I as amateur Beginner artists can these mines would recommend (especially in connection with the Cretacolor lead holder). It is very easy to make by hatching shadows significantly and abstract drawing. Super is also that you can nachspitzen the mines. The only drawback: Unlike tear coal they exist only in a hardness and represent large, soft surfaces with this hardness somewhat difficult (despite long Edit the Paper Stomp) Still, I'm super happy with the product and I will definitely buy more!