How to Give a Graphite Drawing a Polished Look

You can make your drawing look polished by adding a few simple steps to your process.

Graphite drawings are any type of drawing made with a pencil or graphite dust. These drawings can often look unfinished due to simple imperfections such as visible sketching lines, unblended shading, absent highlights and undefined dark areas. Adding a couple of steps to the end of your drawing process can make your art look polished and ready for a frame.

Things You'll Need

• Eraser
• Blending stump

Instructions

1. Erase any sketch marks that you made during the shaping of your subject before you add shading.

2. Blend your shading marks by rubbing them with a blending stump or your fingers. Make small, circular motions to get the best results.

3. Add highlights by erasing areas on your subject that reflect the most light.

4. Darken your dark areas by adding another layer for graphite with a softer lead pencil. Extra dark shadows add drama to your drawing.

Tips & Warnings

• Place a clean sheet of paper underneath your drawing hand to void smudging your drawing with your hands while you draw.

• Don't use only one type of lead hardness. Adding a variety of lead hardness creates interesting tones in your drawing.

References

• "Drawing and Sketching"; Stan Smith; 1982

Resources

• Mike Sibley Art: Graphite Drawing Tutorials