I have spent years trying to figure out the mysteries of graphite and why I couldn’t get it to do what I wanted. So much experimenting and frustration. Thanks so much for this information!
Thanks, Derek. I too experimented. Then, over the years, I gradually found the more I understood the medium, the easier I found it to achieve the effects I was seeking. So, I'm very pleased to see my ancient experiments helping you. I have another 50+ of these videos at www.DrawWithMike.net that you might also find helpful.
You're welcome, Barbara. Possibly those other two artists aren't as bothered as I am with filling the tooth and removing holes in their shading. Or they might prefer the light and softer approach? Or maybe they build up their values from light to dark? I've never understood that approach. If you want it very dark or black, just be bold and GO FOR IT, and fill the tooth! 😉
I'm always amazed at how those little holes and gaps in shading lighten the value we see. And equally amazed at how dark they become once those holes are filled :) Burnishing really is a most useful technique.
Oh my goodness this channel is a god send! I am so used to looking up tutorials and finding everything charcoal! Finally usable graphite tutorials! Yay!
You're welcome. 😃 And thanks for that, you've made my day. I don't think I've used charcoal, but I did at one time dabble with carbon and graphite. And then I decided to be a graphite purist. I have over 50 videos now, online courses that I run at Drawspace.com, and of course my book "Drawing from line to life". Any one of those should help you, although you'll have to join us at DrawWithMike.net to see all the videos.
Thanks, Virginia. You've prompted me into action. 😉 I'll take a short break from the video I'm working on to edit an existing NEGATIVE DRAWING video for you, involving a White Peacock butterfly on weeds. It's 34 minutes long, so I'll edit it down to make it more UA-cam friendly. I think you might enjoy it, as I talk you through all my decisions as I draw. And of course, use my brand of Negative Drawing. In the meantime, although it doesn't have the value range of the Butterfly, you might find this one useful: ua-cam.com/video/ivjMeUuvAao/v-deo.html
Hi Mike! Another video with amazing graphics and drawings! 😃 I heard about using a harder grade over a softer one to get darker values, but now thanks to your explanations I have a full understanding about the uses and importance in drawing, as you mentioned, solid blacks and dark values expand the three dimensional shape. Thank you very much for your detailed explanations. I watched the video last night, but I knew I had to watch it again during the day to pay more attention. It was really worth it. ¡Lindo día! 😊
Thank you! And I'd recommend you watch these videos more than once. I sometimes worry that they're too long - but there's no rambling filler, and they're as long as they need to be. However, it's unlikely you'll remember everything in a single viewing. So watch more than once.... and I've quit worrying :)
Thanks! I'm not really designed for UA-cam... 😄 I take far too long making each video, so I can't post regularly. That said, I've a load of ideas for 2024 videos, and you should see new ones appearing soon. In the meantime, I've got over 50 videos on drawing (of which this is one) at drawWithMike.net - and membership is cheap.
@@drawwithmike I've noticed UA-cam doesn't seem recommend these kind of art videos anymore in general. UA-cam artists who used to get hundreds of thousands of views every video are down to like 3,000 an upload. It seems like the algorithm mostly just promotes these trendy low attention span art "challenge" channels now. But it's clear you put a lot of work into your videos and they're very helpful so it's a shame, you deserve more subs.
@@OnyXerxes Thanks for that. I understand and agree with you, Unfortunately, I'm rather stubborn. :) I make videos that I believe will help - and that I enjoy making - rather than making them purely to please the UA-cam algorithm. That said, I'm working on a dozen projects at present, some of which will be cut down to better suit UA-cam, while the full version will go to DrawWithMike.
It's the spawn of the Devil! OK... maybe that's too harsh. 🙄😉 I've never used it, or felt the need to use it. That's possibly because it doesn't offer a great deal of control. And possibly because I might need masking to be effective. My friend JD Hillberry uses it along with frisket. But, for me, as soon as you introduce any sort of masking, you restrict the options available to you. It's too controlled. I much prefer the freedom to change my mind at any point and not draw in a way that I was expecting to. I prefer freedom when I'm drawing, not pre-determined boundaries. Briefly: I prefer to apply graphite manually in layers rather than apply a dust with a mind of its own.
@drawwithmike thank you so much! I use faber castell 9000 but sometimes I feel is too light. Some artist on Internet use tombow pencils but I can't buy it. I'm trying to find any solution because I don't fall in the dark side of charcoal or carbon 😅
@@antonioblanco3086 If it feels too light, I can thoroughly recommend either Faber or Staedtler clutch pencils (aka Lead Holders). Although I often use wood-cased pencils in the videos, I haven't used one to seriously draw with in 40 years. Clutch pencils (mine are Staedtler 780) are slightly heavier, so they aid control. And, unlike all wood-cased, they remain constant - constant weight, length and balance. Every time I pick one up, I know EXACTLY how it's going to perform. One of my clutch pencils is a Faber-Castell, but they all take the same 2mm leads. And I always use Staedtler leads.
