Unleashing Creativity: Exploring the New Derwent Inktense XL Blocks

I've been thoroughly enjoying my first experience with the NEW Derwent Inktense XL Blocks. If you follow me on YouTube, you will know that I have used the standard size Inktense blocks for some time. The new blocks are the same colours and consistency, it’s the size that’s different. I was sceptical about there being enough difference with the standard size to make them worth investing in. However, I really do love this new size. Obviously, you get more quantity, so they will last longer. And they are much more robust for mark making, you can use the edges for drawing and the side of the block for laying down broad sweeps of colour. I have snapped quite a few of my standard blocks, but these XL blocks aren’t going to snap.

Like the other Inktense in Derwent’s range, the colour dries permanently and you can layer and overlap the hues to build depth and interest in your artwork. I use them on mixed media paper and would recommend a good bright white paper to show off the vibrant colours. Their ease of use makes them a good choice for sketching and creating thumbnails for larger work. They are quick to work with and lend themselves to expressive abstracts. 


Don’t confuse these with watercolours, they are a medium in their own right. You can be as expressive or as detailed as you like, they suit all styles. They also work well with mixed media. I often use them like ink & wash and with charcoal.


As a gesture to celebrate their release and the year of Inktense, Derwent kindly gifted me these XL Blocks. It's important to clarify that this blog post is independent of any sponsorship from Derwent.


In case you're curious to learn more about using the XL Blocks, I've put together a video tutorial on my YouTube channel. Have you had a chance to try them out? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below:-


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