Graphite Transfers!

I'm currently in the process of assembling sketches into a condensed draft for my Uroborous piece. It's a fun process that I find can be very helpful if lacking a light table or working on thick materials such as wood, canvas, etc.

Above is a quick step-by-step shot on how the graphite transfer process works. In my case, I did a rough sketch of the snake's body around the circular object. I know that I want my mythical serpent to have three sets of wings. To make sure that I'm following the anatomy of the serpent correctly, I've decided to try the transfer technique.

First, I laid a piece of tracing paper over the desired spot and sketched a wing to align to the snakes anatomy. The great thing about sketching this way is that it allows for quick adjustments as well as visually building off of the structure beneath while still avoiding overworking the paper.

Next, I take a second piece of tracing paper and I scribble on it with a 4B graphite, making sure to evenly spread the graphite out on the paper. The scribbled on tracing paper is then placed underneath the first tracing paper, graphite faceing down on the snake.

Now, I simply trace the sketch, makeing sure to evenly apply pressure. I make sure the graphite layer is right underneath my linework.

Ta-dah! It transferred! Lastly, I remove the graphite and sketch paper and do a little clean up.