Pencil & Drawing

What do you think of when you think of drawing? Drawings can consist of lines, tone, form, colour, volume, smudges, hatching, or shading in. They can possess the crisp accuracy of an architect’s plans in hard graphite pencil or the expressiveness of an energetic life drawing in charcoal. Drawings can map out ideas, or be the idea itself. Because the term ‘drawing’ can encompass so much, it’ll come as no surprise that this department contains a wide variety of different drawing materials. Whether you’re looking for hard graphite drawing pencils that deliver reliability and a strong unbreakable lead, or a vibrant lightfast watersoluble coloured crayon, we’re sure you’ll find the pencil you need.

The monochrome drama of the softest graphite and charcoal will never go out of fashion. As versatile as it is beautiful, graphite and charcoal are used by both expressive fine artists and those seeking precision, such as architects and designers. Charcoal sticks are made of specially charred willow or vine. They’re brittle, chalky, and the perfect medium for quickly laying down tone, and blending with your finger. Sharp crisp details can also be achieved. Soft graphite pencils (3B - 9B) are capable of expressive black marks, while harder H pencils are perfect for crisp, neat feint drawn lines.

If you’re looking for colour, you’ll find it in the collections of wax based coloured crayons, watercolour pencils and pastel pencils we sell. Coloured drawing pencils are used by professional artists, designers and illustrators alike, and are ideal for use in idea development and sketches. There are different surfaces available to make your work looks its best. The finest coloured pencils will glide over cartridge paper, and can be burnished and blended. Textured papers such as Ingres help vibrant pastel pencil colours sing (which is why it’s often used by Animal Portrait artists). Hard cover sketchbooks will help protect your drawings - a visual journal of your creative journey.

We offer coloured drawing materials by international brands including Faber Castell, Caran d’Ache, Conte, Derwent, Lyra, Koh-I-Noor, Cretacolor and Swan Stabilo.

For intricate drawing techniques, why not explore silverpoint, favoured by the greatest renaissance draughtsmen, or the mechanical practicality of a clutch pencil.