Which pencils are best for sketching & shading?

The best pencils for sketching and shading depend on personal preference and the desired effect, but some commonly recommended options are:

Graphite Pencils (HB, 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B): These are classic choices for sketching and shading. HB is medium, while 2B is slightly softer and darker. As the number increases (e.g., 4B, 6B, 8B), the pencil becomes softer and darker, allowing for richer and deeper shading.

Charcoal Pencils: Charcoal pencils offer a rich, velvety black mark. They come in various softness levels (soft, medium, hard) for different effects. Soft charcoal is great for dark, bold lines and shading, while hard charcoal is good for fine details.

Mechanical Pencils: Mechanical pencils with softer leads (such as 0.5mm or 0.7mm 2B or 4B leads) can be excellent for detailed sketching. They offer consistent line widths and are convenient for precision work.

Coloured Pencils: colored sketches or adding subtle hues, colored pencils can be useful. They come in a wide range of colors and can be layered for blending and shading.

Water-Soluble Graphite Pencils: These pencils can create both graphite and watercolor effects. When used dry, they behave like regular graphite pencils, but when water is applied, they can create a watercolor-like wash.

Mechanical Pencils with Graphite Sticks: Some artists prefer using mechanical pencils for precision combined with graphite sticks for broader strokes and shading. This combination offers versatility in line weight and shading effects.

It's often beneficial for artists to have a variety of pencils with different lead grades (hardnesses) to achieve various tones and textures in their sketches. Experimenting with different pencils can help artists find the ones that best suit their style and desired effects.