How to Sharpen Pencil for Drawing

Preparing your pencils properly is essential for drawing.

A pencil is a remarkably versatile tool, capable of producing a wide range of marks—dull or sharp, soft or crisp, thick or thin.

It is advisable not to sharpen a pencil with a pencil sharpener. The reason for this is that a sharpener restricts the pencil’s lead to a short length.

When we draw or use cross-hatching techniques, we utilize not only the tip of the pencil but also its side.

Therefore, we need to be able to produce a variety of marks, from sharp to dull, to fully exploit the characteristics of the pencil.

Avoid cutting off too much wood at once. It’s better to peel away small layers gradually, repeating the process multiple times.

If you’re working with a new pencil, begin by gently shaving off the painted outer layer. Start slowly and carefully, maintaining control to avoid breaking the lead.