Faber-Castell Pitt Monochrome Set - 9 pieces

This set includes everything needed to practise monochrome drawing as taught in art schools: portrait, drapery study, anatomy, and life drawing. The method is simple and effective: use white for light, black for depth, and sanguine and sepia for skin tones.

Set contents (9 pieces)

• 2 Pitt Oil Base pencils (extra-soft black, sanguine): oily leads that produce dense, sharp lines without shine. Ideal for outlines, accents and fine details.
• 4 Pitt pastel pencils (medium white, sepia/walnut brown, sanguine, black): dry leads that can be sharpened for fine lines and smooth transitions.
• 3 Pitt pastel sticks (white, medium sanguine, black): stick format to apply broad areas quickly and block in masses with a few strokes.

The combination of dry and oily materials makes the difference. Pitt pastels are harder than traditional pastels: when blended, the colour softens without losing the line, preserving the drawing’s structure. The oil-based pencils then add detail and deep blacks. You can move from rough sketch to finished piece with just this one set.

Which paper to use? Medium-grain or coloured paper (grey, beige, kraft) works best. The coloured background highlights the white accents and immediately adds depth.

What’s the difference between pencils and sticks?
Pencils sharpen to fine points for details and lines. Sticks are used flat to cover large areas quickly and lay down tonal values.

Can the colours be blended?
Yes, by smudging with a blending stump, cloth or finger. Pitt pastels are harder than classic pastels, so lines remain visible after blending.

Should the drawing be fixed?
Fixing is recommended for works dominated by pastel sticks, which are more prone to smudging. A spray fixative for pastels is sufficient.