How to Use GRAPHITE PAPER (& Why I Love It)

Рет қаралды 17,261

Күн бұрын

Graphite paper is something I wouldn't want to be without. In this video, I share some tips for using it, and why I like it.
One of my main reasons for liking the product is how quickly you can get an accurate outline drawing onto the paper. It's a tool which actually opens realistic painting up to everyone, regardless of their drawing ability. I appreciate that freehand drawing really hones your hand-eye coordination, and encourages you to look really carefully at a subject. As such, I feel it is important to keep practising it. But, at the same time, in our busy lives, anything that gets us to the painting process quicker, is definitely a winner in my mind. For artists who struggle with freehand drawing, or lack confidence in drawing, these worries are removed, freeing them up to focus on just the watercolor stage. Again, a win-win as far as I am concerned. To read more on my thoughts on this, why not take a look at my blog: devonartist.co.uk/easily-draw...
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🕒 Timestamps 🕒
00:00 How to use graphite paper
00:36 Graphite paper makes painting accessible to everyone
00:53 Graphite backed paper is quick and easy to use
01:26 Use graphite paper to transfer your own sketch to the watercolor surface
01:42 Working with graphite paper avoids damaging the surface with mistakes
02:08 Transfer paper always ensures an accurate, in proportion outline image
02:29 Secure your image with low-tack tape
02:48 Add some repositioning marks, they will save you time later
03:34 Insert the graphite paper shiny side down
04:07 Transfer your image with a mechanical pencil
04:44 Bend a corner of your top image over
05:09 Make sure you are tracing through thin paper onto the graphite
05:39 Avoid applying too much pressure, which can mark the paper
06:10 Some types, and new graphite paper, can be very messy
06:26 Lighten the resulting image with a putty eraser
07:18 Cut up the graphite paper so that it is more manageable
07:40 Graphite paper is reusuable many times over
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Пікірлер: 61

@TheDevonArtist 2 жыл бұрын

Do you use graphite paper, or do you prefer freehand drawing? *Leave me a comment* , I would be interested to know, and for more videos on ways of drawing an image: bit.ly/3JqRnJW

@PaulRansonArt 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Paul for an informative video. I use a variety of ways to transfer images to a canvas. I've used trace down and sometimes coloured pencil or pastel on the back of the photo for a tinied outline. I know purist will throw their hands up but like you its getting to the painting that matters most to me. From many years experience I've discovered that peoples appreciation of shape and form improve just by learning to paint first. Their drawing skills improve as a result. Look forward to the next video 🎨

@TheDevonArtist 2 жыл бұрын

This is an excellent comment Paul, thank you very much. I wholeheartedly agree with you. Paul 🎨

@ShazAtts 2 жыл бұрын

I am a Graphite paper convertee thanks to you Paul :) I used to use a soft leaded pencil like an 8B and rub on the reverse of the image to transfer onto the watercolour paper as this was a lot cheaper to do but now I also use Graphite paper for quickness. I was put off using it at first as the smudging was an issue and it ended on my hands and thus on my face and all over the place haha .. I now use less pressure and am extra careful :) Also if I freehand draw anything I will always use the transferring method as to get it the same again would be time consuming I also use it to create a composition piece. It's just so much more convenient and like you say creates more painting time. If I didn't use this process I would not do anyway near the amount of painting I am doing. so cheating or not it gets results!! It keeps my brushes wet :)

@TheDevonArtist 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much Shaz, I knew I could rely on you. Yes, as you know it's clever stuff really and very, very handy, not just for transferring to watercolour paper. Paul 🎨

@polgara28 2 жыл бұрын

Great tips, thanks! ❤️

@TheDevonArtist 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Christie. 🤗

@creativecolours2022 2 жыл бұрын

It is not cheating to transfer your preliminary drawing with graphite paper. It is a necessity because if you try to draw directly on your expensive watercolour paper, then you risk to destroy the surface of your paper with your pencil or by erasing lines, something that will affect the performance of the paper and the application of your colours. You should always draw on another paper and transfer the drawing on your watercolour paper taking care not to scratch the paper and not to touch with dirty or greasy hands the surface. Wearing fabric or latex gloves is recommended. As for the graphite paper. You can make your own if you apply and rub on a piece of thin transparent or rice paper graphite powder. Then use alcohol to dissolve this layer of the graphite that you have rubbed on the rice paper and let it dry. Your own home made graphite paper will leave somewhat less dark lines on your watercolour paper so you will not need to remove the excess graphite afterwards. The next but more expensive option is 1/ a light box or 2/ a projector placed vertically on your working surface.

@TheDevonArtist 2 жыл бұрын

What a lovely and kind reply, thank you very much. 😊

@o0Daisy0o Жыл бұрын

Thanks for recommending the Frisk graphite transfer sheets. I don’t normally use them but when I do, I get annoyed by the unwanted mess transferred! I normally freehand photographic references but occasionally use graphite transfer sheets as a backup when I hit a problem, such as trying to get the size of animals/people correct when they’re from separate images (my current issue!). The commission I’m currently working on has been a nightmare 😆 so the transfer sheets can be very useful in an emergency!

