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From the lens Drawing techniques: using carbon, charcoal, and graphite..

The comment section is open to everyone. Your opinions count. What did you think of the information you found here...was it helpful? Was it clear and concise? Would you like to know more? Would you recommend this lens to a friend?...tell me what you think.



Your comments will help me improve this lens for others.



MOST RECENT COMMENTS:

  • sue826 Nov 21, 2011 @ 9:57 pm | delete
    You are amazing - I love black and white art so I really can appreciate the detail and realism you are achieving - I'm floored.
  • nelchee Nov 17, 2011 @ 12:13 pm | delete
    Thanks for the info on carbon pencil, I got some as a present but had no idea why they were so special :)
  • efcruzarts Oct 25, 2011 @ 10:56 am | delete
    nice lens in pencils infos
  • wegba Sep 7, 2011 @ 11:34 am | delete
    your work is awesome, i like the "fork and spoon club" the most, just wonna know if you also use kneaded eraser for carbon
  • serenity4me Jun 30, 2011 @ 6:13 pm | delete
    Very informative. Wow!
  • rcelano Jun 4, 2011 @ 1:58 pm | delete
    This lens is both informative and educational. Thanks and bookmarked.
  • flighty02 May 18, 2011 @ 2:54 am | delete
    Fantastic! You could mistake the ?fork and spoon club' for a photograph and I love how you have captured ?Miss Mouse', I wish that I had your talent!
    I only draw occasionally, usually ink or graphite pencil but I'm not what you might call a confident artist. I was recently given a set of tinted charcoal pencils but I guess I am not really sure how to use them so they still sit unused in the tin.
  • Michael W Feb 1, 2011 @ 11:40 pm | delete
    Thankyou for such a great article,
    I am just beginning and find the rendering of a drawing the most exciting process turning flat lines into 3D objects which posess a life of its own, (the spoon drawing beyond words).
    I need as much help as possible, you explanations simple and inspiring.
    Although I get frustrated this site gave me a enthuasim to try again and watch this site.
    Thankyou
  • Bob Jan 16, 2011 @ 3:13 pm | delete
    Love your work, Marsha! Thanks for all the useful info and tips!
  • Chinajoy Jan 2, 2011 @ 7:09 am | delete
    Great lens....I have lensrolled it over to several of my "How to Draw" lenses, and the "110 Faces of China" Project lens
  • lizzie Dec 31, 2010 @ 4:01 pm | delete
    Absolutely fascinating info, your drawings are amazing. Learnt loads.
  • edward church Dec 2, 2010 @ 10:25 am | delete
    I have been practicing this graphite for a long time when I got here in Quebec I am from Maine.. I know there are certain kinds of pencils ppl use some can be expensive..like Reeves pencils they cost a lot . like 6 dollars for 5. so I use the cheap kind . that are called crafts they are from china cost me 1.25 for 12> 3b,4b,3h,hb,b,h,2h,2b, when I try to save the good pencils. but I have been serious about the concept of light and shade how these pencils are used. but I am using 2 pencils.. 2b and regular 2hb pencil. I am leraning how to use the two for drawing. I am 49
  • Chinajoy Nov 25, 2010 @ 6:48 am | delete
    I have seen your work a few times,... and I am still amazed and strive to get there myself.
  • ddixonart Nov 9, 2010 @ 12:16 am | delete
    Inspiring artwork and lens :)
  • joy Aug 8, 2010 @ 6:53 am | delete
    sir.
    the "FORK and SPOON CLUB" is depicting ABSOLUTE REALISM!!
    As an observer,I myself have drawn much in GRAPHITE but the transition to carbon or charcoal is a realm unvisited for me.
    kindly tell me how to tame the charcoal and carbon.
    Your drawings made me realize that my potential is utilized 30%
    please be sure to tell about the kind of paper used for these pencils......
    YOU ARE AMAZING!!!
    GOD LIKE CREATIONS!!!!!!!!!
    indeed.
  • JoyfulPamela Jun 5, 2010 @ 3:38 pm | delete
    Your drawings are really beautiful!! Thank you for the information about the types of pencils. I'm adding your page to my "Pencils" lens. :D
  • MicheleWebber May 21, 2010 @ 3:13 am | delete
    Stunning lens, I have lens rolled it to my lens 'learning to draw', and personally found it helpful. I am too obsessed with paint pigments to have learned as much as I should about pencil types. This is a great article for those who draw regularly, and I will certainly send my students here when they need more information about pencils.
  • WildFacesGallery May 20, 2010 @ 12:28 pm | delete
    Beautifully written and Illustrated. Well done! Lensrolling it to my lens about sketching remarques.
  • d-artist May 20, 2010 @ 10:08 am | delete
    Absolutely amazing drawings! I don't do too many drawings anymore, but when I see what you have done I want to get back to the Pencil, but worry I don't have the patience. Thanks for sharing!
  • Chinajoy Apr 18, 2010 @ 9:24 am | delete
    Thank you for sharing these. I love them and have your book. I am still developing the skills in it, but I love the effects of the techniques. I am self taught, but your book as been a great aid. I really love the rose. I have tried a stemmed rose held in a hand, but the realism is not near what it is in yours. Thanks for sharing.
  • Jen Mar 29, 2010 @ 7:07 pm | delete
    I love carbon as well, and was wondering if you have tried the Kimberly 9xxb pencil? Not carbon, in fact I believe it qualifies as graphite, but to me it is like a wonderful cross between the two - deep black without the shininess of graphite.

