Ever tried to do a realistic drawing but cant ever seem to get the result you desire?

Well have no fear! Here are some techniques and tools you can use to get the effect you desire. :D

Step 1: Tip 1- Tools

Realistic drawings requires allot of shading. One pencil and a eraser just wont do the trick. You can buy special drawing pencils for the shading requirements. HB, 2B, 4B, 6B and 8B should get you by. A rubber is also handy for making the light parts look extra bright.
Another tool that not many people have heard of but is just as important is the blending stump. It blends your shading so you cant see the pencil marks. It also gives your drawing more depth.
For the very detailed drawings you might like to use graphite as a shading base for your drawing.

And dont forget your eraser!

Step 2: Tip 2- Sketching

One of the most important steps in completing a realistic drawing is sketching the shape. Get the shape right and your on the right track to getting the look you desire.

Getting the shape right is not as easy as it sounds. Some people use geometric shapes to get their sketch looking right. Personally i dont use these because they tend to muck me up. However other people might find it useful and very effective.

Hold your pencil loosely. You want your pencil marks to be very light on the page. That way if you make a mistake you can rub it out without too much fuss.

For curves use and underhand pencil holding position. This allows you to move freely and quickly. Use an over hand position when drawing vertical lines.

Step 3: Tip 3- Shading

Put aside your sketch for the moment and pull out a scrap piece of paper. We are going to practice having control of the pencil when shading. Begin a series of lined diagonal movements across the paper, using 'up and down' strokes with your pencil - going from light to dark, or dark to light. Press harder for dark strokes and lighter for light strokes.

Try drawing some boxes and shading each one with a different tone. As you do this you will begin to master the control of the pencil when shading.

Different strokes are important. To avoid thin lines hold the pencil on a diagonal. Dont use the very tip of the pencil. Use the side. It will create thicker lines and not show the individual pencil marks. Use a blending stump to blend if necessary.

Step 4: Tip 4- Light

Having the ability to know where the light is placed is very important. Take a look at some images of people or flowers. Can you see where the light falls? When drawing realistically it is very important to know where to put the light. A drawing without any light is considered a line drawing, as it does not appear realistic.

Use an eraser to incorporate light into your picture. Sometimes special erasers are needed for graphite and really dark pencils. A kneaded eraser is best to use for this.

Step 5: Tip 5 -detail

Its always important to add details with lines when you have finished. When drawing people this is very important as there are often single lines in clothing and wrinkled/folded skin.

Dont blend these lines because they wont stand out as much if you do that. I would recommend a 4B pencil for these lines.

Step 6: Tip 7 - Using a Referance

Its always helpful to have a reference when your drawing. I have uploaded a drawing i did so you can see how ive put all these tips to use.

Good luck with your realistic drawing. :) Please let me know how you went.