Bring fine lines, broad tonal areas and deep black accents into one drawing. The KOH-I-NOOR Gioconda Medium I 8898 gathers graphite, Negro drawing pencils and charcoal in a metal tin. It is a monochrome assortment for sketches, portraits and light-and-shadow studies, without sepia or coloured pastels.
What is in the drawing tin?
- 3 Negro black drawing pencils, degrees 1, 2 and 3; 1 charcoal pencil, degree 2.
- 2 graphite pencils 6B and 8B; 2 Progresso woodless graphite pencils 2B and 4B.
- 3 graphite blocks 2B, 4B and 6B; 3 charcoal blocks, degrees 1, 2 and 3; 3 black drawing blocks, degrees 1, 2 and 3.
- 2 round natural charcoal sticks.
- 1 kneaded eraser, 1 paper blending stump and 1 metal pencil sharpener.
From a fine line to a shaded area
The pencils give control over outlines and small details. The side of a block covers a larger shaded area quickly. Natural charcoal is useful for a loose initial sketch; change materials deliberately for lines or dark accents. Try the different blacks alongside each other, as graphite and charcoal do not give the same appearance.
Practising with the materials
- Draw a simple object and identify the lightest, middle and darkest tones first.
- Build shadows in light layers. Use a block for broad areas and a pencil for edges and details.
- Blend selected areas with the stump and lift light by pressing the kneaded eraser onto the paper. Leave paper uncovered where you want bright white.
Paper and extras to prepare
Drawing paper with some texture holds charcoal and dry blocks better than a very smooth surface. Paper and fixative are not included. This tin contains no Aquarell graphite pencils; use the materials for dry drawing. Protect your work from smudging and try any fixative on a sample first. Return the tools to their slots and avoid dropping or pressing hard on woodless pencils.
Explore individual charcoal and graphite materials for replacements. For a smaller tin or water-soluble graphite, compare the Gioconda Mini versions.
