How to Convert a Painting to Pencil Sketch

It is simple to converting paintings to pencil sketches.

Sometimes an artist may find it necessary to duplicate a piece of art. After a project is complete you may want to see what your finished product would have looked like if you had chosen another medium, or maybe a friend has requested a copy. Paintings are easily simplified to a pencil sketch rendering, allowing you to experiment with different techniques.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Paper
• Graphite paper

Instructions

Getting Started

1. Take your painting out of its frame. Layer your materials in this order: blank paper on the bottom, then graphite paper (with the darker side down), then your original painting.

2. Secure your layers to your working surface using clamps or a low-tack tape that won't damage your work when lifted.

3. Trace around the contours of your painting. Be careful when applying pressure. Do not puncture or leave heavy trace marks on your painting. Lift a corner of the first two layers to make sure your image is transferring. Be careful just to create outlines, do not try to add value in this step.

4. Finish tracing all necessary lines, then look over everything carefully to make sure you have captured every detail you need. Once you lift your layers, it will be very difficult to realign them. If you are satisfied with your rendering, separate your layers. Your graphite paper can be used over again so hang on to it for future use.

5. Compare your pencil sketch to the painting and make any further changes freehand. Now is the time to add value if that is your intention.

Tips & Warnings

• Other options to consider are using a light box to trace the painting or you can use a projector.

References

• Pencil Sketching Tips