Net feature with articles, demonstrations and resources on painting and fine art along with chats, board discussions and exhibits. The materials are easy to find and practice can make for rewarding results. A powdered graphite, clay, and water are blended, shaped into thin rods, dried, and kiln-fired. Varying the amount of clay determines the degree of hardness. The degree of hardness is indicated on the pencil by a number-letter code.
Hard pencils are best for fine details and techinical drawing.
The higher the number, the darker the lines will be, and the more easily smudged. Generally , household pencils are 2B and good fro drawing. Softer, 4-6B pencils are used for larger quick sketches or figure studies. The softer the pencil, the faster it will wear down and the more it will need to be sharpened. Soft pencils can produce good results shading but will not hold a point for long.