Nitram

Designed for students and demanding artists in search of deep, rich black tones, these Academie charcoal sticks are breakage-resistant, smooth, blend easily and provide a diverse range of tonal values. They are made using a proprietary old world manufacturing process that ensures consistency and reliability for artists of all proficiencies. Drawing instructors make Nitram a must for their students because it will not crumble or skip when used expressively unlike vine or willow charcoal sticks. Artists have also found that Nitram charcoal erases better and is easier to work than other charcoal brands. Grade B (soft) is soft, yet is still able to carry a point. Grade HB (medium) is ideal for homogenizing tones and retaining tonal detail. Grade H (hard) can be sharpened to an extra-fine point for creating fine detail, and its hardness makes lighter and mid-tones easier to attain. The square shape makes the stick easier to grip and is ideal for sanding a sharp edge for drawing fine lines. ...more »Each package contains five sticks measuring .25" square × 6" long (5mm × 152mm). For an even softer charcoal stick try the Nitram Beaux Arts line. The Nitram Beaux Arts line takes the Nitram Academie series to the next level of softness while maintaining its form and ability to sharpen to a very fine point. It is designed for the traditional artist in search of deep, rich black tones with the shape and feel of an extra soft vine or willow charcoal. It has a very smooth consistency that blends easily and provides a diverse range of tonal values. It is made using a proprietary old world manufacturing process that ensures reliability for artists of all proficiencies. Unlike vine or willow charcoal sticks, Nitram charcoal will not crumble or skip when used expressively. Artists have discovered that Nitram charcoal erases better and is easier to work than other less expensive charcoal brands. The Beaux Arts series includes batons in six thicknesses all featuring the same extra-soft formula. The 6mm Petits Batons, 8mm Moyen Batons and 12mm Batons Epais are available in boxes of five round batons (sticks).