Drawing: Basic Textures in Pencil: A beginner’s guide to realistic textures in graphite

DIANE CARDACI was classically trained at the Art Students League of New York City, Parsons School of Design, and the School of Visual Arts. Her passion for both realism and nature led her to start her professional art career working as a Natural Science Illustrator in New York City, where she specialized in medical and natural science illustrations. Her work has been published by the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, as well as by major textbook companies such as Holt, Rinehart, and Winston. After studying portraiture with such nationally acclaimed artists such as Nelson Shanks and John Sanden, commissioned portrait work soon became an important part of her artwork. She is a signature member of the American Society of Portrait Artists and has contributed writing for the organizations publications. Diane is also a member of the Colored Pencil Society of America, the Graphic Artists Guild, and the Illustrator’s Partnership of America.

Nolon Stacey is a self-taught graphic artist who specializes in realistic portraits of animals, people, and landmarks. As a child in South Yorkshire, England, Nolon cultivated his interest in drawing throughout school. He eventually earned a degree in mathematics from Warwick University, but he soon returned to his artistic passion. He currently lives in Boroughbridge, England, and undertakes a variety of commissioned work, ranging from portraits of people and pets to buildings and street scenes. Prints of Nolon’s celebrity portraits are published through Kadinsky Art. His work also is sold through Braithwaites Gallery in York, England. Stacey lives in Boroughbridge, England.