Metalpoint implements are made of silver, gold, copper, lead, brass or bronze. Sometimes they are simply a metal rod shaped to a point, or a shorter rod that is inserted into a wooden, paper or metal handle.

Techniques: Drawings using metalpoint must be done on a specially prepared surface, called a ground. The ground is created by mixing white lead and bone dust with glue and water. The mixture is then applied in several coats and burnished to a smooth surface. Metalpoint is a purely linear medium as only the tip of the instrument is used to create a delicate, thin, light line that does not vary much in thickness or darkness. The marks can't be blended and so dark areas must be created by hatching or crosshatching. It is nearly impossible to correct a mistake with metalpoint.

Graphite Pencils are made by mixing graphite, a natural mineral that can be mined, with clay and water to form a stiff dough. The more graphite in the mixture the softer it will be and the darker its mark. The dough is then extruded into thin strands that are cut to the desired length to make the pencil. The cut strands are fired in a kiln, covered in a thin layer of wax and finally encased in wood or paper.

Techniques: Graphite pencils can be used on several different kinds of paper, though it does tend to gouge softer papers. Graphite pencils are often used to draw studies for more developed artworks. Holding the pencil in different ways will create different marks, producing interesting variety. Another way to experiment with graphite pencils is to whittle and shaped into different points that will make different kinds of marks when used.

Stick Graphite is made the same way as graphite pencils, except that it is shaped into a shorter, elongated rectangle and not covered in wax or encased in anything. Also, the range of gradation is more limited.

Techniques: Stick graphite is used in the same way as graphite pencils, though pencils are more suited for smaller, more detailed studies whereas sticks are useful to create larger drawings. Sticks are also more versatile than pencils as all the edges can be used.

Powdered Graphite is made by grinding graphite pencil leads or stick graphite into powder. The gradation of the graphite used determines the darkness of the powder.

Techniques: Powdered graphite is particularly useful in combination with a graphite pencil or stick to create mottling effects. Other ways to create interesting effects is to sprinkle the powder onto the working surface and blot the area with a sponge or cloth dampened with a solvent such as linseed oil. The powder can be mixed with a small amount of solvent to create a paste that can then be applied to the surface and buffed.

Colored Pencils are made with several different formulas but all contain permanent color pigments, a wax base and a clay binder. Unlike graphite pencils, colored pencils are not fired in a kiln, but instead are allowed to dry to hardness under controlled conditions.

Techniques: Most artists prefer to mix colors. This can be done by applying layers of color on top of each other, causing the layers to blend together. Another way is to place tiny flicks or dots of varying colors that the eye naturally blends to form a sparklingly colorful image. Wash effects can be created by applying a solvent to the pencils. Sometimes after completion, drawings using colored pencils develop a waxy build-up on the surface which can dull the image. This can be corrected by wiping the wax away gently with a soft cloth.

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