Eberhard Faber Artist Color Drawing Pencils, Set of 12, 5H to 6B

Eberhard Faber Artist Color – 12 drawing pencils from 5H to 6B in a metal tin

This set of 12 drawing pencils from the Artist Color range by Eberhard Faber covers the whole range of grades from 5H to 6B: for fine construction lines as well as soft, dark shading. Eberhard Faber developed the range for semi-professional artists, students and schoolchildren. The hexagonal pencils have a break-resistant lead and are easy to sharpen and erase. They are suitable for drawing, sketching, hatching and writing.

All 12 pencils come in a metal tin, so the points stay protected in a rucksack or art case. The pencils are also available individually.

Which grade for which job?

The H grades (5H to H) have a hard lead that draws light, fine and even lines. They suit preliminary drawings, construction lines and precise details. HB sits in the middle and is the all-rounder for sketches and writing. The B grades (B to 6B) are softer and darker: use them for shadows, deep contrasts and soft transitions.

Working with the set

Start with a hard grade and lay out the drawing lightly. Then build up shadows and depth in several layers with softer pencils. Soft grades smudge more easily, so it is best to work from light to dark and place a sheet of paper under your drawing hand. Use only light pressure with hard leads, otherwise they leave grooves in the paper that can no longer be erased.

Eberhard Faber Artist Color drawing pencils product details

• Manufacturer: Eberhard Faber, art. no. 516913
• Range: Artist Color
• Contents: 12 drawing pencils in a metal tin
• Grades: 5H, 4H, 3H, 2H, H, HB, B, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B
• Shape: hexagonal
• Features: break-resistant lead, easy to erase and sharpen

You will also need: pencil sharpener, eraser and drawing paper