what is a Conte crayon?

from Wikipedia:

Conté, also known as Conté sticks or crayons, are a drawing medium composed of compressed powdered graphite or charcoal mixed with a wax or clay base, square in cross-section. They were invented in 1795 by Nicolas-Jacques Conté, who created the combination of clay and graphite in response to the shortage of graphite caused by the Napoleonic Wars.

The white lines in my work are either Conte crayon or white charcoal, or a combination of both. I seem to be preferring the white Conte crayon to the white charcoal as the Conte gives such a bright and bold line. White charcoal seems to be better for more subtle highlights.

The majesty of the stallion is inspiring me again. I really want to capture the heart-racing feeling of danger when in the presence of such an awesome creature.

...and I feel the need to work big. Not just big, but BIG.

Time to order that HUGE sheet of paper. Off to dickblick. com!