DerwentTinted Charcoal XL Blocks 6 Tin, Set of 6, 60mm Extra-Large Block, Naturally Water-soluble, Ideal for Sketching, Drawing and Expressive Mark Making, Professional Quality, 2306177

I bought these coloured charcoals because I saw someone using them at a sketching club that I attend. I'm always interested in using a medium I've not tried before, and I love drawing with charcoal pencils, so I thought I'd have a go with these, especially as they are not expensive.I bought a grey-toned sketching pad at the same time, thinking that the coloured charcoals would not work too well with white paper, and I was surprised by how softly and smoothly they went onto the paper. Because they are so chunky, you can't really do any finely detailed work with them, but they are great for quick impressionistic sketches.I can tell that it will take me a while to get used to drawing with them, because I am detail-oriented and must think and work very broadly, but they are terrific fun. I only wish that there were more colours in the set, but these will do to be going on with.

Good quality and lovely to use.

I saw these on Amazon and thought they looked interesting, so I bought them. I am so glad I did. These XL Charcoal Blocks are brilliant. I love them. The colours are rich without being too overpowering. They are easy to use, although if you're wanting fine detail, these are perhaps not for you. They're quite soft, so very blendable. if you drop the tin or a singular block on the floor, they will break. They are charcoal after all. I broken off bits are still very useable. The only down side but its not really a downside, is that they are quite messy due to their softness. if you're not into mess then perhaps art isn't for you. I recycle the 'dust' by placing into a tupaware and use as charcoal power - dry or wet. Amazon, at the moment, is by far the cheapest place to buy these at £10.89. i've just ordered my 4th tin. The graphite xl blocks are great too!

Love the colours but create masses of dust! Protect the surface u work on depending if u use an easel on a table or floor. Keep a wet sponge or cloth to hand as u get filthy.Smudges easily so use a sheet of tracing paper or glassine to lean on.

So useful.

The tins will useful to use after the charcoal has been used. The lovely charcoal elevates the ability in the expression

Very impressed with these, as with all Derwent products. Whether it be to give coverage over large areas or those intricate more detailed requirements. I use these along with the Derwent Tinted Charcoal Pencils and absolutely love them both.

Produces a lot of dust. Great to use, not too soft. Ten quid cheaper than across art shops.