Making a Value Scale (with Graphite)

Prep and Set-up

1. Watch the video for a good demonstration
2. Listen to the instruction given by your teacher (and watch his demonstration.)
3. Look for the teacher's sample to see what yours should look like.
4. Obtain a 9x12 white drawing paper.
5. Set up the Scale by drawing a 2-inch x 10-inch rectangle. Then subdivide the rectangle into 10 equal rectangles of equal size (1"x2") ... SEE MY EXAMPLE.

What is VALUE (or Tone)? The lightness and darkness of an object. 
Steps to success:
Use a variety of pencils.
              H-pencils will give you the lightest value. B-pencils will produce the darkest values.
              Pressure -- the more pressure you give, the darker the value that is produced.
             Of course, the less pressure made with your pencil, the lighter the value.

                    WHY ARE LIGHT VALUES HARDER TO CREATE THAN DARK VALUES?
Make the light values first. (Why?)

1. Hold your pencil at a flat angle -- parallel to the surface. ​Start with an H-pencil and skip the first rectangle to produce the 2nd lightest value. (The first and lightest value will be the color of the paper -- white.) 
2. Slowly draw through several rectangles -- up to 3 (as shown in the video).
3. Try to keep your pencil on the surface of the paper and slowly move it back-and-forth in a controlled manner in the same direction. You don't want to do this too quickly as it will appear as a scribble. Your goal is to create a value as one flat tone without any evidence of lines.
4. Turn your paper at a right angle to add another layer for the next rectangle (#3). This extra layer will appear darker without changing your pressure.
5. Do this again to the next rectangle and then turn it back to the original orientation to add another layer without changing the pressure. Again, this adds a darker value just by adding an extra layer.
6. Change pencils for the mid-values (4-7). Try 2B pencils for this. Same technique as before.
7. Add a little pressure for the darker values. 
8. Slowly build up your values all the way to black for the last rectangle.
9. There should be no smudges or finger prints. Don't use your fingers to "wipe" out the lines.