9 Gradient in Grayscale

Have a look at this!

Copyright © 2018 Pencil Perceptions. All Rights Reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all materials on these pages are copyrighted by Pencil Perceptions.
All Rights Reserved. No part of these pages, either text or image may be used for any purpose.

01
 Hello friends,

A�er doing the Grayscale, the Gradient assignment is the prac�cal

overview of the grayscale.
Here, we learn how to blend the different values smoothly.
The applica�on of such an assignment is that one can learn how to do
a smooth grada�on of skin or cloth without smudging. It helps us to
understand layers on layers and extremely important for shading.
When we make a gradient we consciously train our eyes to perfec�on
in tonal play. It requires a lot of prac�ce.

We won’t be using all the pencils right from 2H to 8B. But we will
master the technique of Adding layers using any one so� pencil.
The main objec�ve is to blend smoothly by gaining 100% control in
adding layers.
It is one of the major skills that we need which provides unparalleled
and innumerable learning opportuni�es for a representa�onal ar�st.

Materials required :
• Fabriano Accademia (Schizzi) 120 gsm
• Ellip�cal Stencil
• Pencils from B, 2B and 4B
• Kneaded eraser
• Sharpener

Copyright © 2018 Pencil Percep�ons. All rights reserved.

02
 Let’s Get Started!
Step 1:
We learnt in the previous tutorial how to render a plane patch using
B pencil. When we make a patch, we analyse minute tonal differences
and white gaps. And that is the way to train our eyes in no�cing tonal
differences.

Step 2:
We use a so� pencil to create a gradient. We take a 4B pencil and
make a reference shade from where we are going to dilute the tone
�ll the other side of the eclipse with the effect of mixing two tones.
We add up a li�le pressure to create a dark reference point.

Copyright © 2018 Pencil Percep�ons. All rights reserved.

03
 Step 3:
Now, just like in the grayscale, we figure out the 50% of the dark and
the light reference tones. Here we do the same. Using tapered
strokes, we add layers. While layering it, we keep on analysing the
tonal difference from darkest to lightest.

Step 4:
Suppose we consider the darkest tone as 100%, and the lightest tone
as 10%, our grada�on should travel gradually from 100 to 90, 90 to
80…and so on. When we render the 90%, we need to make sure that
we are making it bit lighter than the darkest tone.

Copyright © 2018 Pencil Percep�ons. All rights reserved.

04
 Step 5:
Let’s go gradually from 90 to 80, it is okay if it doesn’t look perfect as
of now, the values will be refined.

Step 6:
And so on… we reach the centre of the ellipse, now as we travel to the
light tone reference, the pressure and the number of layers goes on
decreasing. Make sure the strokes in centre of the ellipse denotes the
50% value from the darkest reference in he extreme le�.

Copyright © 2018 Pencil Percep�ons. All rights reserved.

05
 Step 7:
Rendering from 30 to 10, hold the pencil at a longer distance from the
�p so that automa�cally we avoid the dark strokes.

Step 8:
Squint your eyes and just check out whether the layers merge well. If
you see that the gradient has layers in steps, use circular strokes just
blend the difference. Keep checking your gradient from far distance
a�er doing certain steps, it will help in analysing and will help you to
make it be�er. To remove the unnecessary spots, make the kneaded
eraser pointed and dab it very carefully, then use circular strokes to
render that area.

Copyright © 2018 Pencil Percep�ons. All rights reserved.

06
 Step 9:
Refine the tones. the gradient must be smooth using strokes as shown
below. erase the strokes outside the ellip�cal boundary

Step 10:
So, this is the final outcome of gradient. Each gradient takes more than
10 minutes to finish it with fine details and refining.

Copyright © 2018 Pencil Percep�ons. All rights reserved.

07
 PRACTISE SHEETS

(Day 1)

(Day 2)

Copyright © 2018 Pencil Percep�ons. All rights reserved.

08
 (Day 3)

(Day 4)

Copyright © 2018 Pencil Percep�ons. All rights reserved.

09
 (Day 5)

(Day 6)

Copyright © 2018 Pencil Percep�ons. All rights reserved.

10
 (Day 7)

Copyright © 2018 Pencil Percep�ons. All rights reserved.

11
 Key Points for Gradient

Use the right pencils which are of the same brand.

The Plain Patch needs to be perfect before you start with the
gradient.

Use Tapered Strokes only. Fill the white gaps and observe the
gradation and layers.

The values must look Gradual. Practising this will give you a clear
idea on the value difference and adding layers for the same.

Erase the strokes outside the elliptical area and then observe the
gradient from a distance at your eye level.

When you repair your mistakes, the overall gradient will be dark.
So, practise so much that you do the gradient perfect at once.

Mastering smooth grada�on is Extremely Important. On an average

it takes 8-9 days to get habitual.
So, PRACTISE, PRACTISE, PRACTISE...

Copyright © 2018 Pencil Percep�ons. All rights reserved.

12