You’re looking to elevate your watercolor work, but you’re not sure which Derwent pencils’ll actually deliver. With so many options on the market, it’s easy to waste money on sets that don’t match your skill level or artistic goals. The right choice depends on understanding what separates professional-grade tools from beginner offerings—and we’re about to show you exactly how.
Quick Overview
- Derwent Inktense Ink Pencils deliver vibrant, permanent colors with 4mm cores ideal for professional dry and wet applications.
- Derwent WaterColour Pencils 24 Count offer quick pigment transfer and blendability, perfect for artists seeking portable versatility.
- Derwent Inktense 100 Set provides highly pigmented shades in firm texture, enabling precise details and ink-like water effects.
- Derwent Watercolour Pencils 72 Count feature professional-grade quality with expansive palettes, water-soluble pigments, and superior blending capabilities.
- Hexagonal barrel design with break-resistant cores ensures durability and control during sharpening and extended artistic application sessions.
| Derwent Inktense Ink Pencils Drawing Art (6-Pack) |
| Best For Beginners | Water Solubility: Water soluble with permanent dry finish | Core Size: 4mm soft lead core | Barrel Shape: Round | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Derwent WaterColour Pencils 24 Count Metal Tin |
| Best Overall | Water Solubility: Water soluble with non-permanent pigment | Core Size: 3.4mm core | Barrel Shape: Hexagonal | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Derwent Inktense 100 Watercolor Pencils Art Set |
| Professional Grade | Water Solubility: Water soluble with permanent pigment | Core Size: 4mm core | Barrel Shape: Round | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Derwent Academy Watercolour 36 Tin |
| Budget-Friendly Pick | Water Solubility: Water soluble for dissolving with wet brush | Core Size: 2.9mm core | Barrel Shape: Hexagonal (6.9mm) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Derwent Watercolour Pencils Set of 12 |
| Best For Travel | Water Solubility: Water soluble, wet or dry use | Core Size: 3.4mm core | Barrel Shape: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Derwent WaterColour Pencils 72 Count Metal Tin |
| Most Versatile | Water Solubility: Water soluble with non-permanent pigment | Core Size: 3.4mm core | Barrel Shape: Hexagonal | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Derwent Graphitint Pencils Metal Tin 24 Count (0700803) |
| Best Hybrid Option | Water Solubility: Water soluble (dry hint of color, vibrant when wet) | Core Size: Not specified | Barrel Shape: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Derwent Inktense Ink Pencils Drawing Art (6-Pack)
If you’re seeking vibrant, water-soluble colored pencils that deliver professional-quality results, Derwent Inktense Ink Pencils are your ideal choice. The 4mm soft lead core produces bold, expressive marks with highly pigmented colors that apply effortlessly. You’ll appreciate their versatility—use them dry for traditional drawings or activate with water for ink-like translucency. Once dry, the pigments resist bleeding, so you can layer adjacent colors without worry. These pencils work on paper, silk, and cotton, adapting to your creative vision. Mix shades to create custom tones, or add water for lighter variations. This 6-pack gives you essential colors for diverse artistic projects.
- Water Solubility:Water soluble with permanent dry finish
- Core Size:4mm soft lead core
- Barrel Shape:Round
- Set Quantity:6-pack
- Packaging:Not specified
- Blending & Layering:Layerable without color bleeding when dry
- Additional Feature:Permanent pigment minimizes bleeding
- Additional Feature:Suitable for fabric surfaces
- Additional Feature:4mm soft lead core
Derwent WaterColour Pencils 24 Count Metal Tin
The Derwent WaterColour Pencils 24 Count Metal Tin is your ideal choice when you’re seeking the versatility of both traditional colored pencils and watercolor paints in one product. You’ll appreciate the 3.4mm core and hexagonal barrel design, which deliver precision for detailed work while remaining easy to sharpen and break-resistant. The softer formulation enables quick pigment transfer, making blending and layering effortless. You can wet the pencil tip for textured lines or dampen paper for soft-edged, vibrant colors. Since the pigment isn’t permanent, you’re free to adjust colors even after drying. Pair these with Derwent’s Canvas Pencil Wrap, Waterbrush Set, and Watercolour Paper Pads for best results.
- Water Solubility:Water soluble with non-permanent pigment
- Core Size:3.4mm core
- Barrel Shape:Hexagonal
- Set Quantity:24-count
- Packaging:Metal tin
- Blending & Layering:Blendable and layerable with soft formulation
- Additional Feature:Non-permanent pigment allows adjustment
- Additional Feature:Softer formulation enables quick transfer
- Additional Feature:Break-resistant hexagonal barrel
Derwent Inktense 100 Watercolor Pencils Art Set
Artists, fashion designers, and card making enthusiasts will find their ideal match with Derwent’s Inktense 100 Watercolor Pencils Art Set. You’ll appreciate the 100 highly pigmented shades housed in a convenient 3-layer storage tin. Each pencil features a 4mm core and round barrel that you can handle comfortably for extended work sessions. The firm texture lets you create intricate details without compromising precision. You can blend these water-soluble pencils with water for stunning ink-like effects, or use them dry for detailed drawings. Layer colors freely without affecting underlying shades. Pair them with Derwent water brushes and Inktense watercolor paper to maximize results. This premium set delivers permanent, indelible color for all your creative projects.
