How to Draw With an Eraser

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Many artists use erasers for more than just erasing. They use them to add details to their work which may seem like a backward concept. However, after reading through this post, you’ll be left with a better idea about how to draw with erasers and how they can add fantastic detail to your artwork.

For starters, using erasers enables you to add details to the negative space of a page. Therefore, you can use the erasers on parts of the white paper that are light grey. You can erase certain parts to create a white effect within the grey surface which can help with adding light details to your work. 

So, let’s take a look at the types of erasers to use and how to properly use them in your drawings. 

Types of Erasers To Draw With

Classic erasers are mostly used for graphite pencil drawings. However, kneaded erasers are best for chalk, sanguine, and charcoal drawings. 

When it comes to using kneaded erasers, they should be dabbed on the page, rather than rubbing it. It’s also important to knead the eraser until it creates the specific shape that you want to use for your drawing. 

One of the benefits of kneaded erasers is that they’re effective at absorbing color pigments. 

Depending on the type of drawing that you have and the kind of effect that you’re looking to create, you may want to experiment with kneaded and classic erasers. 

Drawing With Erasers | Eraser Step By Step

• Start by creating a drawing using either graphite or charcoal pencils. 
• Use a graphite or charcoal stick to create a light grey shading effect.
• Be sure to use the sides of the sticks to create the best effect and use even pressure. 
• Whilst drawing, use the tip of the pencil to create more details with thin lines etc. 
• Use your eraser to gently rub areas of the grey that you’d like to be lighter.
• The harder you press, the lighter the area will be. The more gentle you are, the more nuanced the light effects can be. 
• Make sure to shape your eraser so that it enables you to be precise with the areas that you rub out. 
• To create a more professional contour effect, shade in the area with a light grey pencil. Use your eraser to lightly rub around the edges of the area to create more natural-looking contours. 

Also read: How to Make Kneaded Eraser Softer

Conclusion

After reading through our post, we hope that you’re feeling more assured about how to draw with an eraser. Technically, you’re not drawing with it, you’re rubbing out grey areas.

However, you’ll find that this method allows you to create light effects in your work that look more professional. 

Be sure to experiment with using different rubber shapes, pressure, and angles to see how it makes your work come to life. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become in your erasing skills. 

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