Live Lessons: "Light Bulb" - Graphite Pencil

Graphite pencil drawing of a lightbulb
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This lesson series features:
5 Hours of Instruction
5 Videos

Lessons

Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3 Lesson 4 Lesson 5

About This Lesson Series...

A five-part lesson series on drawing a realistic light bulb with graphite on smooth Bristol paper. Learn how to use measuring techniques to capture proportions and contours. Create the illusion of transparency and reflection through the smart use of values and shading. Smooth transitions of value and shading using blending tools and create the necessary contrast to create a convincing illusion.

Resources for this Lesson...

References

Photo Reference

Finished Result

Here's what you'll need...

  • Bristol Paper (Smooth or Vellum surface)
  • Graphite Pencils (H, HB, 4B)
  • Blending Stumps
  • Eraser Pencils
  • Kneaded Eraser

Lesson Discussion

  1. Great class as always Matt. Have you used the proportional dividers made by Accurasee? I picked up one the other day, but have not tried it. Seems like it would be a good tool.

  3. Thanks so much for all your hard work and dedication to the site and our success. It really shows in my opinion that you truly care if we grasp the concepts you are teaching.

  4. I’m agoraphobic and what you’re saying about fear is so true.
    I’m fully aware it’s my own self that had the power.
    I have to say the might be surprised but being in school here is helping with those fears as well as the fear of failure in my art work. As I accomplish something I didn’t think I was capable of in my art it encourages me to try something in my other areas of life that I didn’t think I could do. Sick as lately I’ve been going on walls around my neighborhood after doing my art lessons.

  5. Maat you are the best artist I know you are very inspiring and are very nice and calm I am so happy that I got the membership I have improved so much! Wonderful lesson😀

  6. I recently just finished the lesson with the water pouring into the glass. I was wondering if that same method, polar white and graphite dust, would work here as well? Not sure if you reply to these older videos or not but am really curious as to what your thoughts might be.

    Thanks

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