Pencils are the simplest tools you can use, and they’re surprisingly versatile. They’re easy to find, too! Most art or office supply, craft, grocery or discount store will have a few pencils to choose from. A no. 2 office pencil is a fine sketching tool.
Some artists prefer to work with a variety of hardnesses for different effects. To keep it simple, I usually choose an HB, which is a mid-range, or a B or 2B, both of which are a bit softer. You can get a huge range of values with these, depending on how hard you press.
My preference for on-the-spot sketching is a 0.5 or 0.7mm mechanical pencil with a soft white eraser on the end in case I want to erase or adjust values.
Nik Ira masterfully explored the range of a single pencil and then drew the pencil right on her journal page.
Lightweight and easy to use, graphite pencil worked perfectly for this bird, one of Roz Stendahl’s favorite subjects. It shows plenty of detail and a wide range of values.
Laura Murphy Frankstone uses sure strokes with a soft, dark pencil for a bold effect in this sketch of fellow artist Rick Tulka.
Kansas City artist Don Gore demonstrates a wonderful range of values with a single pencil.
Make marks and areas of flat tone with each of your pencils. Try the tip, the side—whatever. Become familiar with what you can expect from them, and you’ll know which to grab in a hurry.