- Water Solubility:Water soluble with permanent pigment
- Core Size:4mm core
- Barrel Shape:Round
- Set Quantity:100-count
- Packaging:3-layer storage tin
- Blending & Layering:Layerable without affecting base color
- Additional Feature:100 highly pigmented shades
- Additional Feature:Firm texture for detail work
- Additional Feature:3-layer storage tin organization
Derwent Academy Watercolour 36 Tin
For those just beginning your watercolor journey, Derwent Academy Watercolour 36 Tin offers an accessible entry point without compromising quality. You’ll appreciate the easy-to-grip hexagonal barrels and high-quality 2.9mm cores that deliver smooth application every time. The set’s 36 vibrant colors blend and dissolve effortlessly, allowing you to create beautiful washes with just a wet brush. You can easily identify each color at the pencil’s top, streamlining your creative process. The durable metal tin keeps all your pencils organized and protected, making it perfect for studio work or on-the-go projects. Whether you’re sketching designs or painting detailed compositions, you’ll find this set reliable and versatile for developing your watercolor skills.
- Water Solubility:Water soluble for dissolving with wet brush
- Core Size:2.9mm core
- Barrel Shape:Hexagonal (6.9mm)
- Set Quantity:36-count
- Packaging:Durable metal tin
- Blending & Layering:Colors blend and dissolve easily
- Additional Feature:Extra-large 6.9mm grip barrel
- Additional Feature:Easy color identification system
- Additional Feature:Beginner-friendly formulation
Derwent Watercolour Pencils Set of 12
If you’re seeking a watercolor medium that offers precision without the mess of traditional paints, Derwent Watercolour Pencils in this 12-color set won’t disappoint. You’ll appreciate how these 3.4mm core pencils give you superior control compared to watercolor pans, making them ideal for accurate, detailed work. You can use them wet or dry depending on your preference—sharpen them to a point for intricate details or apply them with water for softer effects. The soft texture blends effortlessly, and the subtle palette suits landscapes, seascapes, and traditional artwork perfectly. Whether you’re working en plein air or in your studio, you’ll find these pencils deliver versatility with minimal mess.
- Water Solubility:Water soluble, wet or dry use
- Core Size:3.4mm core
- Barrel Shape:Not specified
- Set Quantity:12-count
- Packaging:Not specified
- Blending & Layering:Soft textured for easy blendability
- Additional Feature:Subtle palette for landscapes
- Additional Feature:Less mess than paint
- Additional Feature:Soft textured for blending
Derwent WaterColour Pencils 72 Count Metal Tin
The 72-count metal tin delivers professional-grade versatility for artists who crave both dry and wet applications in a single medium. You’ll access an expansive color palette within a durable, portable container that protects your investment. Each pencil features a sturdy 3.4mm core and hexagonal barrel, ensuring precision control whether you’re working dry or dampening your paper. You can layer bold hues, create delicate watercolor washes, or blend with wetted tips for rich textures. The water-soluble pigment allows you to adjust your work even after drying, giving you unparalleled flexibility throughout your creative process.
- Water Solubility:Water soluble with non-permanent pigment
- Core Size:3.4mm core
- Barrel Shape:Hexagonal
- Set Quantity:72-count
- Packaging:Metal tin
- Blending & Layering:Blendable and layerable with adjustable pigment
- Additional Feature:Largest color selection available
- Additional Feature:Dampened paper creates soft edges
- Additional Feature:Premium break-resistant construction
Derwent Graphitint Pencils Metal Tin 24 Count (0700803)
Artists who want to blend graphite’s precision with subtle color will find their ideal match in Derwent Graphitint Pencils. These soft, smooth pencils deliver a hint of color when applied dry, then transform into vibrant hues when wet. You’ll appreciate their blendability, which lets you create nuanced shifts and layered effects. The 24-count metal tin keeps your pencils protected and portable. Whether you’re sketching, layering, or experimenting with mixed media, you can easily modify or erase your work with water and a soft eraser. They’re versatile enough for all skill levels and perfect for expanding your artistic toolkit.
- Water Solubility:Water soluble (dry hint of color, vibrant when wet)
- Core Size:Not specified
- Barrel Shape:Not specified
- Set Quantity:24-count
- Packaging:Durable metal tin
- Blending & Layering:Blendable for range of soft hues
- Additional Feature:Removable with soft eraser
- Additional Feature:Hint of color dry
- Additional Feature:Maintains graphite integrity
Factors to Consider When Choosing Derwent Watercolor Pencils
When you’re selecting Derwent watercolor pencils, you’ll want to evaluate how core size and barrel design affect your grip and control, along with the pigment’s permanence and durability for archival-quality work. You should also assess water solubility and blending capabilities to determine whether the pencils achieve the effects you’re seeking, while considering the color range available and whether it matches your palette needs. Finally, you’ll need to test break resistance and sharpening performance to guarantee the pencils withstand regular use without compromising quality.
