Start with an outline, then build light and shadow. The Royal & Langnickel RD842L is a 31-piece sketching set with graphite pencils, several forms of charcoal and tools for blending and lifting highlights. A drawing pad is included, letting you compare the materials on paper straight away.
What is included?
- 9 graphite pencils; 6 sketching sticks.
- 4 vine charcoal sticks; 3 charcoal pencils; 3 charcoal sticks.
- 1 sanding block, 1 blending stump, 1 eraser, 1 kneaded eraser and 1 pencil sharpener.
- 1 drawing pad, 9 × 12 inches (22.9 × 30.5 cm), with 15 sheets; 31 pieces in total.
Which set suits your drawing?
Choose RD842L if you want paper and two different erasers included. The nine graphite pencils give you a range of pencil marks to compare. Charcoal and broad drawing sticks are useful for larger shaded areas, while a pencil point handles outlines and details. The 31 pieces are materials and accessories, not 31 pencils.
Making a first tonal study
- Make a test strip with light, middle and dark tones. Vary the pressure and compare graphite with charcoal.
- Sketch a simple object with light lines. Block in the larger shadows first, then add small details.
- Gently soften a transition with the blending stump. Press the kneaded eraser onto a tone to lift highlights; heavily pressed marks are harder to change.
Paper and additional materials
The included pad is for sketching. For more grip with charcoal, try drawing paper with some texture. Fixative is not included; if needed, choose one suited to the drawing medium and test it on a sample first.
Storing your materials and drawings
Soft drawing media can smudge. Protect finished drawings during storage and avoid loose materials rubbing against the paper. Use the sanding block over a catch sheet to refine a point or edge, then remove the dust carefully. Charcoal and woodless pencils can break if dropped or pressed too hard.
Explore individual charcoal and graphite materials for additions. For woodless pencils with your own choice of paper, compare the RD832 sketching set.
