Water-soluble Graphite Drawing Demo and Brand Comparison.

[@shannonwolff2599]

Just a tip for everyone, I also use water soluble graphite with my watercolors, either to make my pencil sketch or more often, I make my own water soluble graphite transfer paper. I use a fairly sturdy tracing paper and coat one side with the water soluble graphite (I use the derwent light wash but the brand isn't important). Then I can do my sketch on another piece of paper and transfer it so I don't have any eraser marks on my good watercolor paper. If there are areas I feel are too dark I can lighten them with a kneaded eraser, but the nice thing is the graphite dissolves as you paint so you don't have any pencil lines showing through at the end of your painting.

[@nanetteatienza4297]

Fantastic drawing!

[@nanschifris8734]

Thanks for this great video! I’ve saved $ many times by following these videos where you test products. 😊

[@vegasrenie]

Nan Schifris - Unfortunately, I’ve spent more! lol

[@Kitchensurprise]

Great piece. I love graphite

[@KJayPlays]

Vertical hatching, for me, always evokes a rainy atmosphere. Making this piece even more interesting, thinking of the man and his horses, in the rain, just trying to get home.

[@violettahaven3706]

Great drawing! I use to use the Derwent water soluble graphite until I discovered the Faber Castell. I'll never use the Derwents again. F/C's are so smooth and dissolve well. Plus the brush that came with the set works very well with water solubles. The Art Graf tin is my absolute favorite art item. It is the most forgiving and versatile of all the mediums. Great for plein air or urban sketching. All I need is that little tin, a water brush, and sketchbook. Minimalism at its best.

[@phisquared6187]

Do you use fixative to stop the pages of the sketchbook rubbing together and blurring your work?

[@violettahaven3706]

@@phisquared6187 I've had no problem with the graphite rubbing off. It's not like pencil graphite after it's been activated.

[@azalea1404]

Thanx Steve - excellent review, just what I needed.

[@greekveteran2715]

That's true. Faber Castell Graphite Aquarelle pencils, are professional Artists quality. Derwent's quality especially performance, is very poor compared to Faber Castell.

[@holly-anne680]

Even your swatch pad is a work of art! Thank you for your talent and time!

[@1334cass]

I really enjoyed this video. I have always wondered how the various water soluble graphites differed. This was a super comprehensive comparison and your drawing was stunning!

[@KarenElaine]

I'm intrigued that you used regular graphite with water soluble graphite. Now, I am itching to try Art Graf myself! Thank you Steve for sharing your love of watercolor!

[@brucenunn3268]

More videos like this please. Love this One.! Happy New Year.! 👊🥳

[@MDCampbell]

Okay, I admit it... you had me at that chart! That was great! But, along with the fantastic narrative, the visual demonstration was outstanding. The final art is just great!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks Buddy! Glad you enjoyed. As always I appreciate you stopping by.

[@karenjohnson6487]

Very interesting. Love the drawing and the combination of graphites. Certainly s project for the to do list. Well done ,Steve. Thank you.

[@maryanharrell5642]

Lovely, Steve.

[@yvonnerahmes9618]

I am a fairly recent subscriber, I watch a few of your videos each week. I am an artist (62) in different mediums, but have been upping my game in drawing and watercolor. I LOVE YOUR PENCIL/GRAPHITE VIDEOS! These are so great to see before I buy any supplies to try in my drawing/painting! I like the way you organize (i.e. the pencils and graphs showing the values etc.). It all helps when I "work" at things... I am enjoying your videos :)

[@don9133]

Nicely done sir.

[@monikasturm2575]

Just discover this media and I'm so intrigued and inspired. 😮

[@spiritwithusjulianpalumbo4501]

I just found myself appreciating the real time parts of your drawing. Very slow, peaceful and controlled, with a light touch.Helped me a lot! Sometimes I end up pushing and burnishing like crazy to get needed contrast. Next time, I'm trying it your way And I love the scripture you put at the end. I always wait to see which one it is.😊

[@essietangle9931]

Very fun to learn from something you enjoy, thanks Steve

[@annemarievanpeer120]

I just bought some watersoluble graphite before seeing this vid, this will really help inspire me! Also, the vertical hatching reminds me of those art works that were ink prints made with etched copper plates. I forget what they're called, but I see them all the time on Antiques Road Show and i love the texture!

