Materials: Erasers

Since charcoal and even graphite can be smudged, an eraser becomes a drawer’s best friend. There are two particular types of erasers that can aid an artist using dry drawing materials: the Pink Pearl® and a kneaded eraser.

The Pink Pearl® is a brand of eraser that is pink in appearance and solid, yet pliable. It can easily remove large areas of graphite and charcoal, as well as thicker lines. The kneaded eraser is usually white or gray in color and can be molded like clay. Removing small areas of dry materials, or creating highlights, is easy with a kneaded eraser. Roll it up or shape it into a point, push, and then pull as if removing gum from surface. The kneaded eraser can be reused several times.

This amazing drawing, Untitled (Ocean) by Vija Celmins, was created with graphite. The white areas could be achieved by using an eraser to remove some of the graphite, representing a sense of depth of the ocean waves and reflection from the sun. White pencils are also available to provide a finishing touch.