@Colin Reid thank you I will have a look. I recently looked at some videos when people use hatching lines to draw shadows. It looks really cool. When I try to blend graphite I always use small make up brush or just regular painting brush, and do It very gently. I never learned how to use blending stumps, I think I press too hard and it also end up looking rather muddy, but I don't have a problem with it while using brush. You should try it!

Hello, I'm aiming more for realistic look. I know that I constantly messing my values.. sometimes I'm afraid to make shadows very dark and sometimes I think they are too dark. Maybe its just the technique I'm not getting ;/ I wasn't really trying to replicate anything on this piece, but If I need to name an artist which art I really love then it would be Stephen Bauman. Here are some pictures from his book which are fantastic.

Aaaa!! This is so perfect!! It looks like sculptures!! Well done! I hope to reach your level one day 😍

Wow these looks amazing! What do you use to blend? Well done 😍 (I know I commented on this art already. I study from sculptures too and now I'm trying to learn something from your work)

Thank you :))

@Willy Oleus hello, I don't mind any critique. That is why I placed my work there. Any feedback is always welcome. Thank you for your kind words.

Hello! Long time ago I bought Blackwing long point sharpener and I was very satisfied with it but it didn't last lost. The sharpener very quickly stopped sharpening, the screw came out and when I tried to replace the blade and screw it again, it just made the hole bigger which ended not touching the pencil at all. The sharpener was bought on Amazon.it Costs around 22euro. There is a picture. I started looking again because I really liked how long and sharp edge it given so I bought exactly looking one also on Amazon it, for 5 euro! What is interesting that both the sharpeners are using the KUM brand blades, which is a suppose a brand for the second one. It works exactly the same and it was so much cheaper! Both comes with an extra 2 blades. In first hole you sharpen wood and in the second the graphite. I recommend giving a try to the cheaper one!

Another one I would recommend is Staedler Mars for sharpening thick mechanical pencils. I found it on Amazon.it for around 12 euro. I am very satisfied with it :)