[@jodihigginsjh]

Loved this video! Great piece and really fun to watch.

[@Luna_and_Oshi]

A Masterclass!! Thank you for sharing!!

[@penniecormier8770]

Thank you for the thoughtful demo. I hope you use them more. It inspired me to Dust off and swatch my Prismacolor and FABER-CASTELL water soluble pencils, and start planning how to use them.

[@MixedMediaCraftsbyDiane]

Beautiful drawing!! Thank you for the review of the graphite pencils and Art Graf.

[@THEMAYQUEEN1]

Absolutely stunning! I love how the blue lines show through

[@PattisArtInnaVan]

I'm gradually working my way thru all of your videos which is why you are seeing comments on so many of these older videos. Ok, so this is WICKED cool! I have never thought of using linear hatching in this manner before and I absolutely love love love this picture! I even love the blue showing thru it gives it such a unique look! Love it! Did I say that already? LOL well it's worth repeating!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Glad you like them!

[@Javier_529]

Thanks for the depth of comparison. I look forward to seeing the painting of this piece in the future. Great video. 👍

[@IrynaBoehland]

Thank you, Steve for the review. I enjoyed you drawing the sketch. You made it look so easy.

[@corihederich4817]

I love my sketch n wash pencils!! Amazing video!!!

[@Rubbereyes]

Beautiful piece. I’ve been doing some work with Water-soluble Graphite and like combining the techniques of both pencil and cake graphite. I find that there is an added depth/quality and interest to a sketch. I’ll be recommending this video to my students, with your permission.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Recommend away!

[@maxineperry4535]

I've got some water soluble graphite pencils and woodless ones. Love them. But based on your comparisons will finally get the Artgraf tin which i have been looking at for a while from other reviewers. Thanks. Your painting is great.

[@IrynaBoehland]

I came to the same conclusion!

[@valj1042]

I love this technique, thank you for bringing it to the for front.

[@joann5157]

I enjoyed watching you sketch. You make it look so easy. Years of experience!!

[@vickie6228]

Interesting work; I like the vertical hatching; the spatter did add a nice touch.

[@jmnm4894]

Steve, I don't know where to begin. So, let me begin by saying, you never cease to amaze me! I often find myself getting lost in your drawing process, painting process, narration, or the magic unfolding before my eyes. Often, I have to rewatch the video several times, often times stopping to take notes, as I discover I am once again becoming transfixed by you or what you are doing. It is my hope to someday take a live class from you. Do you ever do weekend seminars or day-long classes? You are a few hours south of me and I would definitely find someone to drive me or take a bus or train or whatever it took to attend one of your classes or seminars. Thanks for all you do, a BIG BIG FAN!

[@billdollar6155]

Super study, I like that very much, I will be doing a few of those in the near future. Thank you

[@pjlewisful]

really enjoyed this one!!!!

[@DolganoFF]

Thank you, lots of interesting ideas here!

[@kikib48grid]

Was just getting out a water soluble pencil I bought years ago on a whim. Found your video. Thanks so much! NOW I know what to do with it!

[@mchris1020]

Informative--gained a knowledge of some interesting products and techniques.

[@iartorigocrazy]

Great comparison! I just order some of the FC today so decided to watch some videos while I wait for them to get here. I am glad I picked a good one😉

[@smchalk3535]

interesting how you sparingly used the water soluble graphite. I would have used only that-and it would have been a hot mess. Very delicate drawing, I loved watching

[@merylehawkins5177]

I love the drawing. I also use the art Graf graphite and I love the soluble graphite in tubes. which is very slightly tinted. Art Graf also have a massive piece of graphite which I handle every time I go to the art shop, not sure how you would use it but it comes in a dinky little chamois bag. Love your channel, thank you

[@PondersEndModelRailway]

Interesting video and collection of graphites. I have several sets from varying manufacturers. ne set in particular runs from 9H - 14B. I can't say I can see a huge difference in the B once it gets into 9 and above. I'm certainly going to swatch my graphite collection after seeing this.

