Conte Sticks or Squares

made from natural pigments, (iron oxide) carbon black, titanium dioxide, clay (kaolin) and a binder( cellulose ether)
dry square sticks similar to soft pastels but slightly harder
pigments are finely grounded and mixed with binder
they are very rich, waxier and firmer than soft pastels
they produce little dust and are easy to control
sticks are 2 ½ “ long and ¼ “ square
well suited for heavy grained surfaces, bogus paper, newsprint, bristol, ideal for dark surfaces
excellent for cross hatching, pointillism, smearing, wash( just add a little water), shading, and line work.
sticks available in various sets or individually