Choosing a Medium for Sketching

It is as important to choose the right medium as to choose the subject itself. Once you have an idea of what you want to sketch, you need to decide how you want to express it. It can be anything between a detailed fine lined drawing and an absolute abstraction. Next comes the choice of medium that helps in carrying the effect you are looking for.

1. Smooth Paper and Fine Pencil
It is easier to control flow of lines in this case and most of the lines are very well visible too. This choice of medium surely going to take your lot of time and skills to complete a good drawing.


2. Smooth Paper and Soft Pencil (or Charcoal)
In this case it is easier to control shades over large area. You may like to use it where you want to give smooth borderless shading effect.


3. Rough Textured Paper and Fine Pencil
This combination can be very useful if you are looking for rustic effect. It will be a challenge to draw minor details, still shading will not be that difficult. I like this one.


4. Rough Textured Paper and Soft Pencil (Charcoal)
This one is primarily useful for abstractions.
It is easy to spread and play around with shades in this case.