I have been reading about circulism on other websites and know that some of you are using it here on this site with great results. I haven't tried it yet mostly because I don't have that much time to draw.

Here's my question. How do you fix mistakes when using this method? I'm understanding that you don't use an eraser with this method and I cannot believe that everyone who uses circulism doesn't make mistakes! hahaha
So how do you correct yourself? Especially since there is a light base of graphite to begin with?

I wouldn't mind trying it out sometime but my eraser's and I have a very close bond and are not easily parted. LOL

The principle with circulism is that you go slowly to build layers and texture and that slowness allows you time to consider how best to determine the level of values and where to place your pencil strokes, so that you should not need to erase.

However, having said that, erasing can happen and does happen. If you go back to white paper if possible and then build up your layers again is the best way to go, trying to seamlessly blend one area into the next. Random sections of erasing or blending in circulism will remove the texture you've taken such pains to achieve with this technique and you may find it difficult to get back to the original texture that you wanted.

Try practicing little pieces, such as a nose or mouth or eye and I think you'll find that you'll rely less and less on your eraser.

Thanks Jeanette, I knew you'd have the answer. Good Idea - maybe starting with basic's like value scales to get the hang of it? hahaha

Couldn't one use a kneaded eraser to lighten the tone in an area more gently than erasing back to bare paper and building back up?

Well, yes you can lighten with a kneaded eraser but I have found that its difficult to repair the changes in value that you have created by erasing. It's down to a very light stroking motion and great care in evening the tone again.