Materials which are used dry include: pencil, charcoal, pen and pastels. They can be applied to create a number of different effects.
Pencil
Pencil can be used to create line, tone and texture and to communicate form. Coloured pencils can be used to apply various colour effects.
Graphite pencils come in different grades: 6H (very hard) to 6B (very soft).
The harder pencils can be used to create very precise lines. They are useful for detailed design work.
Softer pencils are less good for detail as the marks they make tend to be thicker and less precise. Using a softer pencil allows you to produce very dark tones or to blend tones. You will notice a big difference in your tonal work if you select a soft pencil rather than an HB (medium grade) pencil.
Techniques
Use line 鈥 different qualities can be created by varying the pressure of the pencil or by using the pencil on its side.
Create graduated tone by blending from light to dark.
Cross-hatch 鈥 build up criss-cross lines to create different tonal values.
Apply the pencil to stained paper 鈥 try watercolour or even tea or coffee.
Use coloured pencil on coloured or black paper 鈥 it often gives a richer effect than on white paper. It is important to use artist quality coloured pencils.