Monochrome Magic: The Power of Pencils to Make Anything Come to Life

Pencil Sketches Made by Sunanda S

Pencil drawings are quite well known. Pencil sketching was not the first to be introduced in the field of art. So what was the first? Metalpoint!

Metalpoint art is an ancient art technique that involves drawing with a metal stylus on a specially prepared surface, typically coated with a layer of gesso or other abrasive (coarse) materials. Metals such as silver, gold, or copper create fine and delicate lines on the surface, which oxidize over time, creating subtle and lasting works of art. This medium was widely used during the Renaissance but declined in popularity with the advent of more versatile and accessible tools like graphite pencils.

Materials Used to Do Metalpoint Art (Source: The Metropolitan Museum Of Arts)

Traditionally, the ground for metalpoint art is made from a mixture of calcium carbonate (or a similar inert mineral) for texture, pigment for color, and a binder like a rabbit skin glue to hold the ingredients together. This mixture is then applied to paper and left to dry. Today, artists can purchase pre-made metalpoint grounds, which is a ready-to-use mixture designed to create the perfect surface for metalpoint drawing, and specialized metalpoint paper.

Nicholas-Jacques Conte (Source: Abir Pothi)

Times have certainly evolved, and with it, we’ve embraced modern art forms—like pencil sketching! This technique was pioneered by Nicholas-Jacques Conté, a scientist in Napoleon Bonaparte’s army. The process involves three key steps:

MIXING: Combining clay and water to form the pencil core. ROASTING: Heating the mixture in a kiln (a special oven used for firing pottery and bricks) at 1,900°F to achieve the desired hardness and smoothness. ENCASING: Encasing the hardened core in a wooden casing, making it ready for use.

First Ever Pencil That Was Made (Source: The Marginalian)

This invention revolutionized art, making pencil sketching an accessible and widely used medium for artists of all skill levels. Its versatility, from delicate shading to bold, expressive lines, has solidified it as a timeless tool in art.

Pencil sketching has always been a form of self-expression, starting with our very first practice of drawing and writing. Its many forms range from the intricate details of realistic art to the free-flowing lines of abstract creations.

Types Of Pencil Art

1. Hatching: Hatching is an art technique that involves drawing closely spaced parallel lines to create shading or tonal effects.
   

   

   Hatching Techniques (Source: Medium)

   2. Stippling: Stippling is the art of adding dots to add shading and depth, similar to hatching or cross-hatching. The closer the dots, the deeper the effect.
   

   

   Stippling Guide (Source: Looney Craft)

   3. Scribbling: Scribbling is defined as "writing or drawing hastily or carelessly". It has been around for centuries and used in various cultures as a form of expression. In recent years, it has gained popularity as a form of art therapy.

   4. Charcoal Art: Charcoal is a black crumbly drawing material made of carbon and is often used for sketching and under-drawing for paintings, although it can also be used to create more finished drawings. It's always darker than the normal graphite pencil, easily transfers, and has a very dark tone.

   
   

   5. Doodle Art: Doodling is an informal drawing style, often created absent-mindedly, like when you're trying to keep yourself entertained in class 🤭. Whether it's drawing simple shapes over and over or sketching characters that seem to spring to life off the page, it all falls under the umbrella of doodling.

   We all have that messy edge to our creativity, and those last pages of our notebooks often end up filled with our signatures, random sketches, and little pieces of artwork.

   
   

   Some of My Creations: Sketching My Journey

   I started drawing unintentionally during my 2nd standard in school. Though I created great pieces of art, I often let them go unnoticed and didn’t put much effort into developing my talent. Over time, what began as a simple hobby grew into a passion amidst my many dreams. This transformation was deeply influenced by my fascination with the human element in art and films like Dead Poets Society.

   
   

   I’ve always believed that humans should embrace art, poetry, music, and dance- not as mere skills or knowledge-based talents, but as expressions of what truly defines us. Among my creative pursuits, such as cooking, writing, and music, art became especially significant.

