Conté à Paris Pierre Noire black stone pencils, H to 3B

Conté à Paris Pierre Noire – black stone pencil with an intense, velvety matt black

Pierre Noire by Conté à Paris is a black stone pencil for sketching and drawing, with a deep, intense black. It is greasy and goes on velvety matt. The line blends well and can then be fixed. Choose your grade from the options; the range runs from H to 3B.

With an 8.5 mm pencil diameter and a 5 mm lead diameter, the pencil is sturdy. You can draw broad strokes and cover areas quickly, and a sharpened lead still allows finer lines. The pencil is made in France.

Which grade should you choose?

With drawing pencils, the higher the number before the B, the softer the lead and the more material it lays down. The line becomes darker and richer. H is the harder end of the range and suits finer lines and light underdrawing better. Use 2B and 3B for strong shadows and deep blacks. If you don't want to commit, start with a medium grade and add softer or harder pencils later.

Sharpening and working

Sharpen the pencil with a sharpening knife or with sandpaper. To resharpen, a knife or a razor blade is better than an ordinary sharpener for this thick, soft lead, otherwise it breaks easily.

• With a sharpened lead you draw precise contours
• With the side of the lead you lay in areas quickly
• Paper stumps or a cloth are suitable for blending
• Fix finished drawings afterwards with fixative

Conté à Paris Pierre Noire product details

• Manufacturer: Conté à Paris, Pierre Noire series
• Grades: H to 3B
• Properties: intense black, greasy, velvety matt
• Pencil length: 177 mm
• Pencil diameter: 8.5 mm
• Lead diameter: 5 mm
• Origin: France

You will also need: sharpening knife or sandpaper for resharpening; fixative for finished drawings