Exploring Derwent Artist Pencils
Enter the wonderful world of Derwent Artist Pencils, where creativity meets precision, and every stroke you make is a stroke of genius. Let’s dive into what makes these pencils a must-have in any artist’s arsenal.
Introduction to Derwent Artist Pencils
Ah, the joy of holding a Derwent Artist Pencil! These pencils are designed for those who take their art seriously but enjoy a bit of fun along the way. Known for their waxy texture, these pencils offer smooth and effortless layering and blending. Whether you’re sketching broad strokes or fine detailing, Derwent Artist Pencils rise to the challenge (My Art Shop).
Perfect for any artistic endeavour, Derwent Artist Pencils come in various sets to cater to every whim and fancy, from beginners to seasoned professionals. And if you were dreaming of creating landscapes that could rival a Van Gogh or portraits that could make the Mona Lisa envious, these pencils have you covered.
Range of Colors Available
Colour your world with Derwent’s stunning palette! The Derwent Artist Pencils offer a staggering array of 120 colours, ensuring that you have just the right hue for your masterpiece. Here’s a table to showcase the different sets available:
These sets are like a box of chocolates – you never know what delightful colour combination you’ll create next. Each pencil features a wax-based lead that is ideal for blending and customising shades. Imagine the potential for creating an infinite spectrum of colours to bring your artistic visions to life (Eckersley’s).
Once you start using Derwent Artist Pencils, you’ll see why they’re considered some of the best colored pencils for artists. Suitable for broad strokes and delicate details alike, the pencils’ versatility is unmatched. Ready to create your next masterpiece? Pick up a set and let your imagination run wild!
Features of Derwent Artist Pencils
Derwent Artist Pencils are revered among artists for their versatility and quality. These features make them an excellent addition to any artist’s arsenal. Here’s why Derwent Artist Pencils stand out among the best colored pencils for artists.
Waxy Texture for Layering and Blending
One of the standout features of Derwent Artist Pencils is their waxy texture. This quality makes them ideal for layering and blending, allowing artists to create unique shades and gradients with ease (My Art Shop). The pencils glide smoothly across the paper, making it easy to build up colour without leaving harsh lines or unseemly smudges.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Texture | Waxy |
| Best for | Layering and Blending |
| Number of Colors | 120 |
| Availability | Sets of 12, 24, 36, 72 |
These pencils have a soft core, which makes it easier to blend colours seamlessly. Whether you are working on a detailed portrait or a broad, expressive landscape, the ability to layer colours can help bring your vision to life.
Ideal for Broad Strokes and Detail Work
Versatility is the name of the game with Derwent Artist Pencils. They can be used for both broad strokes and detailed work, making them a go-to tool for all types of artistic endeavours.
- Broad Strokes: The waxy texture and rich pigmentation mean you can cover large areas quickly. Perfect for backgrounds and large compositions.
- Detail Work: Despite their capacity for bold applications, these pencils also hold a fine point well. This makes them suitable for intricate details and fine lines.
| Pencils | Broad Strokes | Detail Work |
|---|---|---|
| Derwent Artist | Yes | Yes |
| Examples | Landscapes, Backgrounds | Portraits, Intricate Designs |
Given their dual functionality, Derwent Artist Pencils are a fantastic option for artists who like to switch between large scale and detailed work. For even more flexibility in your drawings, consider exploring the Derwent Artist Colored Pencils sets, available in a variety of sizes to meet your needs.
These pencils are not just tools; they’re partners in your creative journey, offering a seamless blend of utility and versatility for artists at all levels. So, whether you’re just penciling in broad stroke ideas or etching out fine details, Derwent has got you covered. Happy drawing!
Core Size and Performance
Another feather in the cap of Derwent Artist Pencils is their core size. The Derwent Drawing pencils feature a hefty 5mm core, which means more pigmentation and less breakage—perfect for those with a heavy hand or an insatiable desire for vivid colours (Barb Soti Art). Whether you’re tackling detailed portraits or expansive landscapes, these pencils offer fade-resistant hues that retain their integrity over time.
The broad core also facilitates effortless blending for smooth transitions and gradient effects. The buttery feel and blendability of these pencils are particularly prized for wildlife and landscape art, where capturing the essence of nature’s palette is paramount (Barb Soti Art).
Comparing Derwent Artist Pencils
When it comes to investing in the best coloured pencils for artists, Derwent Artist Pencils are top contenders. Let’s delve into two popular sets and see how they stack up, both in terms of quality and price.
Set of 72 Derwent Artist Pencils
For the most dedicated artists, the Set of 72 Derwent Artist Pencils is like hitting the colourful jackpot. This set offers the full range of hues, giving artists an extensive palette to work with.
Here’s what makes the Set of 72 special:
- Comprehensive Colour Range: This set features a whopping 72 colours.(My Art Shop).
- Availability: Widely available online.
| Feature | Set of 72 Pencils |
|---|---|
| Colours | 72 |
| Availability | Easily available |
Set of 12 Derwent Artist Pencils
If you’re more budget-conscious or just dipping your toes into the world of coloured pencils, the Set of 12 Derwent Artist Pencils might be your best bet.
Here’s what makes the Set of 12 appealing:
- Introductory Selection: Contains 12 essential colours, perfect for beginners.(My Art Shop).
