My Favorite Supplies Series #1: Graphite
When I create I only want my most favorite mediums and tools with me. Too many supply options can become distracting and a bit overwhelming to me (can we say decision fatigue?). I thought it would be fun to begin a monthly series highlighting a favorite go-to medium or tool each month. I will share what medium or tool it is, why it’s a favorite and how I like to use it. I hope this series is inspiring for you and your own creative journey.
I thought I would start this series with one of the most simple and one of my favorite supplies. Graphite. Graphite is wonderful because it is so accessible and I can pretty much always have at least a pencil on hand. This makes it easy to grab a graphite tool and use it even when I don’t have a lot of time to create. Graphite can be purchased in various grades of softness or hardness and all produce unique, beautiful marks.
I have been amazed at how much variety graphite offers when combined with some water or gesso.
How I like to use graphite:
I love using graphite for sketching, mark making, and really enjoy using it along with water.
I think my most favorite way to use graphite is to sketch and make marks mixing graphite and water. I use softer graphite when I want to move the medium around with water and I tend to use the harder graphite for making more detailed marks.
Below is a short video showing a few of the various grades of graphite and how they respond to water. I will link a few of my favorites below also. I will often grab an art journal and add some graphite and water to begin creating. Graphite is the tool that reminds me that there are no excuses for not creating… I really can create with only 5 minutes available, with paper, a pencil and water!:)
Enjoy!
Here are a few of my favorite graphite sticks: