Graphite Pencils & Charcoal: The Foundation of DrawingGraphite pencils and charcoal are the cornerstones of any drawing practice. Whether you're sketching loosely in a notebook or building a detailed tonal study, the right pencil or charcoal makes all the difference. DeSerres carries a complete selection of graphite pencils in a full range of hardness grades, as well as charcoal sticks, compressed charcoal and charcoal pencils suited to every technique and level. Graphite or Charcoal: Choosing Your MediumGraphite pencils offer precise, consistent lines and are available in grades ranging from hard (H) to soft (B). Harder grades produce light, sharp lines ideal for technical drawing and fine detail. Softer grades deliver rich, dark marks well suited to shading and expressive sketching. Charcoal is looser and more gestural by nature, producing bold, velvety marks that blend easily with a finger or blending stump. Compressed charcoal gives deeper, more permanent blacks, while charcoal pencils offer the expressiveness of charcoal with greater control. Explore our full Pencils & Pastels collection for more options.
