Pencil Sketching, 2nd Edition

Holding the Pencil

There are many ways to hold the pencil but the

key word to remember when sketching is “relax.”

Avoid holding the pencil as if you were writing

because the writing grip is rather firm and tight.

The sketching grip is comparatively looser and

easier. Hold the pencil approximately two to three

inches from the tip of the lead. The grip position

should involve the thumb and the first two fingers

only, with the pencil resting comfortably on the

inside of the tip of the third finger. Use the sec-

ond finger and the thumb to stabilize the pencil

and to prevent it from slipping out.

The relationship between the second finger and

the thumb usually dictates the type of lines and

sketching style. When the tips of the two are

relatively close together, anchoring the pencil,

the entire hand generally folds inward; and thus the

mobility and reach of the pencil movement is limited

by how far the fingers can stretch. This position is

called Position A and is quite similar to the writing

grip. It is very useful in sketching short strokes and

details, and it gives the artist more control of the

tool while it is less prone to making mistakes.

The grip should be relaxed but firm. Control the

movement with the same three fingers.

TECHNIQUES

3

Control the pencil with three fingers.

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