Explore colour, line and shading with one compact drawing set. Royal & Langnickel Essentials RSET-DS3000 contains 12 coloured pencils, 6 graphite pencils and 3 charcoal pencils, plus paper and tools in a wooden case. Its 32 pieces provide a starting point for still-life drawing, figure sketches and simple colour studies. There are 21 pencils; the other pieces are accessories, a pad, a guide and the case.
What is included?
- 12 coloured pencils for areas of colour and details.
- 6 graphite pencils and 3 charcoal pencils for lines and monochrome tonal studies.
- 3 paper blending stumps for softening graphite and charcoal transitions.
- 1 ruler, 1 sanding block, 1 eraser and 1 pencil sharpener.
- 1 wooden artist manikin for studying simple poses.
- 1 sketch pad measuring 127 × 177.8 mm, 1 instructional guide booklet and 1 wooden carrying case with a handle.
Choosing a medium for your drawing
Use graphite to establish a light outline and build shadows gradually. Charcoal lets you explore darker tonal areas and looser marks; it can smudge more readily. Coloured pencils suit colour studies and details. Try each medium on the same paper first to compare line, pressure and tone. The manikin helps with basic proportions and poses, but does not replace a detailed anatomical reference.
A simple exercise to get started
- Place a simple object beside your pad and draw only its outline with light graphite marks.
- Choose one light source and establish three tones: light, mid-tone and shadow. Compare graphite and charcoal on a separate test sheet.
- Gently soften a transition with a blending stump. Keep a stump used for dark charcoal separate to avoid marking light areas.
- Repeat the exercise in colour using thin layers of coloured pencil. Try several light layers before applying more pressure; a light start is easier to adjust.
Paper and additional drawing materials
The included pad is useful for small exercises. Choose separate drawing paper or a larger sketch pad for bigger work; some paper texture helps with charcoal. Additional paper and fixative are not included. If you want to protect loose charcoal, test a suitable fixative on a sample and follow its instructions. Explore charcoal and graphite materials for additions, or compare other combinations in our beginner drawing sets.
Sharpening and storage
Sharpen with a suitable opening and light pressure, especially with charcoal pencils. The sanding block helps shape a point further; collect shavings and dust and remove them carefully. Return the tools to the case after use. Store finished drawings separately so loose pencils and drawing dust cannot rub against the paper.
