25 Sticks Speedball PH Coates Artist Willow Charcoal, Black - Thick Review

It came packaged well so sticks did not break. Sticks are about 1/2 length of the box and approx. 2mm thick. Was able to sharpen on sandpaper without breaking and really enjoyed my first time doing a charcoal drawing. I will purchase again.

Works great! Only issue is the box they come in doesn't hold up to long term storage and use but the charcoal itself is great and comes with a nice variety, mine come with two big ones and then all the rest a range of like 4 or 5 smaller sizes

I'm a pastel artist but I do everything in charcoal before I apply pastel. Coates is one of the best willow charcoals I've ever used. I sharpen it on a sandpaper block and try to keep the outlines thin and then use the stick as a plumb line. LOVE the thin sticks - I know most people prefer a thicker charcoal but I like the petite sticks. For me it encourages careful lines while "reminding" me to keep the pressure very light!

The texture and feel of this charcoal on paper is incredible . So smooth! They come in many different sizes, love the huge one for toning up the page, the super thin ones do break pretty easily.

I use these to roughly sketch out my paintings on canvas, not for detailed sketches. What is nice is a light sketch on the canvas "erases” mostly away with a paper towel and doesn’t negatively impact even light colored paint. Perfect for what I needed!

My girlfriend bought theses for her drawing college class and they have worked out great. They break if not careful with them but for the price and amount you receive its worth it.