Here is an update on my latest piece which I am calling "Frau im Schlummer". This i 9 x 12 graphite pencil on Strathmore Bristol Smooth paper.
For pencils I'm using 0.5mm Pentel Graph Gear 1000 Mechanical Pencils with $H, 2H, H, HB, B, 2B, and 4B leads. I am not using any blending tools. I am building up my tones by making tiny overlapping circular motions with my pencils. I also vary my hand pressure, less pressure for lighter tones and more pressure for darker tones. I try to build a nice contrast, a balance of lights, darks, and mid-tones.
More to come soon!!!!