@TheDevonArtist Жыл бұрын

Thank you Daisy, yes the graphite transfer paper can be very useful at times. You still get some mess that can normally be lightly erased, but worth putting up with for wildlife and as you say the facial proportions of people. Paul 🎨

@lukeparsons1187 4 ай бұрын

Using a ballpoint pen to transfer from paper to a chest of drawers. Will be decorating with acrylic paint. Ball point pen delivers a consistent and dark line on to the drawers but a pencil did not.

@TheDevonArtist 4 ай бұрын

That's sounds like an ideal way of doing this for transferring to wood. 😀 For watercolourists when using with watercolour paper though, I try to not press on too hard so it reduces the indentation within the paper, where paint will sink into and create a darker line. 😉

@susannewendt4543 2 жыл бұрын

I hadn't though of using graphite paper to transfer an image onto art paper. Such a useful, well explained video. Thank you😊

@TheDevonArtist 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for watching Susan. 😀

5 ай бұрын

Great video, thanks, I’ve just bought some sheets; I prefer to draw free hand but using the paper can speed up the process of getting to the fun part of a painting.

@TheDevonArtist 5 ай бұрын

Thank you very much 😊

@brendamuldoon6781 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Paul for showing me the way forward to improve I am a new subscriber may I ask a question please which is the best way to do whiskers I am fairly new to watercolour and zero drawing skill! I use a light box and tracedown

@TheDevonArtist 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Brenda, thank you very much for subscribing! Yes, whiskers can be tricky, but I do have a little tip in one of my latest videos here whilst I was painting a Red Panda, hope this helps you, Paul 🎨 bit.ly/3qH1jr1

@toni-tz6bt 2 жыл бұрын

Great idea Paul, I always draw freehand but I think I'll give this a try.

@TheDevonArtist 2 жыл бұрын

Thank Toni, just remember to not put too much pressure on the paper with the palm of your hand. It certainly saves a lot of time, so you can get straight to the painting process. 😀

@toni-tz6bt 2 жыл бұрын

It will save a lot of time, it takes forever to draw a picture sometimes, then I don't have time to paint it. Lol

@TheDevonArtist 2 жыл бұрын

@@toni-tz6bt Very true Toni, thank you. 😀

@UNEARTHED36 8 ай бұрын

Graphite paper is the best! I hate sketching directly onto watercolor paper, its damaging! I love to use procreate to avoid paper waste, print my final drawing out and trace my own art (how dare I!) 😂 great video! Carbon pencil works just as well, however...it is not the same as graphite, harder to remove carbon smudges than graphite.

@TheDevonArtist 8 ай бұрын

I completely agree with you regarding the carbon pencil. Yes, graphite paper is very good to use, not so much with the wax version though as it's harder to erase. 😃

@yvetyler5786 2 жыл бұрын

I can draw but takes me ages, I'm a bit of a perfectionist so won't paint until exactly right. I now trace as I can get straight into painting,which is the bit that i love so much, otherwise it could be a week before I find my freehand exactly as I want, I just want to paint. Your tutorials are amazing thank you

@TheDevonArtist 2 жыл бұрын

That's very kind of you to say Yve, yes, you are just like me, a perfectionist, hence the detail work. Paul 🎨

@christineveit6093 7 ай бұрын

Thank you Paul. I just found this video. Question, where do you find such good images to paint?

@TheDevonArtist 7 ай бұрын

Hi Christine, one of the places I find good quality royalty free images in www.pixabay.com so certainly worth a visit. :-)

@meeraahuja1594 Жыл бұрын

I like to draw as that gives me the feel of the subject. I also use graphite transfer method but though carbon sheet is the easiest, I end up with smudges on the sheet that cannot be removed.

@TheDevonArtist Жыл бұрын

Thank you Meera, yes graphite sheets can be messy, but you can normally erase the overspill off the watercolour surface after drawing out. Carbon paper is pretty much permanent really, so not something I would use. Paul 🎨

@MrTibbs2163 2 жыл бұрын

I trace direct from my computer screen, I can then adjust the size of the image to fit the paper size. I normally draw A4 and 30x40 cm but with a bit of prep work I'm able to zoom in and out to any size.

@TheDevonArtist 2 жыл бұрын

That's a cracking idea. As you say you can specify the size you want plus have a homemade light box at the same time! 😀

@roberthossack286 Жыл бұрын

hi, how do you trace from your computer screen? ty.

@lauraholland5315 4 ай бұрын

Thank you

@TheDevonArtist 4 ай бұрын

I'm glad it helps Laura 😊

@punjabpainting2002 2 жыл бұрын

Nice work dear friend. Keep supporting us. Have a good day 💞

@TheDevonArtist 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much Punjab 😀

@Iwanttodrawachicken 10 ай бұрын

I got some graphite paper to help put the main items on the drawing, especially the eyes and head. But the marks don't erase. I think I'm doing something wrong or have the wrong sort of transfer paper.

