Graphite Rules

Recently I got back to painting, and concurrently got back to drawing with a graphite 4B pencil instead of my automatic 0.7mm pencil. I like it more because I can get a better line range. Automatic pencils are very convenient on trains and on long trips because you don't have to sharpen them and they stay precise. However, when I paint I place the shadow shapes first and then work on the detail, so with a real pencil it is much easier and faster to achieve that. Drawing and painting for me is related, what I learn on paper through my sketches influences the mars I make on canvas. Also I feel better connected to the paper when I use a real pencil, charcoal or graphite stick. I can use it directly on the page without any mechanics and really transmit what I am seeing with my eyes onto the page. I must say that I really envy people who can draw with a ballpoint pen (and I know some who do it extremely well). For some reason, I can never get that 'ink goo' filled ball tip to move the way I want. I mean it is really a great tool, but I just feel frustrated and disconnected using it. Anyway, thought you would like to know what kind of graphite I use and i hope you like my drawing :)