Staedtler Mars Lumograph Pencils | Test and Review

[@rociogallegossanchez]

Your wisdom and explanations are pieces of art themselves, what a pleasure it is to sit down and learn from you! Thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge and experience out here

[@JamieBoots]

@@rociogallegossanchez Thank you so much

[@julianblake8385]

I just discovered your channel, and I am glad I did. Incredibly beautiful art work, and your reviews are just amazing. They are very well edited, beautifully narrated, clear, specific and very rigorous in the approach. You tackle everything a person may need to know. Thank you so much for your work, and greetings and much love from Colombia.

[@JamieBoots]

Thank you so much this is great to hear.

[@jmarcguy]

Trying to get back into drawing. I haven’t done it in years. The art supply options available are overwhelming! This video is appreciated. 🎨

[@JamieBoots]

Thank you it's great to know it was helpful

[@GraphiteandCigars]

I have not used the same Lumograph pencils that you used in this drawing. I stayed away from them due to how they are described on the company website. It states they were designed to have a metallic sheen, so I avoided them. I do however have the Lumograph Black set, which is a hybrid graphite pencil containing a high percentage of carbon. I think they were to compete with Faber-Castell Matt Black pencils? In any case, they are very nice to draw with, smooth darks with little shine. Surprisingly I find them quite useful as I tend to draw high contrast. They also seem to blend really well with all of my other graphite sets. As always Jamie, amazing work! And thank you for sharing your knowledge, truly a gift in the art community.

[@JamieBoots]

That's great to hear and thank you for the comment. I didn't notice any more shine than with any other graphite pencils I've used. Interesting to hear what you say about the Lumograph Black pencils, so some thing else to try out in the future.

[@paracleteconsult8677]

The Faber Catell Black Matt 1111 series isn't quite comparable to the Mars Lumograph Black though has a more matte finish than the Lomograph here. The Faber Castell Graphite Matt however is comparable to the Lumograpgh Black.

[@jaimejaime1178]

Hi to y'all from a fellow Artist in Madrid, Spain (a New Yorker expat living abroad!). First if all (as a subscriber, though I don't post much) thank you for such great content and for the Artwork shown! Great to watch other wildlife passionate artists! I personally use the Staedtler graphite to do the initial sketch (2HD & 2B) but in 2mm mechanical pencil format because it gives me the graphite surface I require to start with, and avoiding blending through stumps or anything else but just by using the graphite itself. When ready to include all contrast... I'm currently using the Faber-Castell Pitt Pencils to reduce the shine and providing pretty good darks. I also use 2mm Staedtler Graphite in colour with mechanical pencils when sketching prior to inking with dip pens. I also paint in Watercolor and have started with Gouache this past month if May. I usually work on wildlife realistic and other approaches, and I am starting to learn more on hyperrealism. Again, Thank you for your channel and I hope my comment may help others too. Cheers from Sunny Spain! 😁👍😎 Just wanted to sha

[@JamieBoots]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch and comment. It's always great to hear from other artists willing to share their experiences, as well as how they also use the materials. Thanks again and good luck with your artwork.

[@UncinettosuperstarBlogspotIt]

Thank you so much! With few simple words you have explained how to apply the layers of graphite so that the grain of the paper will not show.. I have this set and will try this technic

[@JamieBoots]

So glad it was helpful and if you have any questions please feel free to ask.

[@kratosonator]

Great review! You make the drawing look so easy although I know it's not. You masterfully rendered different textures. It's a pleasure watching you draw.

[@JamieBoots]

What a great comment thank you so much.

[@jameszarembka8168]

Nicely done. I favor graphite over all other mediums. Thanks for sharing.

[@JamieBoots]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch and comment.

[@sandihills3777]

Hi Jamie nice to see you Happy Christmas and love to you both

[@JamieBoots]

Hi Sandi, Good to hear from you and hope that you both have a great Christmas and New Year as well.

[@maryriley6163]

Just want to ad a PS: You are a really good narrator and described the pencils and their qualities very well. I’m going to buy a set, keeping in mind your recommendation to get a wider range of the H pencils. Thanks so much!

