Vary strokes, vary edges, vary the direction, size and distance between strokes. When blending with the finger or fan brush or other tool you are manipulating edges. You are either adding variety or you are obliterating unnecessary forms. You must never blend as an apology for expression. A series of naked strokes can create the illusion of 1,000 details.
Choices result from needs.
Drawing isn t about making a good copy of your subject as much as expressing a series of relationships. Let us, the viewers, see the process of drawing. The gesture of form small or large is the difference between expressing and copying, imitating or mimicking. Find the forms. They lead to character which leads to likeness which forms the foundation for expression of mood and personality.