Smudging pencil

Michael,

Thanks for the response. I think we mean the same thing by smudging, I tend to use my pencils like charcoal, building up graphite on the surface and "smudging" with a blending stump, a gum eraser, etc.. I love the results I get doing this, although I sometimes get intimidated by what is considered to be the "right way" to do things. I guess Rembrandt using the handle of his brush to create hair wasn't proper technique, but it sure worked! (no comparison between myself and Rembrandt intended)