Grainy, Out of Focus effect

[dj2216]

Hi

I'm hoping to get some advice on how best to achieve a particular effect. Two effects really.

I'm trying to create a drawing that is both grainy and out of focus. I understand that the choice of paper can help with the grainy-ness. Is there a particular paper that you would recommend? Is stippling necessary at all?

Blur is something I'm having trouble with. My attempts so far basically just end up looking 'smudgy', or dirty, rather than out of focus.

I should add that I've only been drawing for 6 months. I mainly use graphite, though I do attempt (badly) the occasional charcoal sketch. I try to draw every day, and research stuff as much as I can, but I've yet to find information on how to achieve these effects.

The attached image is not what I want to draw, but it gives an idea of the look I'm going for.

Thanks very much in advance

Daniel

[tiago.dagostini]

It will depend on the paper available to you, but it must be a bit grainy itself to help you. But is almost must be rigid.. when it is too soft the "texture " can get uneven.

I would try a piece of arches cold pressed as a starting point, then figure if you like that size of texture. Other option is to draw with your paper placed over a sheet of fine sand paper. The back surface will create an even texture. The advantage is that you can forego the texture in some areas by removing the sanded paper when drawing those areas.

On the foggy.. do NOT SMUDGE to achieve it. Use a kneaded eraser /blu tack ..do not drag.. just press and remove.. press and remove.. to remove graphite from areas until things start to look foggy.

[Wassie]

Tiago gave you good advice. I was going to mention sanded paper.

[dj2216]

Tiago, Wassie thanks so much. I would never have thought of sand paper. Nor would I have thought of erasing to get a blur effect. Will give both of these a shot.

Thanks again!

[EviltheKat]

You could try coquille stipple board. I think Bee still makes it.

[dj2216]

Originally Posted by EviltheKat

You could try coquille stipple board. I think Bee still makes it.

Thanks. I've not heard of those, but I'll have a look into it.

Cheers

[fedetony]

Why don't you try stippling (pen and ink technique) with graphite?...It's just the way I would approach such a drawing....

You would have to set the point of your pencil softly, and rotate with a dull tip. The out of focus effect you can obtain it form smudging, and the tones by the density of points.
Good luck please share your results

[dj2216]

Originally Posted by fedetony

Why don't you try stippling (pen and ink technique) with graphite?...It's just the way I would approach such a drawing....

You would have to set the point of your pencil softly, and rotate with a dull tip. The out of focus effect you can obtain it form smudging, and the tones by the density of points.
Good luck please share your results

I've only ever had a couple of shots at stippling with graphite but I found it very difficult to get any kind of consistency with the dots. I hadn't thought of the technique you mention, though, so it might be worth another go.

Thanks for the advice!