Which lead to use for under a watercolour?

Question

Hey everyone!

I was hoping people who are experienced in watercolour paintings could give me advice their advice on the best lead to use for the underlying sketch to give a nicer finish to the overall painting.

I'm torn between using HB and 2H, but I have my faults with both.

2H tends to scratch the watercolour paper and leave behind grooves on the page that you can see through the paint when I'm finished. 
I can't remember if HB lead tends to slight smudging when you colour, it's been a while since I've done one.

I know these are minor things, but the paintings are a Christmas present for my boyfriend's parents. I really want to do a set of lovely watercolours but I'm just more used to rendering in graphite now. I'm studying architecture and recently handed in my end of semester portfolio, which were mainly graphite renderings.

I'm painting various images of their beautiful house - they're very house-proud people. I've photographed and printed out the images I want to paint. They must be of a professional standard as I'm going to get them framed.

I'd really appreciate if anyone whose used to watercolours to give me their opinions and advice.

Thanks in advance,

Eims

jolly · Accepted Answer

I made a painting where I sketched first as well for christmas.

I would experiment first because I'm not sure what kind of paper you are using, since even manufacturers differ with quality, and pencils too. 

 I would personally use the harder one because it will leave a lighter-colored mark and as long as you sketch lightly, it won't bleed into the color or leave a groove on the paper. The softer ones will make darker colors and leave behind more graphite, thus muddying your colors more. Sometimes I will use the softer one, and then erase it lightly to leave kind of a 'residue'. I know then that the residue is stuck in the paper and will be less likely to bleed into my color, and is easier to cover.

Good luck, I think that's a great present! :)

rmbrruffian · Answer

You're right, 2H is too hard. It will scratch into your paper and mar the surface. I use a well sharpened 2B pencil with a very light touch. I don't mind my sketch lines showing through anymore. It doesn't matter to me. It also shows that it is indeed a hand painted watercolor and not a computer graphic made to look like a watercolor painting.

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Which lead to use for under a watercolour?

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