MultiHub Forum

I've been practicing my pencil drawing skills, focusing on realistic portraits, but I can't seem to get smooth, gradual shading without visible pencil strokes or a gritty texture. I'm using a range of graphite pencils and blending stumps, but my transitions often look muddy or uneven. For artists skilled in graphite work, what are your techniques for achieving that seamless, photorealistic gradient, particularly on skin tones, and how do you manage the balance between pressure, pencil grade, and blending tools?