Class Materials List

Class Materials List

Generally you will need a charcoal pencil of your choosing that you can sharpen as per the instructions in Karls’ videos linked below. There are many on the market that you can buy at your local art store or online, and we encourage you to find out which pencil works best for you. Here are a few options you can try out below:

Below is a list of course materials that we think will be helpful to your studies. You are welcome to use different materials of your choice, for instance, by working digitally on your ipad or cintiq, but if you are looking for a place to start, we hope this list can be helpful.

  • General’s 557 Series Charcoal Pencils B, 2B, 4B
  • Wolff’s Carbon Pencil 2B
  • Conté a Paris Charcoal Pencil 2B
  • Faber-Castell Pitt Charcoal Pencils medium
  • Faber-Castell Pit Pastel 199 (black) 157 (indigo)

We also recommend black and indigo colored waxy pencils:

  • Prismacolor Premeir – black (pc 935) bleu indigo (PC 901)
  • Faber-Castel – 199 (black), 157 (indigo blue)

Secondly, you will need some paper to draw on. Again, you can use whatever paper you are most comfortable with, but if you are looking for a place to start, here are some options we recommend:

  • Strathmore Smooth Newsprint (Avoid Rough Newsprint)
  • Animation Paper

To sharpen your pencil per Karl’s instructions in the videos linked below, you will need:

  • Razor Blades or utility knife (for sharpening your pencil)
  • Sandpaper (80 to 120 grit) (for smoothing your pencil)

This is all you will need to begin, and as you get comfortable working with the materials, you may also want to have these on hand:

  • A kneaded eraser
  • Pencil Extenders
  • A shammy and/or scrap of old cotton t-shirt

How to Sharpen A Pencil

How to Sharpen a Pencil For Drawing (Part 1) –

How To Draw With A Pencil (Part 2) –

Karl Gnass’ Books:

SPIRIT OF THE POSE – Spirit of the Pose (2nd Edition)

HEADSHOTS – Head Shots An Artist’s Guide To Head Drawing
*This book is REQUIRED in the Head Hands & Feet class.

SPIRIT AND FORCE – Spirit And Force In Figure Drawing
Spirit And Force In Figure Drawing (Paperback) | Hennessey + Ingalls