I work in watercolour and acrylic ink. I use a light silver grey watercolour pencil to sketch with rather than a lead pencil - so it just melts away as I paint. This was a very informative video. I might pick up a couple Inktense pencils and experiment.
Thanks for a clear explanation of the difference between watercolor and inktense pencils. Without understanding each type, it was difficult to make a decision between the two.
I love both watercolor pencils and the ink tense pencils. I use them according to the type of painting and effect I am aiming for. I love how the inktense dries permanent and you can go back and layer lots of colors. If you like the inktense pencils then I highly recommend the inktense blocks. They are awesome and so versatile. I painted on a t-shirt using the blocks and it was beautiful, bright and permanent! Have fun with them!
Ooooh, this is very useful because I was "on the verge of" buying some Derwent Inktense. Now, after an INKorrect decision not made, I will get my Watercolor's Thank you
I have a totally different experience when I use Inktense pencils! I love them! Every video I've watched shows the pencil being added to the paper directly in its dry form! If you want really great blending with Inktense, you must not touch the pencil directly to the paper! You absolutely can get soft effects from Inktense. It depends upon how much ink you apply with your brush. I'm teaching my own method of using Inktense and my students are having spectacular results.
That's great! Though its also good to use perhaps in both ways - that is - the manner in which you are teaching to get the softer ink paint effects (and no pencil lines, especially if they are layered down quite heavily, where they tend not to absorb with water at times) .... but also, if one does WANT some more detailing, adding the pencil direct to your artwork is also an excellent way of doing this (both in the under-painting, and/or on top of the 'wash', once its dried - or even pencil direct on wet, though tends to 'blur' more) ..... best of both worlds?
Thank you for explaining each one of them! I LOVE them both, I will buy first the watercolors, then the Inktense. I see I can use them both in the same project :)
I love both. When one learns their product like you said you can even interchange them. I love mixed media and just got ahold of some artbars and the inktense bars. I am very excited about this. I don't know if the metallics still come with new inktense pencils. Maybe someone else knows. And I love the pitt pen combination or just my watercolors. They paint themselves. Thank you for the demonstration.
Yes, I totally agree with everything you said about the pencils by derwent. I love both of them but I am drawn just a tad bit more to the inktense because my favorite thing of all to draw are flowers and I love bright and vibrant colors. Thanks for the comparison video and I am often asked by my artist friends about these and I will refer them to your video.
I hadn't heard of Inktense pencils until yesterday, and the reviews either say the colors are bright and vivid or the colors are too light. Thank you for giving me a "review" that actually demonstrates the intensity of each so I could make up my own mind about the kind of results to expect.
I have sketched for years now but I've never used watercolour pencils before and your video has helped a lot in understanding how they work and what type would suit me more. Thank you so much. :-)
Yeah... I just bought a packet of 24 with the normal watercolour pencils, the inktense pencils and the inktense blocks and I got them in the Derwent museum shop in Keswick and they where only £16
What an amazingly soothing video that was and I like your voice too. It's interesting seeing those two pics side by side. I use Inktense pencils for colouring books as a rule but now tend to find I'm not adding water to them, which - I guess, defeats the object. However, some of the colours in that range are amazing and not found in their Coloursoft range, for example. I can think of Hot Red and Bright Blue off the top of my head. I agree about the streaking effect as well although a pic I coloured in looked more like an impressionist painting with the Bright Blue er..wash..in the background (I'm no good at backgrounds) but I liked the effect it gave, which is kinda weird because I was expecting to dislike it. That's the effect Inktense pencils have on me, plus the fact the Derwent factory is only about 45 miles away from where I live. Apparently, they make 1 million pencils A WEEK and only use about 4 pigments for all of them (mixed together). Amazing, eh? Biggest range of pencils in the world I'm proud to say (and, no, I don't work there), more's the pity! Sorry for the ramble but I enjoyed your video very much and the best thing about it..you weren't patronising!🙂
+Jane Metcalfe Thank you for your amazing comment and compliments. I'm very happy you like my video. Where in England do you love? That's a lot of pencils in one week. Congrats to Derwent for their success. I agree with you about the backgrounds. These pencils make a nice washed background, even if that wasn't your original intention. For more detailed backgrounds, I usually use regular colored pencils, or go with acrylic paints. Anyway, thanks again for dropping by!
Thank you for this video. It really showed the differences but the problem is that I now want BOTH because the soft effects are nice and the vibrant effects are nice as well! Hopefully I can find them on sale one day. Thank you again! :)
This is a great tutorial. I actually trying to buy one of them two medium. I love bright intense colors and painting. I think I'll buy Inktense first and then Watercolors...thank you
Thank you so much for this ