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.