I really like them both. The Derwents have a "buttery" feel as they go along the paper. I have spent a small fortune on art supplies and have found that in a large set I tend to return to the same few colors.
Now that I know my own heart's palette, I buy replacements one at a time. If I want to try something new, I also buy a few singles in my favorite colors before taking the plunge. I agree with Diane on the Inktense Pencils (I have a little drawing on my gallery using those and pen). The Prismacolor Verithin Pencils keep a point longer. If you can, go to a good art store and play with them before you buy.
When I teach I use Crayola class packs of both colored pencils and watercolor pencils and get good results with them, too. In the end, I think you chose wisely on the Derwents.
And thanks, Diane, for the tip on the Prismacolor sharpener-- didn't know there was one!
Nov 19, 2009 Rating
Derwent colored Pencils by: Bonny
Derwent is a good name. I have several types of their pencils but not the Studio Colour ones.Derwent watersoluble pencil crayons are fun! I have several of those types.
The Inktense watersoluble pencils are really intense. You lay down the colour and wet them slightly with a paintbrush loaded (not overly wet) wth water. The colour changes into ink tones and when dry they are permanent. They change from great dry colours to really intense when they have been touched with water.
The Graphitint Pencils are more muted in colour, especially when they are used dry. The composition of the crayon has colour pigment mixed with graphite (like a lead pencil), hence the name. When touched with water some of the colours change in unexpected ways. I always do a page of testing colours - make colour swatches - to keep as reference.
I also have the Colour Soft pencil crayons. These are not water soluble and are just used dry. They are soft and creamy and lay on good colour but I do find they don't stay sharp very long and need to be sharpened frequently. Some people may find this to be a problem.
You get used to it, though.
Nov 19, 2009 Rating
Prismacolor Pencils by: Diane
Hi Gloria! Derwent is a good name. You shouldn't have any trouble with them. Although I haven't tried them, I do have some of their watercolour pencils & love their Inktense Pencils
The most popular brand, I find amongst artists, are the Prismacolor Pencil (Prismacolor Scholar are a good student brand), although they are more pricy than most.
Myself, I think they are well worth the money & use them mostly. But, by the same token another favourite brand of mine is a Canadian brand, "Laurentian", which is very inexpensive ...just goes to show you that you don't always have to pay an arm & a leg for quality materials.
Word of advice...if you ever get this brand, spend the extra few bucks for a Prismacolor Pencil Sharpener, as they break easily.
I like my Laurentians when I want a sharper point, as the core is much harder & sharpens well. I hope this has been of some help....but, most of all....Have FUN!