@drawwithmike thanks a lot! I'll try it! I'm starting my carreer as an artist and I've many questions like this or pricing my artwork etc. It's a pleasure talking with people like you! Thanks
@@antonioblanco3086 You're more than welcome. And DO try clutch pencils. Mine are mainly 30+ years old - they last! So the initial outlay is well worth it. And if you have problems, I sell the leads, holders etc from my website - and starter kits. This will explain about pencils and their benefits: sibleyfineart.com/video_access.htm?iiv
Thanks, Rob. As you found that useful, I posted a new video last night on a similar subject that you might enjoy: ua-cam.com/video/ol1ImJS9lfE/v-deo.html
Winsor & Newton - but any MATTE/ WORKABLE fixative should do the job of removing the shine from graphite. And with that removed, your darks will have the intensity you intended. Watch this: ua-cam.com/video/bsgwuRSkbJQ/v-deo.html for advice on Fixatives.
Undoubtably, yes. It will have filled and removed all the white pits in the paper. So, being more solid, it will produce more shine. But all graphite pencil will, in any case. It's a property of the graphite molecules being flat sheets. To counter that, you simply fix the drawing on completion with a matte workable fixative. And, even if you didn't, once the drawing is framed and behind glass, that shine almost ceases to exist.
I have spent years trying to figure out the mysteries of graphite and why I couldn’t get it to do what I wanted. So much experimenting and frustration. Thanks so much for this information!
Thanks, Derek. I too experimented. Then, over the years, I gradually found the more I understood the medium, the easier I found it to achieve the effects I was seeking. So, I'm very pleased to see my ancient experiments helping you.
I have another 50+ of these videos at www.DrawWithMike.net that you might also find helpful.
@@drawwithmike Thank you so much for the info~
I've taken 2 drawing courses by artists and no one ever suggested this. Always, as you said ,do again, again, again!! Thank you soooo much. !!
You're welcome, Barbara. Possibly those other two artists aren't as bothered as I am with filling the tooth and removing holes in their shading. Or they might prefer the light and softer approach? Or maybe they build up their values from light to dark? I've never understood that approach. If you want it very dark or black, just be bold and GO FOR IT, and fill the tooth! 😉
This was fantastic information, thank you, subscribed
The burishing technique really helps get those soild blacks thanks
I'm always amazed at how those little holes and gaps in shading lighten the value we see. And equally amazed at how dark they become once those holes are filled :) Burnishing really is a most useful technique.
This is the best tutorial I have come across with regard to graphite work..Thank you.! Subbed.
You're very welcome! And I like to know how things work, so that should help too, :)
Oh my goodness this channel is a god send! I am so used to looking up tutorials and finding everything charcoal! Finally usable graphite tutorials! Yay!
You're welcome. 😃 And thanks for that, you've made my day.
I don't think I've used charcoal, but I did at one time dabble with carbon and graphite. And then I decided to be a graphite purist. I have over 50 videos now, online courses that I run at Drawspace.com, and of course my book "Drawing from line to life". Any one of those should help you, although you'll have to join us at DrawWithMike.net to see all the videos.
Super informative!
Thank you teacher!
You're very welcome... and if I've helped you progress, I've done my job. 😉
Again … these videos are awesome thank you for posting them
You're very welcome - and I'll continue to make them.
❣️Thank you❣️
Thanks.
Wow, so many nuances in your work; thank you for sharing your techniques.
Thanks, Virginia. You've prompted me into action. 😉 I'll take a short break from the video I'm working on to edit an existing NEGATIVE DRAWING video for you, involving a White Peacock butterfly on weeds. It's 34 minutes long, so I'll edit it down to make it more UA-cam friendly.
I think you might enjoy it, as I talk you through all my decisions as I draw. And of course, use my brand of Negative Drawing.
In the meantime, although it doesn't have the value range of the Butterfly, you might find this one useful: ua-cam.com/video/ivjMeUuvAao/v-deo.html
Thanks Mike ❤️
You're welcome... and thanks for the thanks :)
Another great one, thank you
Hi Mike! Another video with amazing graphics and drawings! 😃
I heard about using a harder grade over a softer one to get darker values, but now thanks to your explanations I have a full understanding about the uses and importance in drawing, as you mentioned, solid blacks and dark values expand the three dimensional shape.
