B, HB, H, AND F! What is going on here? And which pencil am supposed to choose? I'm Luke Lewis from Lukesfinearts and I am an artist who loves everything related to graphite pencils! When there are so many pencils to choose from, how do I know that I am making the right decision? And more importantly, am I spending money in the right place? Well look no further! I am here to geek out with you with everything graphite pencil. Whether you're just beginning your drawing journey or you're a seasoned artist, the choice of graphite pencils can significantly impact your art. With a wide range of graphite grades, brands, and even hybrid charcoal-graphite pencils, finding the right pencil set has the ability to take your work to new levels. In this blog, we'll explore the different types of graphite pencils, focusing on H, B, F, and HB pencils, their unique qualities, and why having a broad selection on hand enhances contrast, perspective, and detail in your work. I'll also discuss the key differences between graphite and charcoal pencils to help you choose the right tools for your artistic expression and share my favourite brands. So strap in and get ready to learn everything about graphite pencils!
Understanding Graphite Pencil Grades: H, B, F, and HB
Have you ever looked at the end of the pencil and seen all those numbers and letters at the end of your pencils? What do they mean? 2B, 6H and HB. Graphite pencils are typically graded by hardness, which influences the pencil's mark on the paper. The letters "H" and "B" on pencils refer to the hardness and darkness of the graphite core. "H" stands for "hard," while "B" stands for "black."
- **H Pencils**: These are harder and create lighter, finer lines. The higher the number (like 2H, 4H), the harder the lead, producing lighter marks that are great for fine details and precise work.
- B Pencils: These are softer and make darker, bolder lines. The higher the number (like 2B, 4B, up to 14B in some brands), the softer and darker the pencil, allowing for rich shading and deep contrasts.
The numbers indicate the intensity: higher "H" numbers mean harder and lighter, while higher "B" numbers mean softer and darker.
If you're keen to learn more, let's dive a little deeper.
- H Pencils: The "H" stands for "hard." These pencils contain more clay, making them harder and capable of producing light, precise lines. H pencils (like H, 2H, and beyond) are perfect for fine detail work, clean outlines, and layering. These pencils are also less prone to smudging, which can be ideal for initial sketches.
- B Pencils: "B" pencils, on the other hand, are softer and darker, with more graphite content. As the numbers increase (2B, 4B, up to 12B or even 14B), the pencil becomes softer and darker. B pencils are versatile, allowing you to achieve rich shadows, deep contrast, and smooth textures. My favorite in this range is the Faber-Castell Pitt Matt series, which goes as dark as 14B, giving me the closest thing to a true black pencil.
- F Pencils: "F" stands for "fine point." F pencils are unique in that they maintain a sharp point while being softer than H pencils but harder than HB. They’re excellent for detailed work, offering a nice balance of hardness and softness, making them useful for subtle shading and intricate details without needing to constantly sharpen.
- HB Pencils: The HB pencil is right in the middle of the hardness and softness spectrum, combining the qualities of H and B grades. HB pencils are versatile and often used for everyday sketching. They’re hard enough to produce clean lines and soft enough for shading, making them a staple for many artists.
Choosing the Right Brand for Your Drawing Style
Graphite pencils come in many brands, each with unique characteristics. Here are some popular brands that offer high-quality graphite pencils:
- Faber-Castell: Known for smooth, consistent quality, Faber-Castell offers excellent options, particularly in their Pitt Matt series, which achieves impressively dark values (up to 14B) that are perfect for high-contrast work. (My favourite brand)
- Staedtler: Staedtler’s Mars Lumograph line is widely praised for its range of hardnesses and durability. These pencils are consistent in both shading and texture, making them an excellent choice for general drawing needs. I use these most often. (My workhorse brand)
- Derwent: Derwent offers several lines, including their Graphic and Onyx series, which are softer and perfect for rich, dark marks. Derwent’s pencils are smooth, and their darkness range is helpful for creating shadows and depth.
- Prismacolor Turquoise: Known for its smooth application, Prismacolor’s Turquoise line is great for blending and shading. The softer pencils in this range produce intense darks.
The key to finding the right brand is to test different options to see which feel most comfortable. A pencil that feels natural in your hand and glides smoothly over the paper can make a noticeable difference in your work, allowing you to focus on the art itself rather than the tool.
The Importance of a Diverse Pencil Set
Do I really need to have all of these pencils? Can't I just have a couple?
To be honest, when I first started drawing, I only had a HB pencil and a 2B pencil. I didn't know the difference of each pencil and I just enjoyed drawing for the sale of drawing. However as my passion for realism developed, I realised that if I wanted to produce something truly realistic, I was going to need a wider variety of tools. Having a death of pencil grades was essential for me for creating contrast and perspective in my work. Lighter pencils (H range) are perfect for subtle shading and outlining, while darker pencils (B range) bring shadows, depth, and dimension. A well-rounded set allowed me to shift between light and dark seamlessly, giving my artwork a perspective that was unmatched to my older pieces.
When creating realistic drawings, especially, having a range of graphite pencils lets you achieve the illusion of three-dimensionality and texture. You can bring forward elements in your drawing by using dark pencils for shadows and push back background elements with lighter shades. Now I was actually able to make an animal look like it did in a picture! My realism journey was unfolding.
Graphite vs. Charcoal: What’s the Difference?
While graphite and charcoal pencils can both be used for drawing, they differ significantly in texture, tone, and application:
- Tone and Depth: Graphite pencils have a silvery, reflective quality, even in their darkest grades. Charcoal, however, produces a matte black finish and achieves a darker, more intense black than graphite, which can be particularly effective for dramatic contrast.
- Texture: Charcoal pencils are generally softer and can cover large areas quickly, but they tend to be more powdery and require fixing to prevent smudging. Graphite pencils, especially H and HB grades, are firmer and more controlled, allowing for greater precision in detail work.
- Hybrid Options: For artists who enjoy the qualities of both graphite and charcoal, several brands offer hybrid pencils that incorporate charcoal into graphite. These hybrids provide a richer, more matte texture than pure graphite while still offering some of the control associated with graphite pencils. They can be especially useful for blending between light and dark or achieving a broader range of tonal values in a single drawing.
Final Thoughts: Finding Your Favorite
Each artist has a unique relationship with their tools, and finding the perfect pencil can be a rewarding journey. For me, the Faber-Castell Pitt Matt pencils stand out due to their deep, intense blacks, which are ideal for creating the high contrast I love in realistic drawing. Experimenting with different brands, grades, and styles will help you discover what works best for your own creative expression. Whether you prefer the silvery finish of graphite or the dark matte of charcoal, having the right pencil can bring new depth and dynamism to your art.
Much love and happy drawing
Luke Lewis from Lukesfinearts.