Discover pencil drawings for sale online today. Whether it’s a sketch or a more detailed work, we offer a range of drawings for sale and rental. Start your search with botanical, animal or urban pencil drawings from established and emerging artists around the world.

About the artists

Rise Art’s collection of artwork includes pencil drawings includes artwork from some of the most exciting artists around the world. For incredible, lifelike pencil drawings which are so hyper-realistic that they are often mistaken for photographs, see the magnificent work of Kelvin Okafor whose fascination for drawing began when he was just 8 years old. His unique style which has been dubbed ‘emotional realism’ by Estelle Lovatt, an eminent art critic, quickly grabbed the attention of the art world and he has garnered a number of national awards and when you take a look you will see why.

If you’re seeking something which makes a statement, look no further than the pieces created by Abbi Torrance – an artist whose deceptively simple works pack a hidden, deeply political punch. While Torrance’s art may seem innocuous and straightforward at first glance each piece is really expressing something deeper. Graph paper backgrounds make a statement about how human beings are increasingly seen as data, markets and demographics and each of her works raises questions surrounding free will and control. Her simple yet simultaneously deeply clever works issue a haunting commentary on life in a society where we are stripped of our autonomy. She demonstrates just how much of a statement can be made with a simple pencil stroke.

Finally don’t miss Zoe Moss whose art ranges from traditional realist painting to works that focus on popular culture with a satirical edge. Her tongue in cheek pop-art style pencil drawings offer an insightful commentary on contemporary society and her pieces add a playful splash of colour to any interior.

History of Pencil Drawings

With drawings found on the walls of French and Spanish caves dating back 30,000BC, drawing is undoubtedly one of the earliest forms of art. Since then the medium has undergone quite a transformation, both physically and creatively, but to this day, pencil drawing is one of the most popular forms of art and one which features a number of styles. Photorealistic details which trick the eye can be achieved through fine pencil drawings while line drawing can communicate more than what meets the eye on paper. What was once recognised primarily as a means of drafting out an outline for a greater project has become a veritable art form in its own right.

The humble pencil used by draughtsmen the world over dates back to the 17th century when graphite pencils were introduced as a replacement for the metallic styluses which had been used for drawing by draftsmen of the Medieval and Renaissance periods. In 1795, modern pencil lead as we know it today was invented by French painter Nicolas-Jacques who combined graphite and clay and called it ‘Plumbago’. This new creation allowed artists to better control the density and shade of the graphite they used and the tool thus became more and more popular amongst painters, architects and designers.

By the 19th century, pencil drawings existed primarily as a means for artists to sketch preliminary compositions and studies for what would go on to become paintings and sculptures. The medium became increasingly versatile as other fine art pencils were introduced, such as charcoal, coloured, watercolour, crayon varieties and pencil drawings became a fine art form of their own. The tradition is continued to this day by many artists who combine pencil lead with other mediums for more dynamic drawings.

Styles and Techniques of Pencil Drawings

Techniques in pencil drawing include hatching, cross hatching, blending shades together and scumbling – the technique whereby the artist moves the pencil along the surface of the work in tiny circular motions. Graphite lead is praised for its versatility: harder and darker leads produce fine lines which make for more detailed drawings, while soft and light lead offers excellent qualities for modelling and shading. These softer leads are usually associated with spontaneous and fluid lines, while artists who make darker pencil drawings often aim for sharp precision.

Artists often experiment with different types of pencil to produce charcoal, watercolour or coloured pencil drawings, while graphite lead is sometimes combined with other mediums such as pastels, watercolours and gouache in order to add flair to monochromatic images. Pencil drawing is a popular medium across a whole range of subjects and is often used in portraiture, still life and landscapes.

Find out more in our Guide To Drawings.