Born in Burgundy in 1994, Skima Drawing (Maxime Thevenet) is a hyperrealist artist who studied at the Academy of Applied Arts in Dijon. Since 2018, he’s devoted himself fully to drawing—pushing the limits of light, shadow, and precision until viewers second-guess whether they’re seeing a photograph or an illustration.

Skima’s work blends rigor and creativity. He crafts portraits and scenes that carry strong emotional impact, using composition, contrast, and meticulous detail to draw the eye—and hold it.

Skima explores the power of black: how subtle shifts in value can define form, mood, and atmosphere. Under his pencils, black becomes a living spectrum—from soft haze to deepest velvet—creating the depth and drama that define his style.

Skima’s signature materials are Conté à Paris Pierre Noire—in both pencils and squares. Their velvety texture and intense pigmentation let him travel across the entire range of black, making crisp contrasts and smooth gradations possible.

What Pierre Noire Does for Skima

• Precision & Control
  The unique lead diameter supports razor-sharp lines and controlled transitions.
• Depth & Coverage
  Pencils handle the finest details; squares excel at rich, even backgrounds.

• Soft Atmosphere
  Sharpened squares can be powdered, then applied with a fingertip to add soft tone, depth, and subtle glow.

1. Map the Light
   Establish the brightest highlights and the key shadows early—this anchors contrast.

2. Build Value Gradually
   Layer from light to dark, tightening edges and adjusting transitions as forms emerge.

3. Switch Tools with Purpose

   • Pencils for edges, textures, and micro-details

   • Squares for fields of tone and smooth backgrounds

4. Finish with Powdered Square
   Create a fine powder from a Pierre Noire square; apply with a finger to soften passages and unify planes.

The result is work that’s powerful yet meticulous—emotion forward, technically exact.

• Conté à Paris Pierre Noire Pencils — precision, crisp edges, controlled gradation

• Conté à Paris Pierre Noire Carrés — broad coverage, rich backgrounds, powderable for soft tones

Skima Drawing’s practice is a masterclass in value control. By treating black as a full spectrum—and pairing Pierre Noire pencils with squares—he achieves a hyperrealism that feels alive, not mechanical.

Want to try it? Start with a simple portrait study. Block in major shadows with a Pierre Noire square, refine forms with a pencil, then finish with powdered square to melt transitions.