All of the following are useful blending tools when creating pencil drawings, except which? a. gum c. shammy b. eraser d. tortillons Please select the best answer from the choices provided A B C D
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is: B. eraser
Explanation:
When creating pencil drawings, artists use various blending tools to create smooth transitions, gradients, and realistic shading effects. The most common blending tools include:
1. Tortillons (Answer D):
These are tightly rolled paper stumps used to blend pencil marks. They help soften lines and transition tones by smudging graphite smoothly.
2. Shammy (Answer C):
A shammy (or chamois) is a soft piece of leather used in blending, especially effective with charcoal and graphite. Artists gently rub it over the drawing to spread and lighten the medium for a softer texture.
3. Gum (Answer A):
This usually refers to a gum eraser or kneaded gum. Though it’s labeled as an eraser, it is often used not only to remove marks but also to lightly blend or lift graphite, helping soften edges and highlights.
4. Eraser (Answer B):
A regular eraser is used to remove pencil marks completely. It does not serve as a blending tool. While certain types of erasers (like kneaded ones) can assist in subtle blending, traditional hard erasers are used strictly for correction or creating highlights by removal, not for blending.
Therefore, among the listed choices, the eraser is the one that does not primarily function as a blending tool, which makes it the correct answer to the question.
In pencil art, blending is vital for creating depth and realism. Artists pick the blending tool that best suits the desired texture and detail level. While some tools like tortillons and shammies are direct blending aids, others like erasers serve a different purpose — erasing rather than merging tones. This is why erasers are the least useful when it comes specifically to blending.
