Save the Eyes for Last with Graphite Artist Pitu Ebensperger
Discover how much expression and depth you can achieve with the simplest of tools.
In this lesson, Chilean artist and designer Pitu Ebensperger takes us back to where her creative journey began: graphite. Working with nothing more than a handful of pencils—HB through 6B—Pitu demonstrates how much expression and depth you can achieve with the simplest of tools.
Rather than relying on heavy pressure or smudging, Pitu’s approach is all about building subtle layers. You’ll see how she maps out shadows with delicate hatching, shifts pencil grades to adjust value, and moves between crosshatching and soft strokes to create a portrait that feels both grounded and atmospheric. Her technique favors flexibility: she shows how scaling up for darker tones and then back down for blending helps keep each layer alive and adjustable.
What you’ll learn here is more than just shading tricks. Pitu walks you through the rhythm of her process—how she builds light over time, uses the behavior of different pencils to her advantage, and even saves the eyes for last out of pure instinct. You’ll get insight into the texture of hair, the logic behind pencil choices, and how a seemingly slow, repetitive process can unlock surprising freedom.
If you’re someone who enjoys taking your time, experimenting with pressure, and letting your drawing unfold layer by layer, this graphite portrait lesson is made for you.
Ready to sharpen your graphite skills with Pitu? Let's get started!
