Certainly. The first time I saw water-soluble graphite was with Lyra pencils. They come in various grades—2B, 4B, 6B, and 9B. I believe they were originally used in trades, particularly in woodworking shops. Just try searching for “Lyra water-soluble graphite.”
Viarco—a Portuguese manufacturer, as far as I know—has launched a whole line of water-soluble graphite products. They are also available as pencils, for instance from Faber-Castell, and even come in tinted versions. Derwent’s line is called “Graphitint.” They are also available in small paint sets with half-pans, similar to watercolor sets.
You can usually find these products on popular online marketplaces or—even better—at your trusted local art supply store. With plain, untinted water-soluble graphite, the material’s characteristic sparkle is most visible on dry paper when applied in thicker layers. While fixing the work once you are satisfied is certainly recommended, it is not as essential as it is with traditional graphite techniques. It takes a little getting used to at first, but on the whole, it handles much like watercolor.
There are also plenty of videos on YouTube and similar sites if you search for water-soluble graphite.
Can you tell me more about this water soluble graphite?
It sings like something that would fit very well into my art
Certainly. The first time I saw water-soluble graphite was with Lyra pencils. They come in various grades—2B, 4B, 6B, and 9B. I believe they were originally used in trades, particularly in woodworking shops. Just try searching for “Lyra water-soluble graphite.”
Viarco—a Portuguese manufacturer, as far as I know—has launched a whole line of water-soluble graphite products. They are also available as pencils, for instance from Faber-Castell, and even come in tinted versions. Derwent’s line is called “Graphitint.” They are also available in small paint sets with half-pans, similar to watercolor sets.
You can usually find these products on popular online marketplaces or—even better—at your trusted local art supply store. With plain, untinted water-soluble graphite, the material’s characteristic sparkle is most visible on dry paper when applied in thicker layers. While fixing the work once you are satisfied is certainly recommended, it is not as essential as it is with traditional graphite techniques. It takes a little getting used to at first, but on the whole, it handles much like watercolor.
There are also plenty of videos on YouTube and similar sites if you search for water-soluble graphite.