[@JamieBoots]

I am so glad the video was helpful and if you ever have any questions please feel free to ask.

[@monstraw_art]

Thanks for the review!

[@JamieBoots]

Glad it was helpful

[@alicerobinson1508]

You always do a brilliant job Jamie

[@JamieBoots]

Thank you, that's great to hear,and thank you so much for watching.

[@Joanne1980]

I’m a beginner and using these at the moment. I like them but am keen to try the caran dache pencils that you mentioned at the Nature in Art exhibition. This bear was one of my favourites!

[@JamieBoots]

Hi Joanne thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. Pencils are very much a personal choice, it's just finding what works for you. Personally I like the CARAN d'DACHE Grafwood pencils but that's what works for me. One thing I would say is that you don't need complete sets of pencils just get a couple of different grades to try out before making a decision. If you do have any questions please feel free to ask.

[@maryriley6163]

Hi Jamie. What wonderful talent you have! I couldn’t have chosen a better review of the Steadtler Mars Lumograph pencils and also have the opportunity to watch you draw. I did have a little difficulty hearing your narration over the music, but I’m 73 and my hearing loss is no doubt the cause. Thank you for sharing your talent as you review the pencils.

[@JamieBoots]

Thank you so much

[@leonienolan511]

Great review thanks

[@DavidBarker-ke2on]

Just found your channel. Thank you so much for your very detailed and honest reviews. Wishing that I could draw like you, fabulous.

[@JamieBoots]

Thank so much you that's great to hear.

[@kazadorgear2002]

Wow! You have an incredible talent …and thanks for explaining how to use the pencils.

[@JamieBoots]

Thank you for the comment and glad it was helpful

[@peacepalestinesyria424]

I've really enjoyed this video. I am getting back into drawing after a long period of not drawing (which is strange coming from and art restorer, but when you are in that line of work, your own art is almost non-existent!), so picking up on various new information and suggestions from artists on YT is helping me find answers to some of my dilemmas. I always used the Lumograph. In fact, it's been my fave pencil since school decades ago. Unfortunately, I haven't tried a lot of other brands (mostly the brands you find in Italy at a slightly lower price), but whatever I am using, I yearn for the Lumographs. I wanted to see if it was best to get a few of these kits rather than individual pencils, which are more expensive and harder to find here. I found your insight about the higher numbers being almost the same interesting, because I have noticed some differences, but that could be attributed to the paper I use (220g smooth). For my own drawing I tend to do almost everything in overlays of 2B and then to the 4B and 6B at the top. Anything lower than 2B I've never been able to do much with, though I do tend to also use a hard eraser for highlights, not just kneaded. Love the drawing you did. It is really beautiful and so satisfying to see how you pulled that fur up so nicely! Will enjoy looking through your content.

[@JamieBoots]

Thank you so much for watching and it's great to know the videos was helpful. Paper does make a huge difference particularly when it comes to dark tones, the paper I used in the video was St Cuthberts SAUNDERS Waterford 300 gram Hot Press and this works very well with graphite. Thanks again for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@WildArcheryBoy]

I just ordered the same set but it comes with an eraser and sharpener. Also got a sketchbook with acid free paper. I think it will be fine for me as a beginner.

[@JamieBoots]

Yes great set to start with and you can slowly add to it. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment

[@jamesr1897]

Jamie. Be very, very, proud of your wonderful talent. God gives us all a gift in our lives, but your gift is truly exceptionally and so valuable to nature itself, and I believe your work and tremendous talent could do so much to change and help protect those very animals you portray in our very fragile world . I really do so love your work.

[@JamieBoots]

Thank you so much

[@luc1d356]

How can his talent help to protect those animals , in which way ?

[@jamesr1897]

@@luc1d356 because some people try to do some good raising a tremendous amount of money via, for Example, The 'Gary Hodges Exhibitions' to fund active wildlife conservation programmes to protect Wildlife through the WWF. If it wasn't for evil poachers, and rich hunters paying to shoot these wonderful animals, the world would be a better place. People with talent such as Jamie's help achieve such aims, to do some good in our sick and twisted world.

