{"product_id":"derwent-charcoal-mixed-media-sketch-set-8-piece-pack-water-soluble-pencils-compressed-blocks-blending-tools","title":"Derwent Charcoal Mixed Media Sketch Set, 8-Piece Pack — Water-Soluble Pencils, Compressed Blocks \u0026 Blending Tools","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDerwent Charcoal Mixed Media Pack is an 8-piece starter kit of water-soluble charcoal pencils, compressed charcoal blocks and essential accessories built for expressive sketching and easy blending.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you’re exploring charcoal for the first time or expanding your tonal toolkit, this compact collection brings together graded charcoal pencils, a white tinted pencil for highlights, two compressed charcoal blocks and the small tools you need to shape and refine marks. Encased in smooth 8mm wooden barrels, each pencil holds a 4mm wide core made from a blend of fine clays and charcoal particles to deliver rich, velvety strokes that respond well to smudging and lifting. The set’s water-soluble character also lets you experiment with wash-like effects when activated with a damp brush.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat types of charcoal are included and how do they differ?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pack contains a variety of charcoal formats for different techniques: three graded charcoal pencils (light, medium, dark) for controlled lines, a white tinted charcoal pencil to lift and highlight, and two compressed charcoal blocks for bold coverage and deep tones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eLight\/medium\/dark charcoal pencils — finer control and tonal gradation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWhite tinted charcoal pencil — adds highlights and subtle warm tones.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCompressed charcoal blocks (light, medium) — broad, dense strokes and strong shadows.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAccessories — plastic sharpener, eraser, tortillon for blending and finishing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do these materials perform for blending and texture?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe core formulation blends smoothly and responds predictably to smudging tools, so you can create soft gradients or textured marks depending on pressure and tool choice. The compressed blocks spread dense pigment quickly, while the tortillon and fingertip work allow refined transitions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSoft cores for seamless gradations and atmospheric shading.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBlocks for fast coverage and dramatic darks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTortillon and eraser for controlled highlights and softened edges.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWooden barrels provide comfortable handling for extended drawing sessions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I use these charcoal pencils with water and mixed media?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes — the charcoal cores are naturally water-soluble, opening up wash and mixed-media options. Apply a light brush of water to spread or dissolve marks for painterly effects, but test first on scrap paper for ideal dilution and absorbency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWater activation creates subtle washes and soft backgrounds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCombine with ink, pastel, or graphite for layered textures.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePaper weight affects bleeding and lift — use heavier papers for wetter techniques.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWork in stages: lay down tones, activate selectively, then refine once dry.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWho is this for? Artists of all levels who want a compact, versatile charcoal kit will appreciate this set: students exploring tonal drawing, illustrators seeking quick atmospheric studies, and sketch artists who value portable tools that support both detailed lines and expressive, blended fields. The included sharpener, eraser and tortillon make it a practical starter kit for classroom use, plein air sketching or studio experiments in mixed media. This pack gives you a small but complete selection of materials to learn, practice and expand your charcoal techniques without buying separate items.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"product-faq-snippet\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: Are these charcoal pencils water-soluble?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: Yes. The cores are naturally water-soluble and can be softened with a damp brush for wash effects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: Does the pack include tools to blend and erase?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: Yes. The set contains a tortillon for blending plus a plastic sharpener and an eraser for corrections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"Derwent","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55254641082705,"sku":"B009OPY1VQ","price":33.47,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1086\/5567\/3681\/files\/derwent-charcoal-mixed-media-pack-front.jpg?v=1791682708","url":"https:\/\/craftiche.co.uk\/products\/derwent-charcoal-mixed-media-sketch-set-8-piece-pack-water-soluble-pencils-compressed-blocks-blending-tools","provider":"Craftiche","version":"1.0","type":"link"}