This workshop, lead by internationally recognized professional pencil artist Pieter van der Merwe, offers a comprehensive journey into Graphite Pencil Drawing, aimed at deepening your understanding of the medium, introducing innovative techniques, and enhancing your ability to create outstanding graphite drawings.

Each session is designed to provide hands-on experience, enabling you to use the right tools and techniques to elevate your artwork and produce stunning visual effects. You’ll discover the secrets to bringing your drawings to life, and receive personalized guidance and feedback from me. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with fellow artists, exchange ideas, and collectively foster artistic growth.

The workshops are suited for artists of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals, and are crafted to inspire and support each participant on their artistic journey.

For this workshop, you will need the following:

Pencils

Make sure to have a set of pencils ranging from 8B to 2H. This range will give you options for achieving different values and shading in your drawings.

Consider:

• Faber Castell 9000 Graphite Pencils.
• Caran d’Ache Grafwood Pencils.
• Derwent Graphic Pencils.
• Conte á Paris Graphite Pencils.
• Cretacolor CLEOS fine art Graphite Pencils.

Mechanical Pencils

The lead sizes 0.5mm & 0.35mm are perfect for creating precise lines and delicate details. Please note that the 0.3mm and 0.35mm leads are interchangeable. The 0.5mm is a slightly thicker mechanical pencil that works well for general sketching and outlining.

Consider:

• Rotring Tikky Mechanical Pencils.
• Faber Castell TK Fine Mechanical Pencil.

Leads

The 0.5mm leads are suitable for 0.5mm mechanical pencils. 4B leads are soft and produce very dark lines and shading. The 0.35mm are compatible with both 0.3mm and 0.35mm mechanical pencils. The 2B hardness is great for creating medium to dark lines and shading.

Consider:

• Pilot NEOX Graphite leads. (0.5mm (4B); 0.35mm (2B)).

Graphite Blocks

9B / 6B graphite blocks or crayons are excellent for achieving deep black tones and rich shading. It is also the ideal medium to create pitch black backgrounds.

Consider:

• Caran D’Ache Grafcube.
• Lyra Graphhite Crayon Non Water Soluble.

Blending Tools

Blending stumps are made of paper and are used for blending and smudging graphite to create smooth transition and textures.

Consider:

• Caran d’Ache 140mm Blending Stump.
• Derwent Paper Stumps.
• Prime Art Paper Stump Set.

Makeup Sponges, in any shape or size, can be used for blending and creating soft textures. Rounded sponges work best.

Cotton Wool can be handy for various blending techniques and creating subtle effects.

Erasing Tools

A Precision Eraser is ideal for erasing extra small areas and creating fine details with accuracy.

Consider Tombow Mono Zero 2.3mm Round (& Refills).

A Kneadable Eraser is a versatile tool that can be shaped and molded to erase both large areas and smaller details.

Consider:

• Faber Castell Kneadable Eraser.
• Caran d’Ache Kneadable Eraser.

An Electric Eraser is OPTIONAL, but it can be very effective in removing graphite from tight or over-toned areas.

Consider:

• Cretacolor Battery Eraser.
• SinoArt Battery Eraser.
• Derwent Battery Eraser.
• Couture Creations Creative Eraser.

Paper

Pieter recommends a 100% Cotton Aquarelle (Watercolour) Paper, preferably with a paper weight between 200gsm and 350gsm. It is important that the paper has hot-pressed tooth (smooth surface). This specific paper provides and ideal surface for accurate drawing and is capable of handling the punishment of various erasing and blending techniques. A3 size paper is required.

Consider:

• Arches Aquarelle Paper Pads / Blocks / Sheets.
• St Cuthberts Mill Bockingford Watercolour Paper Blocks / Sheets.
• Fabriano Artistico Watercolour Paper Blocks / Sheets / Pads.

Do not consider Prime Art Water 300gsm Hot Pressed Pads.

Cutter

Have a sharp knife or blade (Art Knife or NT Cutter) at hand for sharpening pencils and scraping off graphite powder from graphite blocks.

Consider:

• Faber Castell Erasing & Sharpening Knife.
• Dahle Basic 9mm Cutter.
• Slice Craft Knife with Detachable Safety Cap.

It is also important to have a Ruler handy for drawing precise lines.

View more information about Pieter van der Merwe.