- Availability: Also readily available online with standard shipping options.
| Feature | Set of 12 Pencils |
|---|---|
| Colours | 12 |
| Availability | Easily available |
Artist-Grade vs. Student-Grade Colored Pencils
Understanding the difference between artist-grade and student-grade colored pencils is essential for any creative artist looking to invest in quality art supplies. This section delves into the key characteristics of these two types of colored pencils and their suitability for various users.
Characteristics of Artist-Grade Colored Pencils
Artist-grade colored pencils are designed with the professional artist in mind. They are known for their high-quality pigments, which result in richer and bolder colors that are more lightfast and durable (Art is Fun). Let’s take a closer look at some of the distinguishing features of these pencils:
- Pigment Concentration: Artist-grade pencils contain a higher proportion of pigment, leading to more vibrant and intense colors.
- Lightfastness: These pencils have documented lightfastness, meaning the colors are resistant to fading over time when exposed to light.
- Core Durability: The cores of artist-grade pencils are more durable, providing resistance to breaking and water damage.
- Blending and Layering: Due to their soft and creamy texture, these pencils are excellent for blending and layering.
- Colour Range: They are available in a wider range of colours, often with sets that include up to 72 colours or more.
| Characteristic | Artist-Grade |
|---|---|
| Pigment Concentration | High |
| Lightfastness | Documented |
| Core Durability | High Break and Water Resistance |
| Blending/Layering | Excellent for Blending and Layering |
| Colour Range | Up to 72 or more |
Derwent Artists Pencils, for example, are known for their smooth application and ease of blending, making them an excellent choice for professional artists (Sarah Renae Clark).
Suitability of Student-Grade Colored Pencils
Student-grade colored pencils, while not as high-quality as their artist-grade counterparts, are still a viable option for beginners, children, and students. These pencils are more affordable and accessible, making them ideal for learning and practice (Wikipedia). Here are some characteristics of student-grade colored pencils:
- Pigment Concentration: These pencils have a lower concentration of pigments, resulting in less vibrant colors.
- Lightfastness: Student-grade pencils lack documented lightfastness and are more prone to fading.
- Core Durability: The cores are less durable, more prone to breaking, and generally not resistant to water.
- Blending and Layering: Blending and layering capabilities are limited compared to artist-grade pencils.
- Colour Range: Typically available in smaller sets, often limited to 24 or 36 colors.
| Characteristic | Student-Grade |
|---|---|
| Pigment Concentration | Low |
| Lightfastness | Not Documented |
| Core Durability | Prone to Breaking and Water Damage |
| Blending/Layering | Limited Blending and Layering |
| Colour Range | Up to 24 or 36 |
While student-grade pencils may lack the finesse needed for professional artwork, they are perfect for those just starting out or for situations where budget is a concern. Despite their limitations, they offer a way to explore creativity without the higher cost of artist-grade pencils.
Types of Colored Pencils
When diving into the world of colored pencils, artists can choose from a variety of types to match their creative needs. The most common types are wax-based, oil-based, and watercolor pencils. Each type has its own unique characteristics and applications, offering different benefits for artists.
Wax-Based, Oil-Based, Watercolor
Wax-based pencils, oil-based pencils and watercolor pencils each have distinct features that cater to different artistic styles and techniques (Art is Fun).
| Type | Characteristics | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Wax-Based | Common, versatile, softer core, easy to blend | Great for general use, layering, and blending |
| Oil-Based | Vibrant colours, oil binder, smoother finish, enhanced durability | Ideal for creating smoother transitions and intricate details, excellent for portraits |
| Watercolor | Water-soluble, can be used wet or dry | Doubles as a watercolor paint, perfect for landscapes and mixed media art |
Unique Characteristics and Applications
- Wax-Based Pencils:
Wax-based colored pencils are typically the go-to for many artists. They are known for their versatility and ease of use. The wax binder in these pencils allows for smooth application and blending. Artists can create various effects such as layering or even accidental rainbow smeared across that perfect piece. On the downside, wax bloom might appear over time – but nothing a casual wipe cannot handle. - Oil-Based Pencils:
Oil-based colored pencils are renowned for their vibrant hues and exceptionally smooth finish. Utilizing an oil-based binder, these pencils offer superior blending and layering capabilities (Wikipedia). Fine artists often prefer them for creating subtle transitions and complex depths in their artwork. Examples of exceptional oil-based pencils include Faber-Castell’s Polychromos and Caran d’Ache Pablo (Art Gear Guide). These pencils might be heaven for artists, giving them the illusion they’re painting with pencils. - Watercolor Pencils:
Watercolor pencils are the chameleons of the colored pencil world. They can be used dry like traditional pencils or wet to create vibrant watercolor effects. These pencils are a fantastic addition to any artist’s toolkit, offering the flexibility to switch between drawing and painting smoothly. With a dab of water, one can transform their masterpiece into something even Lord Da Vinci might admire. They are perfect for mixed media art and landscape illustrations.
To sum it up, the best colored pencils for artists depend on what you’re sketching. Whether you’re wielding wax-based, oil-based, or watercolor pencils, you have the tools to create beautiful, rich, and dynamic artwork.
The Lightfast Guarantee
When talking about staying power, Derwent Artist Coloured Pencils are the Hercules of the art supply world. The Derwent Lightfast Coloured Pencils are certified 100% lightfast, which translates to your artwork not fading for up to a century. For those who are worried about their vibrant landscapes and detailed illustrations standing the test of time, this is a significant boon.