@TheDevonArtist 10 ай бұрын

I have found this does happen with certain types of graphite paper. Some are waxy, which tends to be the issue, so I tend to steer clear away from that type. The one I use is called Frisk, I do have another wax free types listed on my materials page if it helps: devonartist.co.uk/materials-i-use-or-recommend-for-realistic-watercolour/

@sandyb4693 Жыл бұрын

I tried to use graphite paper, but the traced lines lift and blends/spreads across the paper when I apply water to the paper to stretch it (or an initial watery wash without stretching). I've tried applying with only a spray bottle (so I wouldn't touch the lines) & get the same result as when I use a brush. I have Saral Wax Free Transfer Paper. Do you know if this is a problem with this brand of paper, or is there some trick to prevent this from happening. Due to this problem, I either draw directly (rarely) onto my watercolor paper or I trace my original drawing onto tracing paper with a mechanical pencil, flip it over, lay it on my watercolor paper, then rub the back side to transfer the sketch. This method works great.. it just takes more time. Thanks for all your tips! I always find them helpful.

@TheDevonArtist Жыл бұрын

Hi Sandy, yes, I've had the same issue in the past with the lines blending with the paint, and changing the colours somewhat. Saying that, the Frisk one isn't too bad for this, plus I always lightly dab the transfer with a putty eraser afterwards and that seems to stop this issue. I also transfer an image after stretching paper, just to be sure it doesn't stretch or blend. I've never tried the Saral Wax Free paper, so I can honestly say with that one though, but I have tried other brands over the years and this one has always worked well for me. Yes, you get a little bit of over transfer, but with the dabbing (not rubbing) using my putty eraser does the job. The answer at the end of the day if whatever works for you is the best option, that's what I always tell myself anyway. LOL Paul 🎨

@sandyb4693 Жыл бұрын

@@TheDevonArtist Thank for the reply and additional tips. I think I'll try it again, waiting to transfer the image until after I stretch the paper and do any initial super watery washes (the graphite was dissolving completely in both of those & I couldn't see the lines). I also noticed that you were using a mechanical pencil to trace while I use a tiny round ball tool (I think it's for working with clay) I might try using a pencil as well to see if that helps embed the graphite better onto the paper. If that fails... I'll just keep doing what I've been doing. 😼 Thanks again!

@TheDevonArtist Жыл бұрын

@@sandyb4693 You're welcome Sandy, yes I use a mechanical pencil with a slightly harder 2H lead. 😀

@Monkey_D_Luffy56 2 ай бұрын

Can I use it for heat dissipation or heat transfer? 😅 I know it's a bit silly question but I'm really curious

@TheDevonArtist 2 ай бұрын

To be honest with you, I don't know as it's not something I've ever tried. I doubt there's anything on the packaging mentioning this though. 🤔

@prezentz 2 жыл бұрын

I have used graphite paper but I make such a mess that I really don't enjoy using it. what I have found recently is using tracing paper I actually use it a little differently I choose the picture I want to use and over the top of that in my photoshop tool put a graph over the top. On the tracing paper on the "right" side I rule up the page to match the picture, I then flip both the image and the tracing paper and draw out my image, on the "wrong" or bottom side, make all the necessary adjustments, and then when I'm satisfied, put the tracing paper onto the watercolour paper image side down the grid will still on the right or top side, the actual drawing will be on the bottom, which means that graphite side is down on the paper and the image is the right way around and then apply pressure and transfer the image.

@TheDevonArtist 2 жыл бұрын

This sounds a really interesting way of using tracing paper Susan, certainly one that I've never tried. Thank you for your ideas. Paul 🎨

@brendamuldoon6781 2 жыл бұрын

Sorry forgot to say when I subscribed to your channel there was no bell to click I use my iPad how can I know when you put a new video up

@TheDevonArtist 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Brenda, as long as you have subscribed to my channel and have your notifications turned on then all should be ok. Here is a link to the notifications settings if it helps, Paul 🎨 support.google.com/youtube/answer/3382248?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DiOS

@margarigel9021 2 жыл бұрын

Eres excelente, puedes poner subtítulos en español, saludos desde Colombia...

@TheDevonArtist 2 жыл бұрын

Hola, lamentablemente no hablo el idioma español, así que no sabría por dónde empezar para ser honesto contigo. Gracias por ver mi video, Paul 🎨

@angelacampion8709 Жыл бұрын

I keep being told to draw free hand, but it's very frustrating and time consuming when your not very good! I do use it though when drawing a real life animal such as a horse or dog of family members so it looks something like the real thing lol. I think I may just start using it a bit more? 😘

@TheDevonArtist Жыл бұрын

I totally agree Angela, obviously it's always worth practising freehand drawing to learn a good sense of hand/eye coordination. But I do use graphite paper to ensure everything is spot on before starting a detailed project. Paul 🎨

@angelacampion8709 Жыл бұрын

@@TheDevonArtist well if it's good enough for you Paul? Say no more! 😘

@TheDevonArtist Жыл бұрын

@@angelacampion8709 LOL, thank you. 😀