioned in a previous comment these pencils are rough and ready but they do the job, certainly worth giving them a try:)

[@slanwar]

great as always!

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thank you Luis!

[@joelemile7001]

Pierre noire is a natural stone you can find in some place in France. It,s an old technic. It is absolutly not charcoal even what we use to call carbon pencil even if there are some natural carbon in it. By the way, thanks for the fantastic job you done.

[@dianequinn1500]

I'd guess that the advice you give about taking plenty of time to study the source picture before putting pencil to paper is a practice you yourself followed before producing this beautifully rendered piece of work. Diane

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Hi Diane, I always spend a few moments looking at the reference photo before I start, trying to visualize how to draw it step by step and getting an idea of the materials I'd use, It doesn't always go exactly to plan but it certainly helps to have an idea what I'm doing before I start.

[@anadampling666]

Amazing!!!!

[@0110392538]

amazing

[@Handygrandad]

Hi, A company called Pullingers who are a graphic and fine art supplier, describe them as sometimes called a Blackstone pencil, and goes on to say it is a soft lead with a black that is dense,

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thanks for that Ray, I wonder if that means the the pencils are made from a finely ground special type of Blackstone? the Black certainly is dense.

[@sketchartphoto8117]

i agree with Kryptonim Zbychu Game Walkthrough's & Trailers. well done as always!

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thank you, always appreciated!

[@rafaarmi5087]

Hi Smoothie!! A gorgeous drawing again. Congratulations. I have the same 3B Conte 1710 and I don´t use it. It has a nice feeling at your hand, but I don´t like very much how it draws. In my opinion is good for filling black spaces but not very good for details. It is not smooth on the paper so it can be charcoal, no graphite.

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thanks Rafa, I understand what you mean about the pencils, they aren't a pencil I would use everyday, but they certainly do a good job when you need a saturated black, they are very gritty but usable.

[@rafaarmi5087]

Yes, that is the word, gritty.

[@BushcraftOnFire]

Another awesome job Bro.. Excellent

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thank you my friend, I'm glad you liked it.

[@BushcraftOnFire]

Always.. you have an incredible technique.. and a terrific way of describing what you do..

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Well thanks very much, that's really kind of you to say, I really appreciate that:)

[@theodosia8689]

His drawing looks better than the picture

[@poppabob69]

Another brilliant piece of work Smoothie!! I've always loved this photo; thanks for sharing it and your skills with us. I'm very new to drawing and don't know a lot about the different mediums, products or all their peculiarities yet, but as I read the comments about the 'grittieness' of the Conti pencils, I wonder if that wouldn't actually help somewhat in filling in the pores of the paper when blending? Of course I'm only using a 50# paper; perhaps everyone else is using closer grained paper so have other issues, just wondering about it? The grid system really works well, I recently had occasion to use it. It really helped me get my features placed. After that.. .. ..welllll.. .. ..it's kind of a mess. LOL Have an awesome weekend!!

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thank you Robert, I agree its a wonderful moment the photographer captured, I love it, Regarding the Conte pencils, its not a constant flow of grit, its just the odd bit that causes the pencil to feel scratchy for a moment or two until the grit wears off the tip of the pencil, I wouldn't say it helps filling the pores, its more of a problem as less pigment is laid down, its definitely the blender and a second layer that takes care of the pores, Glad you're finding the grid method works well, hey don't worry about messing up a drawing (we all do it) each fail is just another stepping stone to success. You have a great weekend too my friend! :)

[@melodeeclaassen5443]

Jon, I am one of your patrons and was wondering if you have this drawing on Patreon? Please let me know as I would love to take a swing at it.

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Hi Melodee, unfortunately this was the last drawing i done before i started patreon so no extra videos were made, although the reference photo is on patreon, maybe with that and this video you could have a go at it ?

[@LinekeLijn]

Hi Smoothie!! This is sooo nice and I really think you should keep up with doing animals! It is absolutely amazing and I know how much you love your horses ^.^ My biggest compliments on this sweet but powerful drawing! All the love from your KZbin Pall - Lineke ;)

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Hi Lineke:) you inspired me to try drawing horses, I can't draw them freehand like you can, maybe one day it will come easier to me (I hope). the last time I tried to draw a horse freehand it looked like a Giraffe lol, I feel more confident with the grid method for now, thank you so much for the lovely compliment it means a lot to me!!! take care my friend:)

[@LinekeLijn]

Nothing wrong with the "Grid Method"!! You are simply a master in shading and .... yes, I will say it once again.. Patience!! The result is amazing when one take's one's time, something I do not master at all hahaha :D . And I cannot imagine your freehand horse looking like a Giraffe... Must have looked like a ... Llama! lol (just kidding ;) )

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

I really enjoy the whole process of drawing, that's why I take ages over each picture, the fun lasts longer:) its not patience, its pure self indulgence hehehe, My freehand horse was probably a hybrid between a Giraffe, Llama and a hippopotamus Hahaha, it really was a bad drawing!!! :D

[@LinekeLijn]

That's well put! (And you just made me fall of my chair laughing again!! )

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Hahaha :D

[@lemonpie1835]

wow

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thanks!

[@celestebongers2596]

Je kunt het echt suuuper suuuuuuuuuuuper goed ☺️

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thank you CB Chicken :)

[@aman4peace]

you do really a good job when did you start learning this? and how long did it took you to develop this? Smoothie

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

I've been drawing on and off for about 28 years,

[@Pencilshades]

Wow

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thank you!

[@WazzaFan]

This is really amazing, smoothie. Can please tell me where you got this photo from? I'd like to try this drawing out

[@MrHPT3]

After you complete a drawing, is there some sort of clear coat that you apply to protect it?

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

I never normally use a fixative, but seeing as I use Conte pencils with this one it may need something to stop it smudging.

[@margretmartin7572]

What is difference between Derwent and tortillian blending stumps? Thank you!

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Derwent are soft paper, tortillians are hard compressed card

[@margretmartin7572]

smoothie77 Thank you - looks like Jackson has some - they are out of med so I’ll get small and larger.

[@choochoochooseyou]

Their own website describes them as a soft lead and lists the charcoal and carbon pencils separately so unless they add a secret ingredient we might ave to take them at their word :)

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

I had a look on the website before I made the video, its not very helpful, it kind of implies graphite when they say soft lead, it certainly doesn't look or feel like graphite, on Ken bromley's website it says the are made from filtered paste pigment....I'm still none the wiser lol, the nearest I could say is they feel like oil based charcoal, Btw, the Kurutoga arrived this morning, as soon as i got it out of the packet it felt great to hold, very light and comfortable and well balanced, the lead sleeve wobbles a bit but hardly noticeable when in use, I'm pleased I bought it, very happy with it.

[@choochoochooseyou]

Great news.

[@maximuskrm2009]

Blick's has Fabriano Bristol paper.

[@tetrastrider]

Conte a París charcoal of paris

[@alannamason7114]

the difference between graphite/charcoal/graphite is; you cannot put carbon OVER graphite...2) you cannot erase totally, carbon...would suggest you trial this

[@smoothie77drawingpainting]

Thanks for the info Alanna.