DerwentInktense XL Blocks 6 Tin, Set of 6, 60mm Extra-Large Block, Water-soluble, Ideal for Sketching, Drawing and Expressive Mark Making, Professional Quality (2306161)

In the past I've owned and used both the full set of Inktense pencils and the full set of original Inktense blocks, so I couldn't resist taking a look at these XL blocks.Like the pencils and original blocks, these arrive in a tin and the first thing which struck me when I saw it was the size of the tin, especially the depth. Whoever named this new iteration chose well because XL is exactly what these blocks are. I don't own the original blocks any more but each of these new ones must be at least 4 times the mass of an old one. Holding an XL block is easier but can be just as messy, while using a block to cover a large area with colour is much easier.Some people put down the colour on paper before activating with water and others pick up the colour from a block with a wet paintbrush. My preferred method used to be the latter because I found it gave me greater control but there's never been a right or wrong way to use Inktense products and the same applies to these XL blocks. I do feel that lifting colour, or grating the blocks, or indeed any way of using them, would be easier with this supersized version.This tin isn't cheap for 6 colours but given the amount you get of each one it still offers value. Recommended to all Inktense fans, or anyone looking for a good set to start them off.

The last a super long time and are excellent.

I liked the idea of this set of 6 water soluble Derwent Inktense XL Blocks, but I have found it quite a struggle to get the ink-like effect I was hoping for.The blocks are described as water soluble and water does activate them, although the result seems to produce a textured effect when it dries, unless you completely soak the paper with water.When I try to blend the colours, I just end up with a murky brown colour, so I think you do need to be patient and wait for one colour to dry before applying another.The colours are nice and vibrant and I have been more successful when using these blocks as dry crayons.I suppose that it depends on what you are considering using these blocks for, and I am sure that some artists will find them very suitable. Unfortunately, they do not produce the crisp layers that I wanted to achieve, so this is not something that I can see myself using very often.I am determined to continue trying to work with these blocks in different ways to see if I can incorporate them into my art, because even though these are produced from a very well-known name, the current reduced price of £36.49 is still an expensive investment as far as I am concerned.

I have just started painting, and watercolour has been the best bit of it so far. These watercolour blocks fro Derwent are absolutely brilliant. There are six colours inside. I've not tried using them as crayons, but use them with a wet brush. They're fab.The colours are rich and intense (as promised), and even if you get them muddied up on the blocks, they soon wash clean. They are really, really lovely. Plus they are a good length, so you can get a proper stroke of paint onto the brush. Only six colours, but you know that when you buy them. Recommended

These were a gift for my niece who is very artistic, always drawing and recently exploring more in water colours recently, and she is quite impressed with this set.She specifically has said the vibrant colours and the really nice tin are what she likes the most about this set and is very happy with the results when using them.Based on this I am happy to recommend this product.