Pencils Poised Please

Thanks to Percy Coate’s experimentation in the 1960s with the willow he grew, we now have the beautiful Coates Willow Charcoal. This charcoal is recognised as the best quality willow charcoal in the world. Coates Willow Charcoal allows artists to achieve soft, subtle greys and the blackest of blacks! Today Coates is still very much a family business, with family members involved in all aspects of the operation.

The willow tree grows exceptionally quickly and it is ready for harvest after one growing season, so is the epitome of a renewable resource. As willow charcoal comes from the willow tree, there are natural variations which artists can use to their advantage to create variations in texture and tone. Whilst pencils have been considered sturdy, precise and tamed, charcoal has been described as the untamed contemporary. Charcoal has a richness and voluptuousness that artists can exploit. There is something psychologically different about using charcoal which can encourage you to become more expressive and work without getting stuck in the details. Details are achievable if desired.

Charcoal is affordable and comes in varying thicknesses from 4mm thin willow up to a tree stick of around 20mm thickness. Check out our website genesisoilpaints.com.au for our prices and range. Pick up a stick and have some fun!

CONTÉ – USED BY THE WORLD'S GREATEST ARTISTS.

Conté Pastel Pencils are a great range of 5mm diameter pencils with fine, smooth leads. Comfortable to hold, they allow the artist freedom to create their work without restriction. Their slightly harder density leads make them an ideal for finer detailed works. Rich in pigment, Conté pastel pencil are best used as pure colours laid out in patchwork fashion side by side (so as not to dull the shades). The presence of abrasives provides excellent toning and stumping qualities for the artist. Available in 48 individual colours or in