Grade of pencils to use while sketching?

[KonnA]

I have a problem, when I'm sketching the page gets stupidly messy. The shading is always hard to show, as when I block in dark areas it doesn't go very dark and it goes that weird shiney look. I'm using sketching paper and I'm using a HB pencil. I have B, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B, 8B pencils. I ain't sure which to use for just normal sketching. Not for actual high quality drawings...

Thanks in advance.

[sketchfreak]

I'm not master, But I use Mechanical-Pencil (7.0) for high-quality drawing, soft edges and shading too dark areas!

I agree with you, I always have same problem with HB!

[Kagemusha22]

2B are usually used within lifedrawing as they have a nice range of darker shades, but are resilient when you're in a rush to draw so the graphite doesn't crumble. Though personally I use B5's and B6's as they make nice hard lines, but can go very subtle if you have the pencil just skim the surface. Whilst I like B's for illustration and graphic work, as they're nearly as precise as a HB, but have a greater range of shades.

In the end it's all about personal preference, just use them all and see which fits you.

[sketchfreak]

In the end it's all about personal preference, just use them all and see which fits you.

That's Ultimate Truth! ... nothing to say!

[KonnA]

Thank you guys. I think I'll devote a few sketchbook pages to finding out which I like most.

[ladydove7]

I think most everyone has stated the best advice, particularly when it comes to just experimenting and finding out for yourself.

I know in figure drawing, I would sketch lightly with an HB (which is a naturally lighter tone with a harder lead) and then whip out the 2B pencil to trace more crisp lines over my hairy sketchiness and to add darker shadows.

These days, I don't really bother with using different leads because I tend to ink over my pencil drawings, in which case I simply use a 0.7mm 2B mechanical pencil (most normal pencils ARE 2B) because it has a nice range of lights and darks and is generally easy to erase.

Though if you're doing graphite drawings, might I suggest the Staedlar Tuff Stuff eraser stick (http://www.dickblick.com/products/sanford-tuff-stuff-eraser-stick/)! It works wonders for me because it's such a thin eraser and you can erase out very precise highlights or surgically remove lines.