Drawing with graphite and tortillion?

Question

I'm learning to use graphite and tortillion on bristol paper and I'm not getting the proper blending effect with the tortillion. I'm still seeing lines when I try to blend. Any advice on how what to remedy this?

Thanks

Answer 1

you basically just need a lot of elbow grease. it also helps to hold the side of your blending stump at an angle. if you're pressing too hard with your pencil, then the lines may be too dark and your paper may be too indented to get a smooth shade - more likely to happen on a smooth surface like bristol paper. try using uniform and somewhat tightly packed squiggles or circles to cover the area, then blend in a circular motion. you might also want to try using drawing paper - bristol doesn't really have enough tooth in it.

Answer 2

try not actually applying the pencil to the paper on which your working....make an area on a piece of scrap that you can pull graphite onto the tortillian from...and use JUST the tortillain (stump) to do your blending...........OR try getting the blending done completely without the stump, and WITH a very light hand when needed. The stump will give you a nice finishing touch then....and above all else.....TAKE YOUR TIME.

Answer 3

I've never tried graphite and tortillions. Tortillions are mainly for charcoal. Graphite doesn't smear very well.