Derwent XL Graphite Blocks Review & Demo

Hi friends! Today we are going to look at this chunky set of Derwent XL graphite blocks.

I’ll show you them in action too as we paint the above landscape. Go ahead and follow along with the supplies you have if you like!

Overview: The Derwent XL blocks are a water-soluble tinted graphite product that can be used to sketch directly or used with a wet brush to apply.

Pros:

• Very Lightfast

• Lots of product for the money

• Beautiful, yet subtle granulation

• Available in a set of 6 or open stock

Cons:

• Only 6 colors in the line and 2 are grey/graphite of different darkness

• Colors shift a bit opaque when dry and could get muddy if you are not careful

Bottom line: I like these, the blue and green and beautiful in landscapes and seascapes. The soft and very soft graphite blocks could be mixed with Inktense blocks or watercolor to expand the range. You could start off with one of the graphite blocks and mix them with the watercolor products you have if you want to see if you like them before investing in the set. Blick often has these on sale for $21 (50% off retail) so at that price, I think they are well worth it and fun to play with. I think they would be great for large works as well. If you only work small I think the Grapitint pan paints or Graphitint pencils would be more useful tho.

BTW Blick Art Materials has 15% off coupon code: WSAL for non-sale items through 4/11/22 and coupons are rare these days. Sadly, most things are on sale so not eligible but you might get lucky! Happy crafting!

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