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Pencil Shading
The importance of the contrasts between light and dark is crucial to the black and white study. The impact of a study hinges on the quality and variation of contrasts in pencil shading. The first being the contrast between light & dark or tones, and the second being textures. Textures Whereas, tone
Points Much of pencil shading will depend on what point is been used. Below, are 3 examples of how different grades of graphite pick up the grain of the paper. P1. 6B graphite stick that has no point. Referred to as a Flat point. 
P1) 6H P2) HB P3 4H The first thing we notice is: The softer graphite (P1) appears to pickup more of the grain of paper than the others, and the sharper graphite (P3) appears to pickup less of the paper grain. Textures in Pencil Shading Irregular textures are created in a number of ways by taking advantage of the grain of the paper, and by using both hard & soft pencils, or Flat & sharp points. See T1 & T2. 
T1) 8B Flat  T2) HB Sharp  Probably the best way to learn textures is to experiment. Use a variety of graphite’s (Hard, soft, flat, rounded and sharp) and see which does what. Then use a different grain of paper and do much the same. Have fun. Review Tutorial videos for information on:
Soft & Rough Texture
Alternately review the slideshow on:
Drawing Techniques
Regular textures can also be created by using techniques such as hatching and layering. But more on these later. Moreover, specific textures in pencil shading will be covered in particular topics on ‘how to draw…’ See Site Map for updates. Toning in Pencil Shading With toning it is important to work with a pencil that produces a consistent result. As seen from the examples below, both the hard and soft graphite can produce that consistency needed for toning if it has a sharp point. P3. 4H pencil with a Sharp point. P4. 2B pencil with a Sharp point. 
P3) 4H Before we go into the mixing of different grades of graphite, consider the follow as being fundamental. Use only a good quality hard paper. The choice of grain is optional. Never apply excessive pressure that will dent or damage the paper. When toning, apply a little at a time gradually adding more layers until the required blend is achieved. Review Tutorial Videos for further information on: Toning
Layering in Pencil Shading To get a gentle escalation of tone it will require a mix of several grades of graphite. The first layer will establish the range of how dark the final layer can be made.
Extreme mixes of grades will produce a ‘mask’ effect. In example BB1, three parallel 4H lines were drawn first. Thereafter, the area was shaded in with a soft graphite 2B. Because the three lines where drawn first, the upper layer (2B) cannot bind to the paper. Consequently, the three parallel lines will shine through. BB2 and BB3 are some working examples of how to take advantage of this process. (Hairline & Whiskers) 
BB1 BB2 BB3 Review Tutorial Videos for further information on:
Masking
To get a gentle growth of tone, adjoining or grades less extreme should be used. For example, 2H to H, H to HB, HB to B etc. The example below highlights that point. L1 (2H) is the base layer to L2 (2H & B), L3 (2H & HB) & L4 (2H & H). The dividing line between the two layers can be seen on L2 & L3. Whereas on L4, where adjoining grades where used, the dividing line is not as apparent. L5 is a darker example of layering with adjoining grades. The base layer is H and the upper layer is HB. 
L1 L2 L3 L4 L5 The first rule in blending is, do it gradually. Apply the initial base layers sparsely and repeat. Do the same with the upper layers as example BB3. Avoid creating a ‘whip-edge’ lines as in example BB2. To prevent graining, crosshatch lightly as in example BB4. 
BB2 BB3 BB4
L10 is an example of how to smooth out or remove all indication of the paper grain. This is done by a process referred to as ‘scrubbing’. In this example the first layer is 4B. Thereafter, it is scrubbed with a robust brush (an old tooth brush) to remove ‘light-spots’. 
L7 L8 L9 L10 Review Tutorial Videos for further information on : Layering Hatching in Pencil Shading Hatching is a series of patterned or regular parallel lines used to shade in an area. These can be either a single stroke as example H1 or return stroke as example H2. Crosshatching is created by applying a second layer at a different angle as in example H3. In example H4 several layers where applied at 60°, 90° and 120°. 
H1 H2 H3 H4 Experimenting with different mixes grades of graphite can create some interesting textures and effects. 
H4 H5 H6 Review Tutorial Videos for further information on: Hatching
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P3. 4H pencil with a Sharp point. 
