Pencil Sketching, 2nd Edition

Lines and Strokes

Line refers to a long and continuous thread with a

consistent width, while strokes are comparatively

short and broken lines in a variety of widths. Line

is the residual mark left on the paper as a result

of a pencil gliding across it. It is graceful and fluid

in nature. Strokes, on the other hand, are strike

marks and they are often bold and deliberate.

In sketching, line is used to define spatial edges

and describe objects. A variety of widths can be

achieved by simply adjusting the angle of the lead.

In theory, a hard lead produces a thin and light

line, while a soft lead produces a dark and thick

line. However, a good quality, soft sketching pencil

is equally capable of producing a wide range of

lines by itself. It is quite unnecessary to stock

yourself with an array of leads because one or

two simple pencils will do all the tricks.

In sketching, it is always a good idea to try to

use a variety of line widths to avoid a monotonous

look. For example, a profile line (a thicker line

width) is used to visually lift the object from the

background and to make the object look more

three-dimensional. Different line widths within a

sketch give the sketch a better sense of depth

and space. This is especially evident when sketch-

ing landscape.

Simple line

Short strokes

Long strokes

Continuing strokes