Graphite Drawing Technique: Using Solid Lead over graphite washes

Elephant Portrait in Graphite

First: I like a cold press illustration board with medium tooth, i want a little texture. The board must also be double thick as it can handle allot of water without bowing, this is very impoetant.

Second: I grade up a 2B Water soluble graphite pencil and let it soak and break down for a day or two. I then soak the board with a spritzer bottle so that the whole surface is wet but not drenched. I then add in some of the water soluble mixture to the board. I try to make as random a pattern as i can. I then allow the mixture to day are several days, this is key. Do not try to continue until the board is bone dry or your pencil will tear up the surface. I repeat this process two or three times.

Third: I then start working in HB and 2B graphite shading into the piece creating the shape and form of my subject. The white highlights are removed from the board using custom cut erasing shields to create specific shapes and an electric eraser. If need be a new razor blade can remove a layer of board and get you to pure white again.

The keys to this drawing are many thumbnail drawings before I start and allowing the board to dry between stages. Starting to draw in your detail before the board is COMPLETELY dry between stages is a recipe for destruction. If you would like a larger view of this image it is posted on my wildlife art website. Thanks for looking and good luck!