[@SharonH11100]

Wonderful!!!

[@claychick100]

Steve, your talent never ceases to amaze me. This is fascinating!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks Kathryn!

[@OldLady-um9kt]

Steve, Great information. Nice sample page you made. Beautiful drawing. I've been wanting to try water-soluble pencils but there are so many that claim a variety of shades but ends up just dark or light, not much in between. So thank you for the video. I will give one of them a try. As always you teach by example in such an informative and artistic way. Have a great week. Hugs!

[@flooklh]

This was extremely interesting. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and congratulations on a really beautiful sketch.

[@melenaschneider7652]

I 've been wondering about these water soluble graphite pencils. And now I know about the Artgraf tin also. This looks like something I really want to try, even if it's just for adding shading. Thanks for showing these to us. I think I've got to save up some money to go buy some. :-D Thanks Steve!

[@cynthialeeser7952]

That was great. You describe your process and the materials very well, I learned a lot. You do beautiful work. Thank you.

[@TerrieJohnson731]

Great video I loved sharing with someone who wants to explore ws graphite. I'm favoring the FABER CASTEL set also, of all it is the most versitile while the quality of the laydown is unbeatable.

[@SouthernArtGallery]

Love the wood less pencils

[@ramongibbs8692]

Staedtler Lumograph Drawing and Sketching Pencils offer a graphite pencil set with 25 grades/degrees which is the largest I know of. And the higher :B" grades are mixed with carbon making them darker with far less graphite shine.

[@Artpoint24by7]

Really awesome, thanks for shearing.

[@YelidaHierroArt]

I have the Derwent set which I've yet to use, It's great to see the variations between different brands, looking forward to try mine soon!

[@brickhouse7401]

Very good! A comprehensive tutorial. Thank you for the idea. I only do sample swatches for my coloured media, and had never thought to make a swatch for graphite pencils unless they're coloured! Thank you for your generosity in sharing your knowledge with us!

[@simplelife9020]

I love how this style looks so much but could never get it right. Thank you so much for making a vid on this! This helped me out sooooo much X)

[@paulettelane6428]

Great video. Liked so many things about it. Your comment about focusing on the centre of attention really hit home for me. I am working on the largest drawing graphite I've ever attempted, 14"x20", and went back and reassessed how I am going to finish it. Have you ever done a whole drawing in WS graphite? I started using WS graphite Faber Castell) to loosen up my drawing. I have used it like WS coloured pencils where I have scratched the pencil on a paper then dampened a damp brush, and worked with that, used the damp brush to pick up from the tip of the pencil, have drawn directly on damp paper, and have spritzed with water on a drawing as well. I have thick 6B and 9B Lyra WS graphite sticks that I also use in the same ways I've mention. Very free form but fun. Thanks again for all the work you do, and belated congratulations on your 5th Anniversary and breaking 200K.

[@gerryarty8342]

Thanks. Full of inspirational work.. Great drawing and technique :)

[@HerradaJulio]

Excelente, love it.

[@jenniefrench1338]

Very nice and I like the splatter also. The watersoluble graphite is more difficult for me. I might be too used to graphite and for some reason it really just throws me off.

[@tmp0922]

I’ve been thinking about getting the Art-Graph tin and using it to draw w/ a brush for urban sketching and the using watercolor for color since the art-graph does not re-wet after it dries, I think that that would create an interesting look for a sketch book thanks for posting.

[@blondelebanese9922]

I was going to ask if the Art-Graph resets or not. I think I have to obtain this product too!

[@SonjaTheJinx]

Man, I'd never heard of water soluble graphite before watching this! Kinda want some now.

[@geminigirl68]

Cool sketch! Love the subject too! Would you be willing to do a video on transferring a graphite sketch like this to watercolor? Thx so much!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Sure.

