Which type of lead pencil would best serve a student wanting to practice drawing expressive portraits?

Choosing a 4B lead pencil is particularly advantageous for a student practicing drawing expressive portraits due to its heightened softness and ability to create rich, dark lines and shading. The softness of a 4B pencil allows the artist to apply varied pressure easily, resulting in a range of tonal values that can enhance the expressiveness of features in portraiture. This capability is essential when capturing the subtleties of facial expressions or the gradations of light and shadow that give depth to a portrait.

Moreover, the softness of the lead enables smoother blending capabilities, allowing for a more nuanced transition between light and dark areas, which is crucial when working on skin tones, textures, and the intricate features of a face. Since portraits often require a medium that can deftly convey depth and emotion, the 4B pencil is an excellent choice for achieving those artistic goals.