    I am also in love with Derwent Drawing Pencils. Also like carbon, but a touch smoother and creamier. They also come in color, but I only use chocolate, black, venitian red and terracotta - the old renaissance drawing colors. There is white too for working on darker grounds.

    Just found this blog, can't wait to explore more!
  • GCInsinna Mar 12, 2010 @ 12:58 pm | delete
    Marsha! Your art is truly extraordinary, and is equalled by your generosity ! You are a very good teacher and have many insights that have been most helpful and, as always, INSPIRING!
  • †£©hηØ ƒ®£@κ Feb 27, 2010 @ 12:46 am | delete
    the importance of different kind of pencils is really extraordinary,yet same people like me, cannot really put these kind of feelings and descriptions into words.these descriptions really helped. and for that i thank you. I now have a more meaningful relation to my materials and will probably learn to use these skills at a much more sophisticated manner. and for you to post something like this up, is amazing..to new young artists and those familiar. So good job and keep up the great work.
  • LB Feb 13, 2010 @ 3:27 pm | delete
    Thank you so much for posting these. Your tutorials have been extremely helpful for my 13 year-old son.
  • Charcoal Girl Dec 29, 2009 @ 12:54 am | delete
    The precise nature of your work is really awsome. I was totaly at a loss as to how you were producing such great detail until I saw that you use a magnifying glass when working. It has never occured to me to try anything that detailed. I have found a great friend in charcoal personally. And as a result as you said, my work tends to be rougher and more syleized (I most likely spelled that wrong). You have inspired me to try picking up a carbon pencil and see where it takes me. Thank you.
  • rich Dec 28, 2009 @ 10:46 am | delete
    i like your work very well done .your comments on the use of graphite helped me to understand about the shine better.thank you for taking the time to help so many newbe artist .
  • bill Dec 13, 2009 @ 3:00 am | delete
    amazing work
  • Flynn_the_Cat Nov 1, 2009 @ 5:49 am | delete
    Fantastic! Blessed!
  • Jenni Sep 11, 2009 @ 1:37 pm | delete
    Your work is beautiful, and I love how you share your knowledge! I have put your link on my blog here http://portraitartwork.wordpress.com/
  • Caro Jul 22, 2009 @ 5:08 pm | delete
    Wow.
    Your work is amazing. When I grow up, I want to bee able to do that! But for now, I guess I'll just take your tips (and my brand new carbon pencil) and practice!
  • Lerry Jun 30, 2009 @ 5:33 am | delete
    Hi I was inspired by seeing all your work and started to draw again, A bit rusty though since I stopped drawing for more than five years. I learned a lot with your tips about graphite, carbon and charcoal on how to effectively utilize them.
    I am currently using soft, medium and hard charcoal together with my graphite pencil and similarly producing great effects but not as good as yours ^_^
    thanks much
  • Bill May 28, 2009 @ 7:10 pm | delete
    Great work -- i'm a newbie to drawing but consider myself to have a good eye. I'm awestruck ! I have a Wolff carbon but what brand name do you use for the charcoal ?
  • leslie Apr 30, 2009 @ 12:20 pm | delete
    I am impressed by the beautiful drawings using charcoal and graphite, i always use charcoal and a regular pencil to draw, but now I know that their is another kind of pencil i can use. wow, i really loved the forks and spoons, i would love to take my drawing to another level like that one.
  • lekerr Mar 22, 2009 @ 5:57 pm | delete
    hi i am learning how to use charcoals... could you explain more techniques?
    THanks
  • melmail44 Mar 22, 2009 @ 8:50 am | delete
    Wow! What can I say? I am blown away by your drawings and the wealth of information here. Thank you! (I am especially impressed with the "Fork and Spoon Club"). I wrote a lens on my opinion on the difference between charcoal and graphite, but it's nothing like this lens...I'm gonna keep this one favorited and come back really often for information and inspiration. Thank you!
  • DAZAMAN Feb 24, 2009 @ 6:02 pm | delete
    hi great page very usefull tips and information
    have been drawing with charcoal for many years but seems you are really gifted
    thanks for sharing
  • Iin Feb 10, 2009 @ 12:08 am | delete
    Wow, when I could be as good as you?
  • Ana Tirolese Nov 29, 2008 @ 9:45 am | delete
    Thank you so much. This is a wonderful article. I have passed it on to my portrait drawing group because of all the useful information, and how well it is written and presented. This is being bookmarked for further and future reference.
  • Connie Stein Oct 29, 2008 @ 2:28 pm | delete
