How to Keep your Drawing Clean while Working

Before you even pick up your graphite pencil to start drawing, it’s crucial to set the right foundation by taking care of your workspace and yourself. One of the first things you should always do is wash your hands. This simple act might seem insignificant, but it can make a big difference in the outcome of your artwork. Oils, dirt, and grease on your hands can easily transfer onto the paper, affecting the way the graphite adheres to the surface. By ensuring that your hands are clean, you can minimize the risk of unwanted smudges or smears on your drawing.

Another important rule to follow is to avoid eating while you're in the middle of a drawing session. Not only can crumbs from snacks fall onto your paper and make a mess, but the biggest concern is liquids. A spilled drink on your drawing can be devastating. Even a tiny drop of water or coffee can cause the graphite to smudge or create a water stain that is almost impossible to erase. It’s best to keep food and drinks far away from your drawing area to prevent any accidents that could ruin hours of hard work in an instant.

Even clean fingers can leave oil spots behind due to the natural oils on our skin. These spots can affect the way the graphite adheres to the paper, leading to smudges or inconsistent shading. To avoid this, it’s advisable to minimize touching the paper as much as possible. If you need to adjust your paper or make any direct contact, try holding the outer corners instead of placing your fingers directly on the drawing surface.

When it comes to drawing with graphite pencils, one of the best tips to keep in mind is the direction in which you draw. If you are right-handed, it's recommended to start drawing from the upper left corner and work your way towards the right bottom corner. On the other hand, if you are left-handed, you may find it more beneficial to start from the opposite corner. This technique is particularly useful for minimizing smudging, as your hand is less likely to drag over areas you have already drawn, helping to keep your work clean and precise.

To prevent unwanted smudges on your artwork, place a piece of paper under your drawing hand. This creates a barrier between your hand and the paper, reducing the risk of smearing the graphite.

Or even better, keep your drawing on an easel so you don't have to worry so much about smudging as you will naturally not rest your hand on the paper. However, some artists find drawing on a flat surface more comfortable and prefer to work this way despite the risk of smudging.

Remember, prevention is always better than trying to fix a mistake afterwards. These simple rules might seem like minor inconveniences, but they can save you a lot of frustration and heartache in the long run. So, next time you sit down to draw with your graphite pencils, take a moment to follow these precautions and set yourself up for success.

- Camilla