[@Kyomiibrown]

Great sketch, love the drips! Not sure if you have seen it, but Art graph do a drawing putty which is water soluble graphite. It’s basically like a huge kneadable eraser full of wet graphite in a plastic bag. I think it’s best suited for the expressionist as it is very messy to use!

[@yvonnerahmes9618]

thank you for commenting, I have never heard of this product!

[@jillgustavis]

Great comparison and demo video Steve, I'm inspired to go dig out my WS graphite! I use the Lyra water soluble crayons in 2B, 6B, & 9B as well as the Artgraf stick (not my favorite). The Lyra 9B is sooo dark, I love it. I saw somewhere online how to chop chunks off the back ends of sticks and crayons to sit in pans, so I have a small alto-ids palette with all my graphite since I enjoy painting with them versus drawing and blending. Have you seen the Derivan Liquid Pencil product that Jackson's carries? I've been curious about mixing the permanent and water-soluble options in different color ways. I guess I'll just have to order some to sate that curiosity sometime. ;)

[@sophannymok1594]

it is so great. thank you so much for sharing. I am enjoying to watch your sessions now. I am a bigginer learner. Sophanny

[@MsRain49]

Beautiful.

[@moonram2569]

That's beautiful !! I guess if I want a color rendition of the same technique, I could use the FC polychromos colored pencils and the FC Albrecht Durer watercolor pencils : )

[@puffyjo]

hey Steve have you ever checked out Frank Clark , he's an Irish version of Bob Ross except he water colors. hes so sweet the way he describes the way to paint. Please keep in mind he is teaching beginners beginners . But its a true delight to watch if you like humor and techniques . I think you'll be shocked at what kinda brushes he uses lol, but it effectful.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes, very familiar. Used to watch his show quite a lot. Terry Harrison is another Bob Ross-ish sort of TV watercolor painter who has books and paint sets.

[@zazzyman]

Good video...though I can't see using anything harder then 2h (in regular graphite). If you are a collector of vintage pencils you will find a huge number of old 3h and higher pencils and few B's. Meaning that few used their hard pencils.

[@pramodsharma1747]

Just got caran d ache technalo your ideas will be very helpfull

[@sleepyparrot.]

Could you do a video covering a hatching lesson? Cause hatching is not to clear of a subject for me!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Just a fancy name for shading with lines. These videos may help some. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqXNq6l-p9CHha8 , kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqXNq6l-p9CHha8

[@sleepyparrot.]

@@mindofwatercolor ok thankyou

[@TheStan4th]

Hi, a very minor thing :) just as a point of interest. I was taught that H & B are from the French terms; H being Haut meaning High and B Bas meaning low. Although, your choice is probably easier to remember.

[@aartmark]

Very nice job of comparisons and drawing showing how it works. I was wondering if the water soluable graphite can be erased like the other graphite? Thanks.

[@mindofwatercolor]

NO it can't. Watersoluble pencil can be erased BEFORE its activated but not after.

[@aartmark]

@@mindofwatercolor Thanks. That's a good thing to know.

[@texan4ever62]

👍🏻👍🏻 I enjoyed this video. Thanks. I ordered some products from you links! ✝️

[@nanetteatienza4297]

Hi! Such a great info on pencils. I have the Faber castell water soluble graphite pencils. I bought it out of curiosity. I do graphite drawing and watercolor. Do you use hot press 300 gsm/140 lb. , 100% cotton watercolor paper for these type of pencils? The Bee brand is no longer available at Amazon. Thank you.

[@mindofwatercolor]

I do tend to use the hot press for these, yes.

[@B1ackDahlia767]

@The Mind of Watercolor I've got this product in the weird, soft, putty version.

[@xTK421x]

OMG I am all over that Mitsubishi set.

[@nsavar5864]

Thank you for showing the whole graphite process. Lovely drawing. Question: Is it safe to use good watercolor paint brushes with soluble graphite? Will the graphite damage the brush? Or do you recommend separate brushes?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes, it's fine. It washes out easily.