    Your work is excellant and your instructions on how to do very clear. Now to find the time to try all that you have wrote about. Love the little blonde girls picture.
  • bunny Oct 8, 2008 @ 10:33 pm | delete
    Your drawings are so amazing! i thought that the silverware was a picture:)your site was very helpful to me.
  • Bruce Meyer Oct 2, 2008 @ 12:26 pm | delete
    This is a really helpful and inspirational page. I like working with graphite and charcoal pencils most. Graphite pencils, really, most. You encourage me by what you've done here. Thanks so much.
  • letecia Sep 22, 2008 @ 1:31 am | delete
    hi and hello..i really like this site..it gives me
    more tips and techniques..thank u so much marsha..
    at last i have know the definition of the differences of each pencil...LOL...
  • Sally M. Geething Jul 5, 2008 @ 5:38 pm | delete
    Drama Queen....& that's a compliment, believe me!!!! Easy for the average person to relate to your explanations of thee pencils. Do you teach? YOU SHOULD you have an understanding & can articulate in picture words ANYONE can grasp. You are rare, you are wonderful.....Keep uup the great work! Google me for "bits & Pieces of what I do/have done. Van Wert Ohio.
  • Heather Jun 29, 2008 @ 10:24 pm | delete
    Thank you so much! I have been using charcoal for a few months now and was curious about carbon. I read Hillberry's book but your explanations of the differences really helped. I love your work, by the way!
  • makingamark Jun 2, 2008 @ 4:13 am | delete
    Very nice site Marsha - I especially like the explanations of the characteristics of carbon, charcoal and graphite.
  • Sheona Hamilton-Grant May 29, 2008 @ 8:09 am | delete
    Great lens Marsha...love the "quiet timid child" description for graphite.
    You have a talent for sharing as well. Thumbs up! Sheona
  • CleanFace May 17, 2008 @ 7:31 am | delete
    Nice lens! 5 stars given! :)
  • Pat Sedan May 7, 2008 @ 3:01 pm | delete
    Thank you so much for a very clear view of the true art that can be accomplished with pencil. The drama is awesome. It gives me hope for my own future in the world of pencil portraiture!
  • shwetashah May 5, 2008 @ 5:42 am | delete
    great lens and great work
  • Sheryl Parrott Apr 25, 2008 @ 6:29 pm | delete
    It has been very inspiring to me to discover your site. It Is The Journey That Defines You! I am 61 and it is time to map my journey....what a wakeup call. Thank you, Sheryl Parrott
  • J D Hillberry Apr 3, 2008 @ 12:20 am | delete
    I love your new site and your work is fantastic. Once in a while I get someone in my workshops that really "gets it" and you were that student. I'm proud to claim you as a former student. Keep up the good work.
    J. D. Hillberry
  • PamYla Apr 1, 2008 @ 4:02 am | delete
    You are truly inspiring! I am in awe of your talent. It comes from your soul
  • bdkz Mar 20, 2008 @ 9:03 pm | delete
    I love this lens! You are an amazing artist. 5 Stars and a Squid Angel Blessing!
  • snaz Mar 14, 2008 @ 11:51 am | delete
    WOW! stunning work. Absolutely amazing
  • Natasha Feb 5, 2008 @ 11:46 pm | delete
    Excellent expression - illuminating. Thank you for posting and all the hours of work that is represented here.
  • Casey Klahn Jan 14, 2008 @ 4:14 pm | delete
    Fabulous. Very instructive.
  • fanfreluche Jan 10, 2008 @ 8:04 am | delete
    wow you are talented! The fork and spoon club is amazing!
  • utradesports Jan 10, 2008 @ 7:37 am | delete
    The silverware is absolutely amazing. I can't even do that with prismacolor pencils, let alone with only graphite, and carbon pencils. I can't stop saying absolutely amazing enough! We should be able to rate this a 10*.
  • clouda9 Jan 9, 2008 @ 10:17 pm | delete
    This lens is one of the best I have ever seen! Your artistic talent shines thru in both your work and design here! 5*'s for sure!
  • TammyDickinson Jan 9, 2008 @ 8:39 pm | delete
    Very nice! This is a great lens, full of lots of eye candy and talent. Thanks for sharing!
  • Jan 9, 2008 @ 8:54 am | delete
    what a quality Lens for a first attempt very impressive!
  • jeffwend Jan 9, 2008 @ 2:33 am | delete
    I am thoroughly impressed! A credit to Squidoo with this one.
  • Nih Dec 20, 2007 @ 12:17 pm | delete
    Great Lens! Welcome to the Pencil Artists Group! I enjoyed seeing your art.
  • mulberry Dec 18, 2007 @ 7:01 pm | delete
    Wow, your art is amazing. Can't wait to see more tips.

by

TheExtraordinaryPencil

Hello, I am The Extraordinary Pencil.  As a pencil artist I specialize in black and white art. Working on cream toned paper I use predominately carbon... more »

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