[@luc1d356]

@@jamesr1897 he hasn't that much leverage to make a big difference anyway. This world is doomed to it's destruction , just a matter of time. I understabd your concern though , it's sad.

[@jamesr1897]

@@luc1d356 I do understand. We have a very precious world full of everything we could possibly desire, provided and created by something far bigger than us. Jamie's love for the natural world shines like a becon of hope, yet humans won't be satisfied until its destroyed. So much for being an intelligent species.

[@Voltage343]

I like these pencils I’m a beginner really good stuff thank you!

[@JamieBoots]

Thank you for watching

[@glenda7921]

Thanks, Jamie for the video. Overall, I think I’m too new to give an opinion that most will appreciate, but my general experience using them has not been favorable. I find them patchy and hard to blend almost as though the graphite is sticky? Am I pressing too hard with the blending stump? The Lighter tones seem to appreciate a brush blending rather than the paper stump.

[@JamieBoots]

Hi Glenda thank you for the comment. It could be that you are using to much pressure as the firmer you press the more the graphite will stick but it could be the paper as paper does make a big difference. The other way to blend is to use another tone as an intermediary, for example with the CARAN d'ACHE pencils that I use the 9B will not blend, but if I use a 2 or 4B over the edge this will not only blend the 9 but the edge can then be blended with a blending stump to create a smooth transition. Blending stumps again make a difference, some can be hard and scratchy and don't blend well. The ones I find work best have a soft velvety feel to the end. Don't ever try to clean them as the more ingrained with graphite they get the better. The previous one I was using lasted about 20 years before it just fell apart and had to be replaced. Hope this was of help and if you do have any questions please feel free to ask.

[@manonbentley]

As always, great video and beautiful drawing. I own these pencils and the Graffwood and the FC Pitt Matt. I am not a fan of the Mars Pencils because I find them scratchy and I prefer a softer feel. But I did like how easy it erased. The paper you use is not easy to find here in Canada. Is it smooth or does it have some texture? I personally use Bristol smooth. Looking forward to more videos and Merry Christmas.

[@JamieBoots]

Thank you. I personally prefer the smoothness of the Grafwoods this is probably to do with the wax based binder that is used in them. The paper does have a slight texture/grain to it so is not perfectly smooth. Arches Aquarelle 300 gram Hot Press is another option. I did find a shop called Gwartzman's Art Supplies in Toronto who sell both the Arches and St Cuthberts papers. Hope this is of help and hope you have a great Christmas as well.

[@jpwartist]

These work well with the staedtler black pencils.

[@JamieBoots]

Thank you that's good to know that they mix

[@OksOksanium]

Which one is more coarse: this or Faber Castell Pitt Matte Graphite? And which one is darker?

[@JamieBoots]

The Faber Castell does have a Corser feel particularly as you get to the darker grades. I would say I could achieve the same level of darkness with both. Paper does make a difference when it comes to achieving dark tones and with the Graphite Matt pencils I didn't see any benefit of using past the 8B. Thank you for watching.

[@TrevorKeenAnimation]

I find the 2H useful for light shading in light areas. I guess they don't put the harder pencils in their art tins and I wouldn't want to go lighter than 2H.

[@JamieBoots]

Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. For detailed work I will use a 9H but not for the tone, as it can be used to draw through a darker tone producing dark fine lines as the pencil will carry the other tone. The advantage of this is that the the pencil stays sharp unlike the softer grades. The strange thing is that a 4H will produce a thicker line compared to the 9H, even if they are sharpened the same. Thanks again for watching

[@peterpuleo2904]

Extraordinary art ! Is there any great master among wildlife artists from the past that you especially admire, or acted as your mentor?

