How To Use A Blending Stump Properly (And How To Clean Them)

There are two key factors to getting a smooth finish when using a blending stump: the first is having good shading technique. The second trick to blending is to use light pressure. Press too hard and you'll damage the paper and get a blotchy, uneven mess!

In this video I'll demonstrate three ways to use blending stumps effectively to blend shading in your drawings. I'll also show you the best way to clean blending stumps while you are drawing and what to do when they get too dirty.

00:20 What Are Blending Stumps And Tortillons?
01:32 Technique 1: Smoothing One Value
02:03 Technique 2: Blend Two Values
02:48 Technique 3: Soften Hard Edges
03:12 How To Clean Blending Stumps

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[JoeB_BSc]

Hi, thank you for these interesting and useful tips. In my opinion 3 other helps I find useful: one of the thin metal slotted shields to ensure fine edges and assist in erasure, using the new non-shine pencils, and application of various amounts of graphite to blending stumps then using the stumps on the drawing surface. I have subscribed. Thanks and Regards JB

[MythBoyPro]

I want a video of pencil colour blending

[itsgoubie]

I do not know how to use a blending stump properly, it always comes out as a smudge. I'll apply these techniques. Thank you. Cheers from Brazil!

[kcphotographystudios]

Hi Emily! Thanks for sharing this. Very informative!

[SamA-xugy]

I heard advice that it is not preferable to use this tool of blending in drawing.
What is your opinion ?

[billinrio]

Very useful for one just getting started with charcoal drawing. I can't place your accent, but I love it!

[Vender]

Hi! Congratulations for 20k🎉❤ subs .Nice advice and great tips😊🎉🎉can you also make a video of how to blend pencil colours please?😅

[CoeurD_Amaris]

Can you use these with colored pencils or are there other tools specifically for blending colored pencil? Thank you!

[amexjam]

Hello. What size(s) of blending stumps/tortillons would you recommend for beginners to use. Thank you.

[Aeronwen]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you very much for sharing your advice and skills.

[ravenshadowz]

Do you sharpen tortillons the same way as blending stumps?

[JohnQuiman]

What do you mean with fine sandpaper? "Fine" could mean 100 mesh or 200 mesh or as well 1000 mesh.

[grayigloo]

you can often clean them with a simple white eraser...

[marceybadillo]

I thought I knew how to use stumps, guess I was wrong

[appleknocker]

I can’t find any colored pencils (graphite) not big at drawing but practicing.
Do these blending stumps get old & not work? As tried my best to blend just two colors (Prisma) & pressure had to use for “poor” results feel try using a lil stick (burn at tip) & is that same as “graphite”?
As had colored pencils in 2016 that did put something down. Then try to find “decent” pencil for light “easier to erase” for watercolor drawings & now using one my grandfather had in the 40’s. Great tips as like to shade images first so know shadows/highlight’s. Ty.

[mmiadragonz]

I prefer using qtips for small detail areas or make up remover pads folded over for larger areas

[TopherChris-ix]

Why are my blending sticks marking the paper with small lines which are permanent. I think they are damaging the paper …. Then the picture is blemished. Thanks for any answers.

[manimations]

Hello, can i use your video for my website, its for educational purpose, by the way great video 😊