Art 91: Graphite Sketch on my Fabriano

Hi, it has been a long while since I made something with graphite. Lately, I just use watercolor, watercolor pencils and ink to create my artworks here in Steemit. But I really have started with graphite. Also, when I started Steemit, my first drawing was a Korean Idol named Wonwoo, a member of the KPop group, Seventeen!

And since, I bought a new sketchbook named Fabriano, let me do graphite sketches once more and lets have a Korean Idol. I do not know exactly who he is but here is my artwork.

Now, let me tell you about the process. Actually, there is so much excitement in my heart when I removed the plastic covering of the sketchbook. I want to feel the sheets using my index finger. And amazingly, I like the not-so-fine-grain-feel. I also smelled it, and I so love the smell of it. Anyways, let me go now to the process.

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I first used an ordinary drawing pencil to sketch the outline of my subject. I made sure that it is proportional and accurate. Also, I used very thin lines by not putting so much pressure while holding the pencil.

Then, I worked on the right ear first. I patiently put shade using my Staedler 6B. This is a heavy graphite pencil that will give you dark shades. I smudged it carefully to soften the surface. Then, I went down to the neck and darken the left side of the neck then I also smudged it around to soften these areas.

Next to that, I did the eyes very carefully since there are very small details to work on. Then continued on the dark edges of the face including the nose and mouth/lips. To add some value I brushed using a make-up brush from the dark part of the neck. Or I brush the smudge tool on the 6B pencil and go directly to the part to be applied.

Then I made initial sketches to the hair and the coat. When doing the hair I study the flow and direction of the hair. Although, I still have so many things to improve here. Soon, I can perfect this part of the portrait.

And here is the look when the hair is done. I think I need a pencil eraser to have a perfect highlights of the hair. And honestly, I also struggle with the unwanted smudges around the areas. But, I should not worry because I can used a hard eraser for that.

The next move was unplanned. But, I continued by making an oval frame. The main purpose was to cover the unwanted smudges I have made while doing the process. After covering all the parts of the frame, I wiped it with a tissue to soften the surfaces.

And here is the final output. It is not the best yet, but I certainly love it. That is the most important part of drawing.

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Final Words

I hope you had fun reading this blog. If you liked it please do not forget to upvote. Also, if you have some thoughts in mind, please let me know by commenting it below. Lastly, if you want to see more art blogs from me, you can click any number below:

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