[@JamieBoots]

Hi Peter, A good question, that's a really difficult one to answer. I wouldn't say that there is anyone who acted as my mentor. I have a lot of friends who are incredible artists, some of whom are traditional and some are more contemporary but I would have to say somebody whose work is incredible and compositionally very striking is a pastel artist called Stella Mays. Her work is incredible. A completely different medium and style to me but her use of colour and style really stands out in my mind. Thank you so much for taking the time to watch and for the comment. Jamie

[@stevemaslin1003]

Just interested to know how hard were you laying down the initial tone with the 2B to then go back over with the 6B?

[@JamieBoots]

Hi Steve, It's difficult to say as everybody's interpretation of pressure is different so, for me I would say it is about a medium pressure as this can then be built in layers, then when darker tone is applied over the top it again only requires the same. I hope this helps, Jamie

[@moondanceblue_arts]

I started with those pencils, now after trying these and others like Derwent, Faber-Castell, Caran D'ache... I'd definitely prefer the Tombow Mono 100

[@JamieBoots]

Thank you for the comment. I have never used the Tombow Mono 100 so will have to get some of those at some point to try out.

[@shahaanfazal7862]

you are soo tallented jamie i have the same pencils and i will try to recrea ted and i am 11

[@JamieBoots]

Thank you so much

[@marimaf6561]

You are a very talented artist. I have and love this brand, and would like to complement with faber castel matt and/or caran dache ones (for darker shades). I am making a handmade pencil case just for graphite and graphite like materials that I am eyeing

[@JamieBoots]

Thank you so much. These are a good brand of pencil. I would say that they do produce nice dark tones from the darker grades but if you do want a slightly less reflective look then yes you could use some of the Faber Castle Graphite Matt pencils in the B range. The only thing that I would say is that you don't need to go past the 8B as I didn't find they went darker after this and they definetly don't run as smooth as regular pencils. It is worth remembering that once you go past an HB pencil into the darker tones you will progressivly get more shine from the graphite with a regular pencil but it does depend if that bothers you. One thing that does make a huge difference when using graphite is the paper as some papers will give a darker tone than others. Hope this was helpful and thank you for watching.

[@stuartwoodcock9780]

Im about to pick up my 24 set of these pencils. Never had a nice set of pencils before 🙂

[@JamieBoots]

Thank you for watching and I think you will be very happy with them just remember you don't need to use all the grades and you will have certain favourite tones that you will use more than others

[@SerenWen_art]

Fab video and drawing as always, and a very useful review! I find I tend to use more even numbered pencils that odd, if that makes sense, I think if you have every grade, there’s not enough difference between the grades. I do like the Faber Castel 9000, but after watching your videos got some Caran d’Ache grafwood pencils, they’re expensive, but SO nice to use, plus the fact they’re painted to match the grade they are makes then super easy to use for a lazy person like me!

[@JamieBoots]

So glad you found the videos useful and I agree, having the pencils tonally painted is such a great idea and makes it so much easier to find the tone you want.

[@Demidosel]

Спасибо большое за обзор. Карандаши дорогие, в магазинах у нас редко встретишь. Придется заказывать из Китая

[@JamieBoots]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch and comment.

[@ishitagangal7789]

Hi. Did you find any difference between these and Faber Castell 9000 series? Which one is better or it depends upon the drawing purpose?

[@JamieBoots]

Hi, I haven't actually tried the 9000 series out yet so I can't really comment. The only Faber Castell pencils I have tried are the graphite matt ones, which are a different composition and do have a much coarser feel to them. When I have some of the 9000 I will do a review. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment.

[@ishitagangal7789]

@@JamieBoots Did you find any difference between Faber Castell Graphite pencils and these ones?

[@JamieBoots]

@@ishitagangal7789 I haven't used the regular 9000 series yet so I don't know. The only Faber Castell pencils I'ved used are the graphite matt ones which are a different type and feel more coarser to use and personally I prefer a smoother pencil.

[@leonienolan511]

Graphite shine?

