how many value tones can u get out of a 2b?

[Cryper25]

Hiya,

Newbie with a question here..

I've been trying to create a 10 tone value scale with a 2B. With a 2B i can only come up with 7 unique tones. 3 of the tones get to close in value that they blur together with it's respective neighbor on my scale.

It's driving me nuts. I want each of the 10 tones to be distinctive enough to be told apart from one another obviously. And I want to do it with one pencil!!! is this possible? I only ask because I can't seem to come up with an answer. might help me if i know it can be done.

Cryper

ps - sorry if i posted in wrong forum. really new to this..

[Elwell]

It's driving me nuts. I want each of the 10 tones to be distinctive enough to be told apart from one another obviously. And I want to do it with one pencil!!! is this possible?

Yes, it's possible. You won't be able to get as large a value spread with graphite as you can with other media, because your darkest dark will be well short of black, but with practice and the proper degree of control you should be able to break the range you do have into as many steps as you want. Smoother paper may help, and obviously, the softer the pencil, the darker you can get. I'd recommend an odd number of values (7 or 9, counting the white of the paper), so that you have a middle gray.

[Cryper25]

Yes, it's possible. You won't be able to get as large a value spread with graphite as you can with other media, because your darkest dark will be well short of black, but with practice and the proper degree of control you should be able to break the range you do have into as many steps as you want. Smoother paper may help, and obviously, the softer the pencil, the darker you can get. I'd recommend an odd number of values (7 or 9, counting the white of the paper), so that you have a middle gray.

Thanks! It's those middle grays and darkest light values that end up being too similar for me. But as long as it is possible then I can't give up. And thats what I needed to hear. thanks. I only want to use one pencil because I'm trying to make most of a limited toolset. Help build my confidence with just one pencil rather than confusing myself or losing rhythm while i draw because i have to switch up.

Cryper

[Meloncov]

The nature of the pencil will determine the darkest possible mark, but how many gradations between lightest and darkest is purely a matter of skill

[dose]

It can take some practice to get a fuller range of values out of a given pencil. It can be useful to spend a bit of time practicing each day to build up your ability to create a good range- particularly in the lighter values with a softer pencil. You may want to play with the way you hold the pencil as you practice- some grips are less conducive to softer or lighter touches, and thus lighter or darker values.

You can see a demonstration of a simple exercise to help your value range at the beginning of video at the top of this page:

http://www.thewaichulisstudio.net/Store.html

Watch for the little value scale/column made right after the intro. This is a good exercise to build your value control with a pencil. A couple minutes a day practicing these value scales will greatly increase your control. The DVD shows it being done with charcoal on toned paper, but you can do the same exercise with graphite on white paper as well.

Incidentally, Anthony Waichulis is a master of materials- his DVD is worth checking out.