Source
r/Watercolor•
FirstFlyte

Lead Pencil Question: size & hardness

Hi! Wondering whether something like a 0.3 2H pencil (mechanical) would stand up to sketching outlines on cold press paper. I feel it might be a touch thin and the lead may break too easily on the more textured paper(s).

I suppose a follow-up question may be: Aside from aesthetics and general comfort, are there any other reasons to go with a traditional pencil over a mechanical one? I love the ease of use of not having to be constantly sharpening a traditional pencil...

Cheers, and aTdHvAaNnKcSe for your thoughts.

Posted Nov 30, 2023, 5:46 PM UTC

27
yetanotherpenguin•

Not sure about the first part of your question but yes, there are advantages with using a traditional pencil. They're much more versatile, you can control the shape of the tip and use it at a variety of angles.

2
FirstFlyteOP•

I agree, but...is shape control really necessary for sketching outlines for a watercolor painting? I'm very newb to this, and my brain thinks the lighter & thinner the better, since it makes removal and/or disguise much easier?

2
yetanotherpenguin•

In your specific case, probably not.

A light hb line might be easier to erase though.

1
acer-bic•

Traditional pencil at home, mechanical in the field, but you can use the mechanical anywhere, really. As mentioned below, traditional is better for shading, but you don’t need that for watercolor. You won’t be erasing this line, just painting over it. I started using a 4H for my initial sketches and it was too light, so I went back to 2B. It’s never been a problem.

2
Tangcopper•

Watercolour painters often erase or lighten their pencil lines. I find the HB and 2B actually easier to erase than H pencils, and they are less likely to damage the paper.

3
Tangcopper•

You want to be careful when you venture into H zones with regard to their ability to create a trench in the paper that gathers pigment and thus will show up as a dark line when the paint dries.

You need a very very light touch if you range beyond HB.

I have no trouble lightening or fully removing pencil lines with a kneadable eraser - before applying paint of course.

I know a professional landscape painter who just leaves the lines in (uses 2B or higher) and respects them as contributing to the artwork. That’s another way to go, depending on your style!

2
dr_greasy_lips•

I use 2h lead in a 0.5mm pencil and don’t have any issues. I like the fine point because it’s lighter and doesn’t show through as bad if I can’t erase everything.

1