Sfumato??

[Sphyzex_9]

Sorry to ask a dumb question here, but is there any specific trechnique of achieving sfumato like shading with pencil?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5f/MonaLisa_sfumato.jpeg

[Elwell]

Smooth paper, a soft, sharp pencil, patience, and a light touch

[ask maurice]

First layer drawn with traditional graphite (stationary), then draw over lightly with Water Soluble Graphite Pencils (http://www.anrdoezrs.net/gn122cy63y5LPMVQNQMLNMQVRPMT?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww. dickblick.com%2Fzz204%2F68%2F%3Fwmcp%3Dcj%26wmcid% 3Dfeeds%26wmckw%3D20468-1009-6321&cjsku=20468-1009) and dry brush dab or smear. Control use of water to minimum to prevent warping paper. If that occurs paper can be ironed out between layers of linen.




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[Beginiss]

I'm fairly certain there's multiple ways to achieve the subtility of Leonardo's sfumato (after all, he wasn't the first to one invent it and use it).

Though, what Leonardo had was a very thorough understanding of light and......everything else in the physical world.

Another thing I would like to know is how Leonardo was able to control over 100 values of shades and lights in his paintings and drawings. A tad difficult, no? (Doesn't a camera use less values than that?)

Knowledge is power in his case, because even though his work deeply impresses us, we may never know HIS specific technique.
And even if we knew, how could we work hard enough and patiently enough to achieve such a feat?
And even if we could achieve it, to what end would it be put to use?

But we can still do what he did his whole life: experiment with endless curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. (He was quite an impressive problem solver and scientist as well.)

One thing that you could do is start with a thorough understanding of light and planes (How well do you know you values?).It doesn't matter what materials you use. Understanding is everything. Try hatching in the plane that you would perfer the value to be. Then smooth it, smudge it, cross-hatch it and/or continue to experiment with what will get it transitioned. Try to to test yourself with how subtly you can transition values.

That's my two cents, anyway.

[drd]

Smooth paper, a soft, sharp pencil, patience, and a light touch

Might I ask, why not a harder pencil?

Any specific reason?