w hen i work on bigger scale graphite drawings I find this technique to be more effective than your usual outline then shade method. Instead, i like to start out with the shadows THEN the outlines and details. I never grab a single pencil until i’m 100% happy with the way the subject is reflecting light
I. I start with picking up some graphite powder with a cotton ball for the general dark shadows. II. I use a Q-tip (a fluffy and a not so fluffy one) for the smaller and deeper shadows like the nostrils and the space between your lips. III. For the softer shadows i use a napkin tapped in graphite in areas like the outline of the forehead and then a clean napkin to smooth out the dirty napkin’s work. IV. Once done i grab a 2H and an HB pencil to start the outlines of the drawing. Texture and details follow.
Hope this helps! and let me know if you want me to share more art tips like this.