[@JamieBoots]

Thanks for the question. As with most graphite pencils you do get a degree of shine particularly as you get to the darker grades but this can be mitigated by building the tone in layers but you will always have some shine. Graphite is a crystal and as such it will reflect light to some degree depending on crystal shape. If shine is a concern I would suggest using the Faber Castell Graphite Matt pencils in conjunction with the Faber Castell 9000 series for example the 9000 series for the H range have lighter tones and the Graphite Matt for the darker B tones. I would say that when I tested those that I could not see any benefit going past the 8B as I could get a very dark tone with this. Personally, shine doesn't bother me because when a picture is framed behind glass, hung and lit correctly I don't find this a problem. Paper will also make a difference to amount of shine but mainly to depth of tone. A bit of a long reply but hope this helps and thank-you for watching.

[@abrilgarcia3281]

HELLO Jamie, I love your work, I admire your drawings so much, you know I would like to be a great artist too, but I don't have time to practice or take drawing classes and it's very frustrating for me not to be able to. I try to make a good drawing but I cry, get angry and tear the materials when what I plan to do doesn't come out, and I don't want to learn to draw for money, I want to learn to draw because I have a lot to express, many emotions and feelings that I need to capture in a paper, a canvas, I want to enjoy each stroke and each line, but my parents do not understand it, they want me to make him work and do other things that according to them are worthwhile in this life, and unfortunately I have to limit myself to what they send me because they feed me, I live off their money and according to them I don't know what I want, I'm 17 years old but I don't know what to do if I leave home, I feel so helpless not being able to do what I want, I want to do great things, I am extremely passionate, I like life, I love animals, nature, I feel that I am making synergy with what surrounds me and but I don't know what to do, what do you recommend? you are an amazing artist and have experience in life, please advise me, i don't want to keep feeling frustrated and destroying expensive drawing material, i want to change and be a better person. It is very sad that the family, who are there for us and who we owe and who we can trust the most, turn their back on us, do not understand us, limit us and make us feel like a problem or a burden. At least in my case 😔

[@JamieBoots]

Thank-you so much for your kind words about my work. As a self taught artist I can understand how frustrating it can be, but I didn't actually become an artist until much later on in life and it was not intentional. Advice I would give for your art work is not to destroy it but to use it to look back on as you are then able to see any improvement. It is very easy to look at people on KZbin and see the work that they produce but speaking for myself pictures don't always go according to plan and I think most other people are the same. I have had to make drastic alterations to pictures throughout the years, the only difference now is 20 years on this is more minimal and not as drastic as it was when I first started. When I look back at the first pictures that I drew I can't believe how bad they were and certainly wouldn't show them to anybody but it is good to see how far you have come. I would always advise to only work on subjects that you are passionate about as they then have so much more meaning to them and this will come across in the picture. It is always good to be critical of your own work and to try to find ways to improve. I am a firm believer that everybody can draw it is just a case of practice but don''t get frustrated when things don't turn out as you like. Quite often it is a good idea when things don't work out to put a picture to one side and then come back to it later. I really hope this is of help and if you have more questions please feel free to ask. Jamie

[@Jenn-jg1qs]

❤

[@JamieBoots]

Thank you

[@krishna_saadhu]

Wow

[@JamieBoots]

Thank you so much.

[@AnmolSingh-hk9tf]

Hi sir, ur agreat artist and i want to know that u noticed that softer grade of these pencils like 8b does not shine like others and in my opinion it's a plus point ❤

[@JamieBoots]

Thank you so much. Some makes of pencil do definitely shine more than others and these are pretty good compared to some others. Thanks for watching and sorry for not getting back to you sooner.

[@albertpietrosanu2667]

I prefer Faber Castlle and Koh I Noor.

[@JamieBoots]

Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. Pencil choice is such a personal thing and every make feels different to another. I persoaly prefer the CARAN d'ACHE pencils but thats what works for me. I do find it interesting trying the different makes and seeing how different they all are from one to another.

[@Spartanblog]

Nada mal.

[@JamieBoots]

Couldn’t find any real problems so pretty good. Thanks for watching.

[@simongray6452]

Sorry fella, the background music on your video made me stop watching, as it was repetitive and ratcheting up tension - not conducive to relaxing art...

[@JamieBoots]

Thanks for the feedback