Thank you very much for your detailed explanations. I watched the video last night, but I knew I had to watch it again during the day to pay more attention. It was really worth it. ¡Lindo día! 😊
Thank you! And I'd recommend you watch these videos more than once. I sometimes worry that they're too long - but there's no rambling filler, and they're as long as they need to be. However, it's unlikely you'll remember everything in a single viewing. So watch more than once.... and I've quit worrying :)
All u tuber s re gonna sue you for revealing the forbidden jutsu!😆 love u so much. You are so Warm generous and witty!
Very useful ,thanks
Thanks, Robert. In that case, I'll get back to making the videos. 😉 I have a Drawing Trees demo to film today.
Amazing video, you deserve more subscribers!
Thanks! I'm not really designed for UA-cam... 😄 I take far too long making each video, so I can't post regularly. That said, I've a load of ideas for 2024 videos, and you should see new ones appearing soon. In the meantime, I've got over 50 videos on drawing (of which this is one) at drawWithMike.net - and membership is cheap.
@@drawwithmike I've noticed UA-cam doesn't seem recommend these kind of art videos anymore in general. UA-cam artists who used to get hundreds of thousands of views every video are down to like 3,000 an upload. It seems like the algorithm mostly just promotes these trendy low attention span art "challenge" channels now. But it's clear you put a lot of work into your videos and they're very helpful so it's a shame, you deserve more subs.
@@OnyXerxes Thanks for that. I understand and agree with you, Unfortunately, I'm rather stubborn. :) I make videos that I believe will help - and that I enjoy making - rather than making them purely to please the UA-cam algorithm. That said, I'm working on a dozen projects at present, some of which will be cut down to better suit UA-cam, while the full version will go to DrawWithMike.
@@drawwithmike I hope one day all the hard work pays off
A lot of tricks and knowledge in this vídeo! Thank you so much. What do you think about graphite powder and solvent?
It's the spawn of the Devil! OK... maybe that's too harsh. 🙄😉 I've never used it, or felt the need to use it.
That's possibly because it doesn't offer a great deal of control. And possibly because I might need masking to be effective. My friend JD Hillberry uses it along with frisket. But, for me, as soon as you introduce any sort of masking, you restrict the options available to you. It's too controlled. I much prefer the freedom to change my mind at any point and not draw in a way that I was expecting to. I prefer freedom when I'm drawing, not pre-determined boundaries.
Briefly: I prefer to apply graphite manually in layers rather than apply a dust with a mind of its own.
@drawwithmike thank you so much! I use faber castell 9000 but sometimes I feel is too light. Some artist on Internet use tombow pencils but I can't buy it. I'm trying to find any solution because I don't fall in the dark side of charcoal or carbon 😅
@@antonioblanco3086 If it feels too light, I can thoroughly recommend either Faber or Staedtler clutch pencils (aka Lead Holders). Although I often use wood-cased pencils in the videos, I haven't used one to seriously draw with in 40 years.
Clutch pencils (mine are Staedtler 780) are slightly heavier, so they aid control. And, unlike all wood-cased, they remain constant - constant weight, length and balance. Every time I pick one up, I know EXACTLY how it's going to perform.
One of my clutch pencils is a Faber-Castell, but they all take the same 2mm leads. And I always use Staedtler leads.
@drawwithmike thanks a lot! I'll try it! I'm starting my carreer as an artist and I've many questions like this or pricing my artwork etc. It's a pleasure talking with people like you! Thanks
@@antonioblanco3086 You're more than welcome. And DO try clutch pencils. Mine are mainly 30+ years old - they last! So the initial outlay is well worth it. And if you have problems, I sell the leads, holders etc from my website - and starter kits. This will explain about pencils and their benefits: sibleyfineart.com/video_access.htm?iiv
Another excellent video! :)
Thanks, Owen. It's one of three - Light, Medium and Dark values... but, I don't plan on posting the other two here.
Very good explanation.
Thanks, Rob. As you found that useful, I posted a new video last night on a similar subject that you might enjoy: ua-cam.com/video/ol1ImJS9lfE/v-deo.html
Thanks for the video 😊 What fixative do you use? Thanks
Winsor & Newton - but any MATTE/ WORKABLE fixative should do the job of removing the shine from graphite. And with that removed, your darks will have the intensity you intended. Watch this: ua-cam.com/video/bsgwuRSkbJQ/v-deo.html for advice on Fixatives.
10:50
14:40
Gracias !!!!!!!!
Happy to help. :) And thanks for letting me know.
@@drawwithmike Saludos Cordiales.
Does burnishing make the graphite shine more?
Undoubtably, yes. It will have filled and removed all the white pits in the paper. So, being more solid, it will produce more shine. But all graphite pencil will, in any case. It's a property of the graphite molecules being flat sheets.
To counter that, you simply fix the drawing on completion with a matte workable fixative. And, even if you didn't, once the drawing is framed and behind glass, that shine almost ceases to exist.