Conté Paris Blending Stumps and Kneaded Eraser Set

Conté Paris blending stumps and kneaded eraser set: the duo for shading

Drawing with charcoal, pastel or graphite involves more than just applying material. It also requires moving and removing it. This set provides two types of tools for these complementary actions, achieving effects that a single stick cannot.

Blending stumps: soften without smudging

Used on a line, a blending stump spreads pigment and blends it into the paper. Suitable for charcoal, soft pastel, sanguine, sepia, graphite and chalk.

• 5 mm: fine details like nostrils, eye corners, folds and tight transitions.
• 7 mm: general shading, small areas and joins.
• 7.5 mm: medium surfaces such as cheeks, drapery and mid-sized volumes.
• 9.5 mm: large areas like backgrounds, skies, broad shadows and wide gradients.

Kneaded eraser: draw with light

This eraser lifts pigment by dabbing instead of rubbing. It does not damage the paper or leave residue to brush away, unlike regular erasers. It lets you create highlights by removing dark areas to form reflections, light strands or bright spots in an eye.

Conté Paris is a French brand established in 1795. Nicolas-Jacques Conté invented the modern graphite pencil. Over two centuries later, the brand remains a benchmark for fine art drawing in France and internationally.

FAQ

Can the same blending stump be used for all colours? It’s best to avoid this. Reserve one end for light tones and the other for dark, or dedicate a stump to each colour family.

Does the kneaded eraser replace a regular eraser? No, they complement each other. The kneaded eraser gently lightens and lifts pigment, while a plastic eraser removes graphite firmly.

Should drawings worked with blending stumps be fixed? Yes, for charcoal and pastel which are sensitive to smudging. Spray a fixative in light layers from 30 cm away.