Chose a subject which has a substantial number of detailed parts.  Think about whether these parts will be repeated (a plate of baked beans, for example)or all different (a hyper-realist drawing of pins and nails). 

I wanted the drawing to be relevant to the theme based on my working environment, so I decided to do a tonal drawing in pencil, using an enlarged photograph of paper clips for reference.  I chose paper clips because I didn’t want to work in colour.  I gridded up the photograph, and altered the composition from rectangular to square.  This was originally intended to be a study for a larger drawing, but I significantly underestimated how long it would take me to do.  I felt my tonal drawing may be a bit rusty, so I wanted to do a smaller piece first, intending to complete a larger more finished piece.

I drew the image in line then began adding the darker tones.  I quickly realised I had drawn the wire in the paper clips too thin and I had to correct the whole drawing as I went along.  I used 2B, 5B and 8B pencils and a putty rubber to lift out highlights.

Tonal drawing in pencil 21 cm x 21 cm

In the end, my smaller drawing, intended as a study has become my final piece.  If I had more time I would complete another drawing, on a larger scale again.  I am happy with the outcome.  When I posted it on an OCA Facebook page the feedback was that it looked like a photograph and this was my intention.