How to Create Realistic Pencil Drawings

If you're interested in how I create realistic pencil drawings, this video will explain some of my artwork and though processes I use.


Feel free to express your comments about my drawings and share this video with everyone you know that is interested in extremely realistic artwork or that likes to draw realistic pencil drawings.

Please subscribe to my channel so you don't miss any of my free drawing tutorials I'm working on.

My other pencil drawing links:

My Drawing Workshops:

Step by Step Drawing Tutorial:

Drawing Student's work (before and after):

Comments from previous pencil drawing students:

Realistic Drawing Technique Book and pencil set:

Thanks you so much for your interest in my drawing techniques!
JD Hillberry

[JDHillberry]

Thanks again for all the wonderful comments and questions.

[JDHillberry]

Would anyone have any ideas why out at this point I have 2 dislikes (and only 12 likes)? It would really help me out if someone could tell me:
Did this video not load for you?
Was this video content not what you expected it to be?
Was the artwork or presentation not intertaining?
Did I say something to offend in the video?
Please, let me know what I could do better if you didn't enjoy this video. I'm always trying to improve on everything I do.
Thanks,
JD

[mmathapelokgosiemang]

I love and appreciate how you value demonstration more than talking, most art videos are irritating because people tend to talk too much and demonstrate less. Thank youuu

[JDHillberry]

Thanks for your interest in my drawing techniques. At his point I have the videos here on youtube. Subscribe to my channel to be notified when I post new ones. I'm currently working on some full lengths drawing tutorials that you will be able to purchase from my website. I'll let my subscribers know then those are ready.

[JDHillberry]

Thanks, everyone for your great comments. I'm sorry I haven't added any new videos lately, but I've been hard at work creating my full length video tutorials. Make sure you are signed up on my email list to receive notification when it is ready. You will also get an email when registration opens for my live drawing workshops. You never know, I may be coming to your area. Keep Drawing! JD

[TheSupertecnology]

I just can´t belive what I´ve just seen, your drawings look like real photos. I started with photorealistics a few time ago, my friends say that I´m very good at it, but you man, are the god of gods on this stuff!!!!

[JDHillberry]

I've been really busy with art exhibits and conducting my live drawing classes lately. In fact, I'm setting up for one this weekend. I hope to have some more vids soon though. Stay tuned!
Thanks,
JD

[JDHillberry]

I try to respond to questions here that I can answer in the limited space and format that a youtube allows. I sell my artwork and my drawing techniques for a living, so yes, I want to sell my "stuff". I also have limited time to devote to making free videos and answering questions that can be addressed in 500 characters or less. If you feel you aren't learning enought from the free stuff on the internet, Maybe you should consider buying my book!

[JDHillberry]

I'm so glad my work has inspired you and your art class. Make sure you tell them to sign up on my email list (from my website) to be notified of workshops and my upcoming video tutorial series.

[JDHillberry]

I have several other videos on my channel that explain the pencils I like to use. Also on my website (link in the description) you will find more info about all the materials I recommend.

[TorchHamma]

Wow I was absolutely blown away when I was told that the images I was seeing were not pictures, that they were actually complete art. I had to find out who made these drawings and that's what led me here. I am so happy that you would take your time and give aspiring artists some tips. I will be watching your videos and learning.

[shirleyshafer]

I'm a 77 year old beginner and see your vid's as the best instructional material I've found yet.

[dukeofdeath]

U r absolutely right about dynamics. That's the main difference between classical and modern music. Classical music can invoke many more emotions and portray a story far better than a modern song with words simply because of the use of dynamics. Probably the most important facet in making any art more impactful. Wonderful art.

[JDHillberry]

Hi Debedeb, Like most artists, I became aware of Darrel about 3 years ago when he started selling his videos. I'd already been doing my artwork and teaching my techniques for over 20 years. You are right about my work having more contrast, that's because unlike Darrel, I use more than 5 pencils and I also employ charcoal and blending techniques. BTW, I really like your channel and appreciate you adding my videos.
JD

[chcodog]

i sat here watching all the art work with my jaw dropped....the illusions you create are incredible, its so hard to believe you never had any instruction...

[DennisWesley]

I am so amazed by your artwork, because I've been trying to draw realistically for so long. Now that I'm connected to you JD, I know I will achieve this goal. Thanks for all your inspiration.

[lisamaier]

I have admired your drawings for years. That definitely wowed me. I just happened to stumble onto this great tutorial. You are such an inspiration and I would love to learn from you. Thank you for your contribution to "The Art World"!

[MrChaseroflight]

Dear JD, it is a real encouragement to hear that you are self taught, because I am too and I often feel inadequate. Really looking forward to learn more from your videos and thank you for posting them :)

[animeshortcake]

At the art school we had to pick artist that inspires us and you were one of my artist. We also had to create a slide of our favorite artists work and after my presentation i had my whole class hooked on your art work! You are one of my idols and i love you as a fan lol!

[JDHillberry]

@blubbaha12 Yes. I use a combination of real life and photos to do most of the subjects in my drawings. For many subjects, I place my model right on my drawing board and it is lit from my drawing lamp. That's why in many of my drawing the light is coming from the left. That's where my drawing lamp is located. Some textures I've drawn enough that I can just draw from my imagination, for instance the wood textures are all "invented".