What is a pencil study?

A pencil study is usually a drawing done, in graphite. Often these studies are done to acquaint the artist with the form and texture of an object or subject for a future painting.

Many artists do studies of elements they find difficult to render in order to be better artists in future. For example, a sketch book with a dozen drawings of hands, in various positions and from different angles will help a portrait artist when they come to paint a client.