I was trying out a new mechanical pencil today. I was asked what I thought of it and but for that I would have just put it in my bag and thought no more of it. It's a Lamy and it looks fairly boring so I bought it for drawing in public without drawing attention to myself (excuse the pun). So I tried some line drawings and I tried some shading and realised I don't really like these things. For line drawings they are fine although I find the line is a bit too regular and needs some working to get a nice variation. But for shading these mechanical pencils are very different to normal ones. Regular pencils have a very satisfying gritty feel as they glide along, you can feel the texture of the paper, but a mechanical pencil feels like it has ball bearings making it smoother to use and less responsive, as if the lead has different properties to an encased pencil lead. The line itself looks, to me anyway, quite different too - more like a definite line that you would get from a pen, and more difficult to play with and blend.
I'll still keep it with me though, and use it with my very tiny lightweight sketchbook for very brief sketches and for when I really don't want to be noticed!
I drew this quick sketch with an HB lead.
14 comments:
What a wonderful expression on this baby's face. I want to just hug her/him.
It is fun to try new equipment because it makes our usual stuff even better...if that be the case or we have found a new friend.
I LOVE my mechanical pencil (very cheap -- .05 line) -- but all I do is outline with it -- they don't do at all for shading. Nonetheless, your work is always exquisite, Felicity -- even things you don't like!!!
Quick Sketch? Amazing, He (?) is so expressive, what wonderful talent you have!!! Thank you for shareing it.
Yours, Debi
I suppose there will be some drawing tools that you like and there will be some that you don’t like. Nevertheless, this drawing is precious. This little baby with a solemn face just tugs the heart’s string.
I still use a mechanical for adding in a fine line or two (which is otherwise all but impossible with a 7B) but I'm uber-picky about the leads I put into it. And there is definitely a difference in lead mechanical and wooden pencil lead!
Sweet baby face, but I really love the tummy! :-D I know what you mean about mechanical pencil lead (although they vary from manufacturer to manufacturer). I think they feel more like working with a VERY fine pen.
:-D I'm laughing at myself -- I said I loved the baby's tummy, but then took another look, and you only suggested it. THAT'S good art, my dear! I could have SWORN there was a sweet round tummy fully drawn!
:-D
I've never tried one of these pencils. The best one I ever had was from Muji, but sadly is no longer available. If I'd known, I'd have bought enough to last a life time. Hey Ho! I shall look out for these and give them a go though. (I thought I'd apend a quiet hour having a browse in one of those on-line shops you got the link for from EdM.)
Very nice sketch of the baby...I like his piercing eyes--he looks very deep in thought. It made me chuckle picturing you sort of hiding behind a little boring pencil to avoid being noticed.
bwdlfz
Aren't we so lucky to have such resources to experiment with. I am finding new tools aren't always easy, but to bring out the best is a challenge that is fun to try to grasp.
I find your sketches extremely inspirig. Wonderful work.
I had to use a mechanical pencil in my job (animation) for fifteen years, and I am sure glad to have a break from it when I draw for fun. But I like experimenting with new drawing/painting tools all the time.
Portraits being my favorite....well, this is magical. It's beautiful! marta
A lovely sketch. It's a real challenge to capture youthfulness in a face - you've done it so well in this "quick sketch"!
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