Core Size and Barrel Design
Selecting the right core size and barrel design shapes how well you’ll control your Derwent watercolor pencils across different artistic applications. Core sizes typically range from 2.9mm to 4mm, each serving distinct purposes. Finer 2.9mm cores excel at precision work, enabling you to capture intricate details and smaller features with accuracy. Thicker 4mm cores deliver smoother applications and bolder color deposits, intensifying vibrancy in your artwork. The hexagonal barrel design, commonly featured in Derwent pencils, provides ergonomic comfort and enhanced control during detailed drawing sessions. You’ll find that balancing core size with barrel shape greatly impacts versatility across various techniques. Consider your artistic style—choose finer cores for detailed illustrations and thicker cores for broader, more expressive strokes.
Pigment Permanence and Durability
The longevity of your Derwent watercolor pencil artwork hinges on pigment permanence—how well colors resist fading and maintain their vibrancy over time. Derwent’s high-quality formulations deliver superior color stability, ensuring your work withstands light exposure and moisture without deteriorating.
You’ll find that some watercolor pencils use non-permanent pigments, which offer flexibility for adjustments and layering after application. However, if permanence matters for your final piece, prioritize Derwent’s professional-grade options designed for lasting finishes.
Water solubility characteristics also influence durability. Once dried, certain Derwent formulations resist re-activation, locking colors in place. Consider how pigments interact with your chosen surface—paper quality greatly affects color durability and overall appearance, making surface selection as important as pencil choice.
Water Solubility and Blending
Because water transforms Derwent watercolor pencils from dry pigment delivery systems into fluid painting tools, understanding their solubility becomes essential to your artistic choices. You’ll appreciate how these pencils offer remarkable versatility—apply them dry for precise detail work, then activate with moisture to create seamless blends and luminous washes. When you work on damp paper, pigments transfer quickly, producing soft edges and rich textures that dry applications can’t achieve alone. The beauty lies in their adjustability: once layers dry, you can reactivate them with water for additional layering without permanent commitment. By mastering both wet and dry techniques, you gain complete control over your artwork’s final appearance, adapting your approach to match each creative vision.
Color Range and Palette
Your mastery of wet and dry techniques opens new possibilities, but realizing your artistic vision depends equally on the colors you’ve got available. Derwent’s extensive color range guarantees you’ll find the precise shades you need without compromising your creative direction.
You’ll benefit from sets that pair lighter tints with deeper tones, allowing you to create everything from delicate washes to striking, bold lines. The highly pigmented formulations deliver vibrant colors that command visual impact, elevating your finished pieces.
What truly sets Derwent apart is the ability to layer colors without disturbing underlying hues—essential for building depth and complexity. You can also blend shades to develop custom tones, substantially expanding your effective palette beyond what the set initially offers. This versatility transforms how you approach color mixing and composition.
Break Resistance and Sharpening
Since watercolor pencils endure constant pressure during sharpening and application, you’ll want a break-resistant core that withstands regular use without crumbling or snapping. Derwent’s larger core diameter provides superior durability compared to thinner alternatives, meaning you’ll replace pencils less frequently and save money over time.
The hexagonal barrel shape aids grip during sharpening, preventing slippage and ensuring precise control. You’ll appreciate how easily Derwent pencils sharpen while maintaining structural integrity, which is essential for detailed work requiring fine points.
Regularly checking sharpness enhances your blending and layering performance. A well-maintained point allows you to apply consistent pressure and achieve seamless color shifts. Invest in a quality sharpener to maximize your Derwent pencils’ longevity and creative potential.
Surface Compatibility and Versatility
One of the standout features of Derwent watercolor pencils is their adaptability across diverse surfaces. You can use them on paper, fabric, and canvas, giving you flexibility across multiple projects. Their strong core pigments and water-soluble properties perform exceptionally well when you blend techniques across different materials.
The versatility extends further when you combine wet and dry applications. You’ll achieve softer edges and richer blends by working on dampened surfaces, while dry techniques enable precise detail work. This dual capability makes them suitable for various artistic styles you might explore.
Consider permanence levels when selecting pencils for specific projects. Some Derwent options offer permanent pigments after drying, while others remain non-permanent, affecting longevity and project suitability. Understanding these differences guarantees you choose the right pencils for your intended artistic application.
Storage and Packaging Options
Once you’ve settled on the right pencils for your artistic needs, protecting and organizing them becomes the next consideration. Many Derwent sets come housed in durable metal tins that safeguard your pencils while keeping them portable. You’ll appreciate how these tins feature compartments and layers that secure each pencil, preventing damage during transport or storage.
The packaging design makes color identification effortless—simply check the top of each pencil to locate your desired shade quickly. Larger sets offer enhanced storage capabilities, accommodating not just pencils but also blending tools and waterbrushes. These metal containers withstand regular wear and tear, making them ideal if you frequently travel or work across different locations. You’re investing in both protection and convenience when you choose sets with thoughtful packaging.
