HOW TO HOLD THE PENCIL & VALUES(GRADATION) BASICS

For the shading purpose, pencil can be hold in two ways:
Writing Position.

Writing Position

Underpalm Position.

Underpalm Position

Writing Position is the most commonly used for sketching and shading.
Underpalm position can used for more forceful sketching and shading of portraits. Its requires more practice as compared to writing position.


Values(Gradation):
For best shades in portraits/drawings and to get that perfect light and shade effect one needs to have thorough understanding of various gradation and values, it is therefore very important to achieve the necessary effect.
1) Varying pressure on the Pencil.

From dark to light tone or vice versa

2) Overworking and Repetition
   a) Hatching.

Hatching

   b) Cross Hatching.

3) Varying the grade of pencil.
2H, HB, 2B, 4B, 6B