How To Grip A Drawing Pencil
If you dont have the right grip, your drawings will be flat
. For example, my drawings are more than just lines. I also use shadows, dots, squiggles and broad strokes, both bold and light. Variations that add depth. I do these all using different grips. The grips broaden the drawing!Here are the grips I use.
THE CONDUCTOR
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This grip is light, pencil-flat and far from the point . . . the farther back from the point the better which is why I use a pencil extender. This grip lets the pencil only lightly touch the paper like a conductors baton skirts the air. I use this grip to make LIGHT strokes which can be WIDE when the point is sharp and the lead lays flat on the paper.
THE NUN
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This grip is like the Conductor but with a fore finger on top. Now you have the same reach and the same angle but with a little more downward force like a school nun requires to rap your knuckles with a ruler. I use this grip to make DARK strokes which can be WIDE when the point is sharp and the lead lays flat on the paper.
THE DICTATOR
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This grip is tight, pencil-upright and close to the point like the second-grade teacher who clenched her teeth and slapped her hand on my desk trying to teach me penmanship! I use this grip to make lines that are the DARKEST, the PRECISEST and the FINEST when the point is sharp.
THE DUDE
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The most common and versatile this grip is relaxed, pencil-tilted-back and halfway to the point like a surfer who lives the summer life on one hand but works hard in the water on the other. I use this grip to make lines that are LIGHT or DARK, BRIEF or FLOWING, LOOSE or PRECISE.
Now get a grip!
Thanks for reading. Check back soon. Next time Ill write about taking your drawing board for a spin. . . . PAY ATTENTION!!
Mike teaches art at the Pennsylvania State University CFAC at University Park, PA. He is also an award-winning portrait artist who draws and paints portraits from photos available for commission online at MikeTheuer.com
by: Mike Theuer