   
   

   As I explored it further, art evolved into an emotional anchor, offering comfort and support during challenging times. Eventually, I'm turning my passion into a profession, despite having to navigate the conflicting perspectives of those around me. My love for art drives me to constantly learn and immerse myself in its diverse concepts.

   
   

1.

Billie Eilish's Portrait Made by Sunanda S

I created this Billie Eilish portrait sketch when I was in 11th grade, around 16 years old. It was during that time when every teen started fangirling over icons like Billie, Taylor Swift, Pink Floyd, The Weeknd, and more. While I wasn't an obsessive fan, I admired Billie for the way she presented herself—her positive energy, the kindness she radiates, and how she carved her own path at such a young age. Her unique fashion sense will undoubtedly be a lasting symbol of who she is! I also have to mention that she sings with a soft and captivating voice. Some of the most frequently played songs on my playlist include "Lovely," "What Was I Made For," "Lost Cause," and "Bad Guy" (though, honestly, I could list every song of hers). Her sound, blending pop and electronic music, perfectly complements her style and persona!

2. 
   

Sonu Sood's Portrait Made by Sunanda S

Sonu Sood is an Indian actor, film producer, model, humanitarian, and philanthropist, known for his work in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil cinema.

Though he is often cast in negative roles in films, his real-life actions reveal a different story. Sonu has shown that fame, wealth, and kindness don't need to be flaunted—they can be quietly offered to those in need. I truly came to know him during the COVID-19 pandemic when his selfless efforts made a significant impact. Sonu became a beacon of hope for thousands of migrants stranded in Mumbai and other cities across India. His unwavering support helped countless people return safely to their villages.

His actions taught me the value of choosing kindness and respect, regardless of fame or fortune. He not only inspired me but also encouraged fellow actors and actresses to follow a path of compassion and humanity.

3. 
   

Thomas Shelby's Portrait Made by Sunanda S

This piece of art turned out to be one of the proudest moments of my artistic journey. While many people had complimented my work over the years, it was one friend who truly challenged me. He was an avid fan of Thomas Shelby and sent me a rough sketch of the actor, asking me to make corrections and improve it. I was initially ready to give it minimal effort, but then he texted me, "I know you can’t do better than me." That statement hit my ego hard and boosted my competitive spirit. I couldn’t back down, so I went all in—rather than just correcting his sketch, I created an entirely new piece of art.

We decided to let our classmates vote on whose work was the best replica of the real image. Guess who won?.......ME. We had a good healthy fight and gained recognition eventually.

4. 
   

Sketch of Thanator, Made by Sunanda S

"Avatar" reached its peak popularity and became the highest-grossing film in history on January 25, 2010, just 41 days after its release, surpassing the previous record-holder. Even without this achievement as evidence, we all know that Avatar was nothing short of an epic creation. The movie left me in awe, offering an otherworldly experience. The stunning visuals and cutting-edge 3D technology captivated audiences, making us feel like active participants in the story rather than passive viewers. Inspired by the film, I decided to carry a piece of that magic with me. Around 2012, two years after Avatar’s release, I chose to draw the fearsome Thanator, one of the memorable creatures from the movie, as a way to preserve the art and wonder it left me with.

5. 
   

   

   Scribble Art, Made by Sunanda S

What started as a simple doodle turned into something far more meaningful. During my first year of college, in a visual arts class, I began drawing two faces, connecting them in a loose, almost playful way—just a time-pass art experiment. As I continued, it slowly transformed into a scribble art piece. I had seen many scribble artworks before, but this one felt different. When I finished, it was still incomplete until my tutor stepped in, adding the finishing touches and correcting the borders, bringing it to life with a sense of perfection. What I hadn’t noticed at first became clear to me—the drawing symbolized the connection between two people. It reflected how emotions flow freely when one person makes the effort to understand the other, especially when they’re off-guard. It was a lesson in the power of connection, and it made the art piece all the more significant.

My journey then slowly gained its pace, and I tried many new mediums like digital art, texture painting, pot painting, watercolor, and anything inclusive of art.

"Once you start trying to create something, the knowledge widens and you keep trying more. Creation is a great concept humans can understand in no time. The same goes for art." - Sunanda S (Me)

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