My recent process

My recent process:

1. sketch a panel in non-photo blue pencil

2. scan it digitally

3. adjust the blue tone

4. adjust the black and white level to deepen the blue further

5. convert the blue to black and white

6. adjust the black and white levels again

7. fill areas with variations of 50% grey

The pencils that give me the feel and line I prefer are Staedtler non-photo blue pencils. I have tried others but every brand feels different when pressed against paper. These Staedtler pencil aren't too hard or too soft...but lean, for sure, on the soft side. Currently, the cost about $2.25 a piece.