How does shading & blending with Carbon pencils differ from Graphite pencils?
From what I've read, carbon pencils give a more *matte-like texture* than graphite, and are a *drier media - similar to charcoal*. Graphite can become reflective when photographed and scanned so I'm surprised that carbon pencils aren't more popular. - Do carbon pencils need to be **blended differently** for a smooth gradation of tone (like willow charcoal does), or is it more similar to graphite shading? - Are carbon pencils **messy, or can a precise line be achieved** with it? - Are there any **disadvantages** to drawing with Carbon instead of Graphite?If it's not too much trouble, imagery for comparison is very welcome!
I would say overall these are better for shading and blending than graphite. You are right that they are darker black and matte instead of reflective. They are a bit easier to make precise lines with than charcoal because they are in pencil form and can easily be sharpened to a point. Then use a smudging stick to smooth out the surface. Do not push hard with the pencil unless you want a precise dark that in that exact place or a dark area of shading. The only disadvantage is that to a certain extent they will smudge more easily like charcoal. I would advise planning and executing your drawing in a strategic way so that you minimize the amount of time that your drawing hand is rubbing over parts you have already drawn. I would also recommend buying a fixative and spraying the drawing a few times in between layers. (Be careful thought fixatives often have carcinogens so use outside and ideally not around children.)
