Artist Quality Powdered Graphite

Pros:
1. Easily covers large areas of paper.

2. Creates soft shading when applied with a cloth.

3. Smooth blending. No more fighting to smooth over pencil lines, or worrying about shading with pencil strokes all in the same direction.

4. Powdered graphite can be layered to create really dark areas. I believe the darkness is comparable to an 8B graphite pencil. Great for creating dark night skies.

5. Powdered graphite is inexpensive.

Cons
1. It is messy! No worries though, I have some tips on working with it and keeping you area clean below.

Heres how I keep powdered graphite under control:

1. When shading large areas of paper, I put an old sheet of newspaper under the drawing I am working on, then I start shading. Then when I go outside the edge of my paper, I don't get it all over my drawing desk. If I get excess on the drawing, I just shake it off onto the paper. Then I can fold the paper and dump it right back into the jar of graphite. When I am done, I can just recycle the paper.

2. To protect areas of a drawing I often use a clean sheet of paper cut into the general shape of the area I want to keep white. The I hold it firmly on the drawing and shade around it with the powdered graphite. This works really well, and creates a definite line between the light and dark. You will just have to clean up the edge - erasing any spill overs, and shading in areas that need to be black.I occasionally use Incredible White Mask fluid for protecting small areas.


Incredible White Mask

Incredible White Mask

This high-quality, non-pigmented liquid frisket is ideal for watercolor masking. It dries to a neutral cream color that shows through dry paint, so that you can see exactly where you've masked. Comes in a 4½ oz jar. This kit includes an 81/2 oz bottle of the Incredible White Mask, the Incredible Nib, a Liquid Frisket Remover Tool, and a pamphlet entitled "Tips and Techniques."

3. Clean up any excess powderd graphite by first shaking off the excess. Then use a rubber eraser to pick up any other excess that might have been left behind. Then use a nice white eraser or eraser pen to erase the rest.


Design Kneaded Rubber Eraser

Design Kneaded Rubber Eraser

This popular eraser kneads easily into any shape, erases cleanly, and picks up all residue. It's excellent for removing or highlighting pencil, chalk, charcoal, and pastel.

Sanford Tuff Stuff Eraser Stick

Sanford Tuff Stuff Eraser Stick

Sanford Tuff Stuff Eraser Sticks last up to 10 times longer than traditional eraser materials. They feature a comfortable rubberized barreland an easy pushbutton eraser advance. Refillable.

4. If you get any of it on your hands, it will come off with soap and water. I have found using a dish detergent and water takes it off my drawing desk.

For large areas, dip a soft paper towel (like Viva), cloth, or chamois into the graphite. Then rub onto the paper. this creates soft effects and even blending.

For smaller areas you can dip a tortillion or blending stump into the powdered graphite. Be sure and shake off the excess, then apply to your paper. After application, you may want to blend with a cloth to soften the edges.

You can also pour the powdered graphite directly onto the paper, and then blend. This works especially well if you want to shade large areas and want them very dark.

Extra Fine Powdered Graphite

Powdered Graphite

Extra-fine powdered graphite can be used as a drawing medium by itself or in conjunction with other media. Squeeze a small amount from the bottle and move it around with a dry brush or with your fingertip. Use it for shading, or for creating your own unusual effects. It also has many other practical uses around the home or shop. The plastic squeeze bottle holds 50 gr (1.765 oz).

General's Powdered Graphite

General's Powdered Graphite

General's Powdered Graphite is ideal for covering large areas or for drawing and mixing media. It leaves a smooth, satin finish. Apply it with chamois, fingers, or cloth or use a brush to apply it as a wash.

General's Powdered Charcoal

General's Powdered Charcoal

General's Powdered Charcoal is a super fine, 100% pure, artist-quality charcoal. It is a willow-type charcoal, extra soft, and intensely black. Excellent for all pattern work and pouncing.

In my celebrity drawing of Pirates of the Caribbean, I used powdered graphite to create the background effect.

I applied it to a soft paper towel,and then dabbed it all over the paper, staying away from the figures in the middle. then I used a rubber eraser to pull outwards from the figures and create a glow effect.

See a larger version of the image.

See more examples of my work, many of which include the use of powdered graphite.