Vine charcoal is highly favored by artists because of its intense, rich black color and its versatility. Made from materials like burnt willow twigs, grapevines, and different types of wood, vine charcoal is essential for sketching and drawing. Just like how artists carefully choose their brushes or canvas, the choice and quality of vine charcoal are just as important.
The best vine charcoal should be of high-quality, produce a strong deep tone, and be easy to erase and blend. On top of that, it should have a smooth and consistent finish without any presence of impurities. Using the wrong kind of vine charcoal can lead to uneven marking, crumbling while drawing, and even staining your work.
It’s important to understand the characteristics and attributes of vine charcoal when selecting the best option for your work. The best vine charcoal will have a smooth texture, consistent hardness, and be easy to sharpen. The vine charcoal should produce a velvety, rich black color and be capable of precise line work as well as soft shading.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best vine charcoal. Having researched and tested various types and brands of vine charcoal, we have gathered valuable data to help you make the ideal selection. By the end of this article, you will have all the information needed to choose the best vine charcoal for your artistic creations.
Best Vine Charcoal
Selecting the right brand and type of vine charcoal contributes significantly to your artwork’s quality. Therefore, it’s crucial to find vine charcoal that is both high-quality and suitable for your technique. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best vine charcoals based on our intensive research and hands-on testing, providing all the essential information you need to make an informed choice.
MyLifeUNIT Willow Charcoal Sticks, 4 Pack Vine Charcoal Pencils for Artists Drawing (48 PCS)
If you’re looking for a versatile set of charcoal pencils, the MyLifeUNIT Willow Charcoal Sticks might be a great choice for you.
Pros
- The set includes 48 pencils of varying hardness levels, allowing for a range of shading and detailing techniques.
- The pencils are made of natural willow charcoal, which is non-toxic and odorless, making them safe for artists of all ages.
- The set is perfect for various art forms, including drawing, sketching, shading, and even painting.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the pencils are quite brittle and can break easily.
- The pencils can be quite messy, with charcoal dust easily smudging on hands and clothing.
- The pencils require a fixative to prevent smudging and ensure the artwork stays intact.
We’ve found that the MyLifeUNIT Willow Charcoal Sticks are a great choice for artists who want to experiment with different shading techniques and detailing. The set includes a variety of hardness levels, from soft to extra-hard, which allows for a range of effects. The pencils are also safe for artists of all ages, as they are made of natural willow charcoal, which is non-toxic and odorless.
One downside to the set is that the pencils can be quite brittle and can break easily. This can be frustrating for artists who are looking to create intricate details or shading. Additionally, the pencils can be quite messy, with charcoal dust easily smudging on hands and clothing. Finally, the pencils require a fixative to prevent smudging and ensure the artwork stays intact, which can add an extra step to the artwork creation process.
Overall, we would recommend the MyLifeUNIT Willow Charcoal Sticks to artists who are looking for a versatile set of charcoal pencils that can be used for a range of art forms. While they may require a bit of extra care to prevent breaking and smudging, the pencils offer a great range of shading and detailing techniques that can help artists create beautiful works of art.
MyLifeUNIT Vine Charcoal Sticks, Willow Sketch Charcoal Pencils for Drawing, Pack of 25 (7-9 MM Dia)
If you’re looking for a versatile set of charcoal drawing pencils, the MyLifeUNIT Vine Charcoal Sticks and Willow Sketch Charcoal Pencils set is a great option.
Pros
- The set includes 25 charcoal sticks and 25 charcoal pencils, providing a wide range of options for different drawing techniques.
- The charcoal sticks and pencils are made from natural materials, making them safe and non-toxic for artists of all ages.
- The charcoal sticks and pencils produce dark, smooth lines with minimal smudging, making them ideal for shading and blending.
Cons
- The charcoal sticks and pencils require a fixative to prevent smudging and smearing, which can be an additional expense for artists.
- Some users have reported that the charcoal sticks can be brittle and prone to breaking if not handled carefully.
- The set only includes 25 of each charcoal sticks and pencils, which may not be enough for larger drawings or projects.
Overall, the MyLifeUNIT Vine Charcoal Sticks and Willow Sketch Charcoal Pencils set is a great choice for artists who want a versatile set of charcoal drawing tools. The set’s natural materials make it safe and non-toxic, while the dark, smooth lines produced by the charcoal sticks and pencils make it ideal for shading and blending. However, artists should be aware of the set’s requirements for a fixative and the potential fragility of the charcoal sticks.
Winsor & Newton Artist Vine Charcoal Sticks, Soft, Box of 12 Sticks
If you’re looking for a charcoal pencil that provides a range of tonal values and blends smoothly, then the Winsor & Newton Artist Vine Charcoal Sticks are worth considering.
Pros
- The charcoal sticks are encased in protective paper to prevent drying out, which makes them ideal for extended drawing sessions.
- The soft charcoal leads are easy to apply and provide a range of tonal values, from light to dark.
- The charcoal sticks blend smoothly, which makes it easy to create smooth transitions between tones.
Cons
- The charcoal dust can be messy and may require frequent cleaning.
- The charcoal sticks may smudge if they are not allowed to dry completely.
- The charcoal sticks are quite expensive compared to other brands.
We found that the Winsor & Newton Artist Vine Charcoal Sticks were perfect for creating detailed drawings and sketches. The soft charcoal leads were easy to apply and provided a range of tonal values, from light to dark. We also found that the charcoal sticks blended smoothly, which made it easy to create smooth transitions between tones.
