Francoise wrote: ↑Tue Sep 05, 2023 3:44 pm
When I did the first exercises -shading the house model, for instance - I found it almost impossible to go as dark as the demo.
Did anybody run into the same issue?
No.
Oh, you wanted more?
...there's no way I can draw THAT dark squares with a 4B pencil... I filled in the squares with the flat side of a chisel point. Since I could achieve - at best - a midtone grey - I tried adding additional layers with the sharp side. Still no luck.
That surprises me. Usually, the flat face with as much pressure as I think is required, does the job. Then, if necessary, I use the edge. And that
really gets into the tooth. But I do use a 2B in those demos, which might make a difference.
Might I suggest you try experimenting with blacks before you return to the erasing? Just grab some paper, like your Canson, and then try to destroy it.
![Rolling Eyes :roll:](./images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif)
Seriously, you need to know two things: how much pressure you need to apply to obtain different values; and how much pressure your paper can stand before it breaks up.
Also - and this is important - do have a smooth and hard surface directly under your paper. If you're using a pad, or more than one sheet, much of the pressure you apply will be lost when the paper sinks into the sheets beneath. A hard, smooth surface will ensure ALL the pressure is applied.
Post an image or two of what you've managed so far, and maybe we can help more.