Why would an artist choose a 4H pencil over a 2B pencil?

An artist would choose a 4H pencil over a 2B pencil to create lighter and finer details due to the hardness of the 4H pencil. Harder pencils, such as 4H, produce a finer point and apply less graphite to the surface, allowing for delicate and precise lines. This makes them ideal for detailed work where precision and subtlety are required, as they can create very light marks that do not smudge easily.

In contrast, a 2B pencil, which is softer, allows for darker marks and wider strokes but is not suited for the fine details an artist might want to achieve. The 4H pencil would be more effective for tasks such as creating detailed sketches, technical drawings, or light shading where control and delicacy are paramount.