Hi friends! Today we are going to take a look at the Derwent XL Charcoal Blocks. You can find them on Blick, Amazon, and other fine art suppliers. *Affiliate links used

Pros:

  • Very Lightfast
  • Lots of pigment
  • Very soft
  • Quick to use
  • Good for large sketches
  • Open stock available

Cons:

  • Messy
  • Only available in 6 colors
  • Not good for detail work or small format

Bottom line: I think this product is ideal for life drawing practice on large sheets of newsprint. The limited color palette eliminates choice and the colors lay down so quickly it would be perfect for a quick, large sketching situation. That said, because these are highly lightfast you could use them for final work although I would recommend still working large and having some charcoal pencils or thinner sticks on hand for any details. They are quite messy so they are best outdoors or in a studio rather than on the kitchen table. The price has often been 50% off MSRP (which is $42) at Blick so I would wait for a sale if it is $42 when you look. Happy crafting!