Faber-CastellMedium Pitt Mixed Media Set, Monochrome – Tin of 21, (18-112976)

A brilliant set of pencils - not so much for graphite sketching but perfect for toned, "trois crayons" (three pencils) drawing in which sanguine, black and white are used to give a classical effect (look up Leonardo da Vinci) for example. The black and sanguine pencils are a sort of pastel pencil but with an oil base making them a bit smoother and easier to flow than pastel pencils. The white is just a white pastel pencil but perfect for doing highlights. In addition there is a brown pastel pencil , a charcoal pencil and a graphite 2B pencil (perfect for doing an initial sketch as its so easy to erease mistakes).Using toned tan or grey paper (I use Strathmore), the idea is that you do much of the work with the sanguine pencil and blend it with black where it needs to be darker. Add the white highlights at the end.A putty eraser is include and also 4 square block chalk crayons - like Conté crayons, which are useful for large areas like backgrounds. Also, a 6B Graphite stick.Very useful and inspiring and well worth five stars. Add a pencil sharpener and some paper stumps for blending and you have all you need

What you expect from Faber

I think this set is absolutely fantastic, fun to use too. The charcoal pencil just seems to break when I tried to sharpen it. Will most likely purchase again when needed.

I bought these as a gift for my artistic friend. She loves them

Lovely set, bought as a gift and well received.