Tortillon

From WikiMD.com Medical Encyclopedia

Tortillon[edit | edit source]

A tortillon is a cylindrical drawing tool, typically made from tightly rolled paper, used by artists to blend and smudge pencil, charcoal, or pastel marks. It is a versatile tool that allows for the creation of smooth transitions and gradients in drawings.

A tortillon, diagonally arranged.

Description[edit | edit source]

Tortillons are often confused with stumps, but they differ in construction. While stumps are made from tightly rolled felt or paper and have a pointed end on both sides, tortillons are made from a single sheet of paper rolled into a cone shape, with only one pointed end. This design makes tortillons less durable than stumps, but they are easier to clean and sharpen.

Usage[edit | edit source]

Artists use tortillons to blend and soften lines, creating a more realistic and three-dimensional appearance in their work. The pointed end of the tortillon allows for precise control, making it ideal for detailed areas. To use a tortillon, an artist gently rubs the tool over the area they wish to blend, applying varying pressure to achieve the desired effect.

Demonstration of a tortillon in use.

Maintenance[edit | edit source]

Tortillons can become dirty with use, as they pick up graphite or charcoal from the drawing surface. To clean a tortillon, artists can gently sand the tip with fine sandpaper or unwrap a layer of paper to reveal a clean surface. This maintenance helps maintain the tool's effectiveness and precision.

Related pages[edit | edit source]

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD