So are these the flat chunky ones like in this photo? I can’t seem to see an image on the Jackson’s website. Sounds like a super good deal!

Wow, thanks for all the info. I ordered a set and we’ll see how they work. At $16 you can’t go wrong. Jack Richeson also has the same chunky shaped ones as in the photo I sent, and they are called Underpainting Blocks. Interesting how some of the pastel brands overlap like that. I know Jack Richesons used to be closely affiliated with Unison, here in the US. In fact they both contained the same name for a while. I believe Jack Richeson used to work for Unison or something. So the pastels are very similar, in fact other than the colors I can’t tell them apart. I have lots of both. I also have purchased pastels in the past that are Grumbacher/Schminckes. These old Grumbachers actually have Schmincke on the box, and on each pastel they say the same thing, Schmincke on one side and Grumbacher on the other. These pastels are definitely NOT Schminckes though, they are the same size and hardness and consistency of the Grumbachers. The only difference seems to be the name. The “true” Schminckes are bigger and softer. Weird. Anyway, thanks so much for the tip and also the information, it really helps!

I have a couple of the Jack Richeson underpainting blocks, I think. I got a couple sets of his that included the hand rolled, the medium and hard sticks, and along with those they included a black and white in the big chunky style that appear to be those underpainting blocks. They weren’t labeled. I use them all the time, the white is great for blending other colors together in skies and things like that. The black is great for blocking in dark areas and shadows, layering over and around other colors. I have thought about getting one of the sets from Dakota, for $80. They last a long time and I’m sure I would use them a lot. I bet those chunky Manet sticks are really similar, if not the same. Let’s let everyone know if we ever see them on sale, for sure!

I’ll let you know what I think of the round sticks too, as soon as I get them and give them a try. Thanks again for all your input!

I got my set of these last week and they are terrific. What a bargain for 16 bucks plus a little shipping! Now that I have them and can really see what’s up, I don’t think these are Richeson’s in disguise. The size and shape is slightly different, and they just don’t feel the same. They are a tiny bit harder and denser, more like the Mungyo handrolled, or even a Mout Vision pastel, although not as big as those. I would say they are almost exactly like the Mungyo handrolled, but the colors are not the same. The Mungyos are really intense and bright, and these are very subdued. I really like them, especially for the price, wow. I would pick some up at Jackson’s while you have the chance. A great way to fill out your collection.

Yes, that’s the company all right. Weird website though, I don’t see where you can order anything, they must wholesale to other companies. I would like to try out some more of their pastels, so I emailed them to see if they could tell me who else carries their products. I’ll let you know what I find out.