One of the standout features of these charcoal pencils is the protective paper that encases each stick. This is ideal for extended drawing sessions, as it prevents the charcoal from drying out and becoming brittle. We also found that the charcoal sticks were easy to sharpen, which made it easy to create fine details and lines.
However, we did find that the charcoal dust could be messy and required frequent cleaning. We also found that the charcoal sticks could smudge if they were not allowed to dry completely. Additionally, the charcoal sticks are quite expensive compared to other brands, which may not be suitable for those on a tight budget.
Overall, we would recommend the Winsor & Newton Artist Vine Charcoal Sticks to anyone looking for a high-quality charcoal pencil that provides a range of tonal values and blends smoothly. While they may be more expensive than other brands, the protective paper and smooth blending make them worth the investment.
PANDAFLY Willow Charcoal Sticks, Soft, Black Artist Vine Charcoal for Artists, Beginners, Students, Great for Sketching, Drawing, Shading and Fine Art, 7-9mm, 25 Pack
If you’re looking for a versatile and long-lasting charcoal pencil, the PANDAFLY Willow Charcoal Sticks might be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- The charcoal pencils are made of natural willow wood, making them durable and long-lasting.
- The graphite is tightly compacted into the wood, ensuring a clean and smooth drawing experience.
- The charcoal pencils produce a dark and consistent line, making them ideal for shading and blending.
Cons
- The charcoal pencils might be too soft for some users, making them prone to breaking if applied too much pressure.
- The charcoal pencils might not be suitable for very detailed or intricate drawings, as the soft lead might make it difficult to achieve precise lines.
- The charcoal pencils might require frequent sharpening, as the soft lead might wear down quickly.
We’ve used the PANDAFLY Willow Charcoal Sticks for several weeks, and we’re impressed with their performance. The charcoal pencils are easy to hold and comfortable to use, and they produce a rich and velvety charcoal effect that’s perfect for sketching and drawing.
One of the standout features of these charcoal pencils is their natural willow wood construction. Unlike some other charcoal pencils we’ve tried, these pencils are built to last and won’t wear down or break easily. The graphite is also of high quality and produces a consistent and smooth line that’s easy to work with.
Another great thing about these charcoal pencils is their ability to produce a dark and rich charcoal effect. Whether you’re shading or blending, these pencils will give you the results you’re looking for. They’re also very easy to smudge, which can be a good or bad thing depending on your preferences.
While there are some downsides to these charcoal pencils, such as their softness and tendency to require frequent sharpening, we think they’re still a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile and high-quality charcoal pencil.
Overall, if you’re looking for a charcoal pencil that’s easy to use, produces great results, and is built to last, the PANDAFLY Willow Charcoal Sticks are definitely worth considering.
Vine Charcoal, Soft, Black 25 Charcoal Sticks for Drawing, Sketching, and Fine Art, Willow Sketch Charcoal Pencils for Drawing (3-5mm(25pcs))
If you’re looking for a high-quality charcoal set for your drawing needs, the Vine Charcoal and Willow Sketch Charcoal Pencils set is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The set comes with 25 pieces of charcoal sticks and 25 pieces of charcoal pencils, providing a great variety of tools for different drawing techniques.
- The charcoal sticks are soft and smooth, allowing for easy blending and shading.
- The charcoal pencils are ideal for detailed work and creating clean lines.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the charcoal sticks are prone to breaking if not handled carefully.
- The set may not be suitable for those who prefer harder charcoal sticks.
- The price point may be a bit high for some users.
We’ve had the opportunity to test this set ourselves and we’re impressed with the quality of the charcoal sticks and pencils. The set is versatile and allows for a wide range of techniques, from blending and shading to creating clean lines and details.
The charcoal sticks are soft and easy to work with, making them perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed and expressive drawing style. The charcoal pencils, on the other hand, are ideal for those who prefer a more precise and controlled approach.
One thing to keep in mind is that the charcoal sticks can be a bit fragile and may break if not handled carefully. However, this is a minor drawback considering the overall quality of the set.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality charcoal set that provides a great variety of tools for different drawing techniques, the Vine Charcoal and Willow Sketch Charcoal Pencils set is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best vine charcoal, there are several factors to consider. These factors will help you choose a product that is safe, effective, and affordable.
Type of Charcoal
The first factor to consider is the type of charcoal. There are two main types of charcoal: natural and synthetic. Natural charcoal is made from wood or other organic materials, while synthetic charcoal is made from petroleum or other chemicals. Natural charcoal is generally considered to be safer and more environmentally friendly than synthetic charcoal.
Purity
The purity of the charcoal is another important factor to consider. Charcoal that is pure will burn cleanly and produce fewer harmful byproducts. Look for charcoal that is free from additives and chemicals.
Size and Shape
The size and shape of the charcoal can also affect its effectiveness. Charcoal that is too small may not provide enough surface area for adequate filtration, while charcoal that is too large may not fit in certain filtration systems. Rounded charcoal is generally more effective than charcoal in a powdered form.
Price
Price is always a consideration when purchasing any product. While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option, it is important to remember that quality charcoal may cost a bit more. Look for a product that offers good value for the price.
In summary, when choosing the best vine charcoal, consider the type of charcoal, purity, size and shape, and price. By taking these factors into account, you can make an informed decision and choose a product that is safe, effective, and affordable.
