Vigyata.AI
Is this your channel?

Finally Trying Derwent Inktense XL Blocks! Review and Art - Are They Even Useful?

18.3K views· 800 likes· 19:15· Mar 13, 2026

🛍️ Products Mentioned (11)

Today I'm going to open my new set of Derwent Inktense XL Blocks, which I bought on sale last year and I'm finally getting around to trying them out and using them to make art! It's a first impressions review, and me trying to decide if these were actually worth buying in the first place, lol! This is the largest set of 12 XL Inktense Blocks, and they also have a smaller set of 6, to go with their other XL sets of graphite and charcoal. Check out my other reviews on those ones! Amazon affiliate links to the products used today: Derwent Inktense XL Blocks, 12 Tin Set AU: https://amzn.to/4aSC2jP US: https://amzn.to/4s8mGhT UK: https://amzn.to/4kV3GRG Magnani 1404 Portofino Hot Press 300gsm 100% Cotton Watercolour Paper I used 20x20cm 8"x8" size but I can't find it on Amazon so I've linked to their other available sizes. AU: https://amzn.to/4tZ5ldc US: https://amzn.to/4aBw480 UK: https://amzn.to/40x6LxX General affiliate links to my Amazon Storefronts, where I've listed products I love to use. Australia Storefront: https://www.amazon.com.au/shop/beckytregearart USA Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/beckytregearart Music by Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/0f31r7/ Find me on social media; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckytregear Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beckytregear Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/beckytregear Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/users/beckytregear-6512371/ Email: nightrosephoto@gmail.com As always, thank you so much for subscribing, watching and supporting my channel! Becky x

About This Video

Today I’m finally cracking open my Derwent Inktense XL Blocks (the big 12 tin set) that I grabbed on sale last year and… yep, it’s very much a first impressions situation. I swatch them, play around with different ways of using them, and basically try to work out whether these chunky Inktense blocks are actually useful in real art-making, or if they’re one of those “looked exciting online” purchases (lol). If you’ve ever wondered how the XL format compares to regular Inktense pencils/blocks and what they’re like once you add water, this is exactly the kind of messy testing session you’ll want to see. I also make a finished piece while I’m experimenting, because for me the real test is always: can I actually make something I like with them? I’m using my Magnani 1404 Portofino hot press cotton paper for this one, so you can see how the colour behaves on a smoother, high-quality surface. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of what these blocks do best (bold colour, quick coverage, swatching and layering fun) and whether they’re worth it for your own style—especially if you’re tempted by the XL graphite/charcoal sets too.

Frequently Asked Questions

🎬 More from Becky Tregear Art