[@nsavar5864]

@@mindofwatercolor thank you.

[@jrz7325]

Great tutorial as always. What are the mechanical pencils and standard graphite you used for the drawing in the beginning? Thanks for sharing you are an amazing teacher. Found it!! My bad.

[@tinakoyama8258]

Hello! I'm new to your channel, so I have a deep dive to look forward to! 😄 Your demo drawing came out lovely! I'm more a penciler than a painter, so this one is especially interesting to me. I'm wondering why you used mechanicals for your non-soluble work instead of that beautiful set of 22 Hi-Uni grades? 😉 (I have that set too, and I'd certainly never use mechanicals instead of those lovely things! But to each their own.)

[@jamessauve2419]

Very interesting, I hadn't really considered water-solluble graphite before. I'll have to try it. Btw, I saw you commented on This is Classical Guitar. Are you still practicing? How's it coming along? Thanks again for the great video.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes, I practice guitar almost every day. Getting better. Still a beginner and working through the first method books but enjoying it quite a lot. I'm almost 3 months in now.

[@wmbriggz]

chairs vs stools... i am thinking of getting a new chair / stool and am wondering if a professional like yourself has any strong thoughts on the subject......i enjoy your videos and instragram a lot...thank you for taking the time to consider this question....

[@mindofwatercolor]

My personal preference is adjustable height office chairs with no arms.

[@wmbriggz]

@@mindofwatercolor thanks

[@kevinluckham]

That guy and his cart looks very familiar. I live near Colonial Williamsburg.

[@DolganoFF]

A bit surprised you didn't do vertical hatching on the shades under the carriage :)

[@HerradaJulio]

What about staedtler graphite and graphite water soluble? have you try them?

[@mindofwatercolor]

I haven't no.

[@HerradaJulio]

@@mindofwatercolor Thanks

[@Kitchensurprise]

Is the blue pencil just more comfortable to the eye? Why blue?

[@mindofwatercolor]

less mess and need for erasures when roughing out.

[@DolganoFF]

Blue is often used for rough sketches by illustrators who scan their works: the blue colour is the easiest to remove when scanning.

[@Kitchensurprise]

Thanks!

[@Taka_Takata]

5 years later, I have little hope of getting an answer, but I really, really would like to know if Steve or anybody else noticed some differences in texture between the various brands and grades, such as different sizes, tones and densities of grains of graphite left undiluted after the water application. I've got the Caran d'Ache, a few Faber Castell, plus maybe three from other brands, and some woodless ones, all soluble. I did a quick and superficial comparison a few years back, and concluded, probably too soon, that all of them, when a wet brush was dragged through a pencil-fillled area (bigger than in this demo), the results pretty much all looked similar, regardless of brand or grade: flat, grey, bland washes, quite often less interesting than even lamp black watercolor. Texture had to be done afterward with regular graphite. i beg to be proven wrong... This video motivates me to do the comparison again in a more serious and systematic way. ✏🌧 🖌

[@mindofwatercolor]

Most quality graphite brands at least are fairly consistent. However, even though standard graphite will mix and move with the water a little. The softer the grade (2b, 3b, 4b, etc.) the more it will travel, but that is not considered water soluble. Water soluble graphite includes a binder like watercolor and will create a much darker wash.

[@mikepolo2887]

I abandoned graphite for watercolor because it smears. Even if you use a sheet of paper not to smudge it with your hand, you can’t just dump everything in one folder, as it’s going to smear. Probably it’s some kind of OCD, but I just can’t handle it. I got some water soluble graphite recently and did some sketches with the Artgraph caked graphite. I gives gorgeous textures, but it lifts like hell. I have the Faber-Castell pencils, too, but have not tried them yet. They look very tempting, though. I liked the idea of adding water soluble graphite over a usual graphite drawing.

[@Taka_Takata]

there are all kinds of fixatives for graphite. Check out Lascaux spray fixatives.

