I used to think an old-fashioned, wooden, super-sharp #2 pencil was the way to go for sketching my preliminary drawings. The disposable plastic mechanical pencils didn't offer a good grip or a steady line, the lead was too loose in the plastic casing and it broke off too quickly.
But, my lovely little wooden pencils needed constant attention and sharpening. High maintenance and all. And, frustrating at times--for sure.
Preliminary drawings need to be darn near perfect before I transfer them to watercolor paper for the illustration phase. I need a GREAT pencil not a Good or Okay one.
Turned off by the substandard quality and control of those plastic disposables, I decide to buy a refillable mechanical pencil and give it a go. At my last shopping trip to my local art supply store, The Lily Pad, I got a sleek Pentel mechanical pencil and some replacement leads. Oh, and a bright shiny new eraser. I figured it was time to try a refillable. They had to be better than the cheapies, right? I can be a bit stubborn--the wooden #2 pencils are AWESOME (except for the maintenance part)--so what's a little sharpening and stern language? I was willing to stick with them forever. They gave me a great line, and--ooops, I'll be right back, I have to sharpen my pencil AGAIN.
But I digress.
Let me get to the point, pun intended---I LOVE THIS PENCIL! The lead is tightly controlled in its casing, the barrel offers a solid grip, and the point is always at ideal sharpness. No more cussing at my sharpener for breaking off a perfectly sharpened point!
It's been a good week for sketching, except I caught a cold last weekend and now I have a sinus condition that doesn't want to budge. Winter dry air isn't helping.
But today will be a good drawing day. Some Advil and hot tea and I am ready to go....
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