Oh, yes. I use small and medium tortillions as well as very large double-ended smudging sticks. They are cheap and very effective. I don't use my thumb, as I find that adds oil to the paper surface, making it harder to manipulate.

Yuck! One of the first things they tell us (and what they constantly told my teacher in university) is not to smudge. I used to, and when I stopped and made myself create shadows without smudging, they started to look a lot better. Just a little tip for you. [img]smile.gif[/img]

LOL, all my books, including the ones that have been th most valuable, have recommended smudging. Why do you think they make tortillions?

Well, I find anyways that my drawings looked a LOT better when I stopped smudging. I get more control, and better gradation into the shadows that way. Try it sometime, at least... you might be surprised. [img]smile.gif[/img]
Well... I don't know. ;) Maybe they are used for charcoal as well?