✏️ PENCIL BASICS CAPSTONE
✏️ YOUR SKETCH KIT
This capstone reviews everything from Topics 1 through 7. Run the checklist, fix common mistakes, follow the 15-minute routine, then draw one simple object from life with full shading.
- ✏️ Graphite pencils: H, HB, 2B, and 4B for the full value range
- 📄 Sketch paper: two sheets if you want a before-and-after comparison
- 💡 Desk lamp: one light source for the final challenge
- 🍎 Simple object: fruit, mug, or toy to draw from life
- 🧽 Kneaded eraser: for highlights and fixing heavy lines
Time: about 15 minutes for the full routine · Final challenge: one shaded object from life
PAGE 1 OF 5, THE PENCIL BASICS CHECKLIST
RUN THE LIST
FOUR THINGS EVERY DRAWING NEEDS
Before you call a sketch done, run this quick checklist. Grip: tripod hold for detail, overhand for broad shading. Light lines first: block shapes with H or HB before committing dark marks. Values: show highlight, midtone, and shadow, not one flat gray. One light source: every highlight and cast shadow agrees on direction. Tick all four and your angry alien spaceship in a top hat stops looking like a flat sticker. Miss one and the drawing falls apart no matter how cool the idea is.
⚡ DID YOU KNOW?
Professional artists run a mental checklist on every sketch. It takes seconds once the habits stick.
CHECK!
GRIP
✊ Tripod for tight control.
🖐️ Overhand for wide strokes.
🖐️ Overhand for wide strokes.
LIGHT + VALUES
👻 Sketch light, darken later.
💡 One lamp, one shadow story.
💡 One lamp, one shadow story.