[@jadetobin]

Ok...just had to pop in a quick comment...im only 5min in and gotta just tell you I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO jealous of your amazing graphite collection!! I'm not a super great artist like you so I've not allowed myself to spend money on a good set of nice pencils, plus no money or knowledge on what set to get and when barely making bills I can't feel good about spending on myself. But as I love graphite & watercolor, I LOVE the idea of water soluble graphite! Anyway...back to the video! Any thoughts on affordable sets would be awesome! And I definitely need to learn more about woodless pencils...can't seem to wrap my head around them not just snapping!! :) Edit...ok, watched the video....I always knowing going in you're an amazing artist, but every time watching you drawing is so great!! Thanks for all the info and swatches....I love swatches!! :) so I definitely have water soluble graphite on my wish list, as well as much better regular pencils as mine break easily but more frustrating is they will sometimes get an odd texture making it difficult to draw. So, still not sure on that front, but I'll keep looking! Thanks for a great video as always!! :)

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks! This is a great set if you're on a budget. amzn.to/3gBO5FR High quality water-soluble pencils. And keep in mind they don't have to be activated. You can leave them dry just like a regular graphite pencil.

[@jadetobin]

@@mindofwatercolor thank you SO much for the response!!! 8 truly appreciate it!! I'll go and look at that now. I just sent back a multi media sketchbook because though they said acrylics and watercolor were fine, the pages buckled a lot even at 110lb paper...so any suggestions on that would be awesome! But not necessary! Thanks so much for this!!!

[@pammied52]

What is the blue layer sketched with? Do you freehand your drawings or graph. Accuracy is amazing!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Non photo blue lead. Just keeps it light and less messy for the final line work.

[@lvbailey1]

❣️

[@rstallings69]

Since it isnt too erasable when wet would other papers like pulp watercolor paper or a nice heavy drawing or sketching paper peform just as well? or even Bristol vellum? Assuming not adding a lot of watercolor into the mix...cotton is great but just wondering if its overkill $ wise? I'll try a few things out and report back when I do

[@mindofwatercolor]

For simple washes pulp is fine for Ed graphite. But get into any layering and forget it. Either way pulp is not more erasable.

[@rstallings69]

@@mindofwatercolor thanks Steve! i want those pencils!

[@zazzyman]

I still don't understand why the blue lead?

[@yvonnerahmes9618]

I would also like to know if there is an art "principle" behind it's use, and how is it used...?

[@nsavar5864]

Mr. Mitchell talks about using the blue pencil in this video: Pen & Ink Full Process Demo - Inktober Published on Oct 10, 2017 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKaZlZWjhbVleM0 Perhaps there are other videos that others can add, too.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks, yes, I was going to refer to that one. Simply put its a way to rough out a sketch with minimal mess and confusion and to keep clarity in the finished line.

[@finnie2711]

What's the difference between water soluble graphite and just gray or black watercolour? Other then it being a pencil and being able to do very fine detailed with and also it being portable, When I use water soluble graphite I get streaky marks is this just a characteristic of this medium???

[@mindofwatercolor]

Graphite is just graphite. Watercolor contains a pigment color. Graphite typically does not get full black even the deepest ones. Color wise, depending on paint color it may not differ much. Graphite is a common art supply for drawing because of its smooth application and blending characteristics. Add the water factor and it just adds another feature.

[@finnie2711]

@@mindofwatercolor Thank youuu!!!!

[@ChaosOrZen]

Why did you not use water soluble for the initial drawing? the pencils are erasable.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Just a preference for the style I had in mind.

[@rosevanveen9936]

76

[@jmitch5161]

Why show a product you're not going to demo?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Why not?

[@CharleyWang]

I subscribed to your channel and watched each of your videos in time. You are a magician. My channel theme is: follow the painter to travel. Let's work hard together我订阅了您的频道，及时观看您的每个视频。 你是魔术师。 我的频道主题是：跟随画家去旅行。 让我们一起努力吧！

[@jisuki6731]

This video is Awesome! So enjoyed watching you swatch the different types of water soluble graphite and the drawing!!! I'm intrigued! Never used them before and looking forward to getting some of the pencils you've recommended! Thank you so much for sharing!