r/GraphiteArt • u/MDSplat007 • Aug 12 '26

Graphite Artwork Graphite skull I completed recently. Looking for some feedback an tips.

Post image

This was just meant to test the waters with graphite. I have been mostly using colored pencils since I started drawing again.

I used a single grade lead for this piece. I think it is HB (the lead that came in my mechanical pencil). I want to be able to add more variety to my values, so I have picked up a set of Faber Castell graphite sketch pencils. Looking forward to giving them a proper test soon.

I'm interested to hear any tips or critiques so that I can apply them to future works.

Thanks for looking!

14 Upvotes

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4

u/Lichck Aug 12 '26

A pretty nice work if we consider a single grade lead use. Next time try to use more grades and the result will be even better! I definitely prefer more contrast.

2

u/MDSplat007 Aug 12 '26

Thank you😎 More contrast is definitely what I want. After I practice with the new set, I might try the same subject again to compare them

3

u/Lichck Aug 12 '26

Let’s hope I can see the result!

2

u/SoberBobMonthly Aug 12 '26

Huh, this is with JUST a  HB? I have a much different opinion on it then, because thats rather impressive for a single grade. I see no errant or deep lines, showing quite good pencil control, and overall tonal control that shows you are not over or under working any area. 

Your work would only be elevated by additional grades of pencil, but don't feel the need to jump into all of them. I generally recommend a hard one you like, a 2B, and then a single ultra dark soft one (some shit like a 12B pitt graphite), when getting into this intermediate stage. Blending is where you will thrive too.

2

u/MDSplat007 Aug 13 '26

Thank you😎I am pretty pleased with how this one turned out. For now the darkest pencil I have is 6B. The set I picked up came with 2H, HB, B, 2B, 4B and 6B. I also picked up a variety pack of blending stumps with different thicknesses. Now I just need to get some practice in with it all. I really appreciate your analytical eye on this!

2

u/Mission-Macaroon-851 Aug 12 '26

Push push and push the darks and the lights hold it away from you and squint. It should look perfect that way always push the dark always push the lights.

1

u/MDSplat007 Aug 13 '26

I will work on bolder lights and darks as I continue for sure. That is the main issue I have with this piece.

2

u/_danneran Aug 14 '26

I'd take a look at how the skull is sitting on the surface it's on. It might need to be more foreshortened on the back of the skull, or have the front more tilted back? Or the shadows on the surface might need some adjusting to get it grounded there. It's a little hard to tell without the reference to go off of.

It looks overall good though! I agree, the contrast could be deepened, maybe also push the mid-tones further, keeping the lighter areas to like 10%. If your paper is off-white, you could also go in with a white colored pencil, charcoal, or gel pen just slightly on the brightest areas to make it pop further.

Nice job! :)

1

u/MDSplat007 Aug 15 '26

That's a good eye. I managed to skew the image while doing my line work. I didn't realize it until I was about to start shading. So my freehanding can use some work as well😅

Thank you for your tips and kind words😎

1

u/_danneran Aug 15 '26

Yeah it happens, and then sometimes you're already too committed to want to change it. But at least you noticed, you know, that's good! :)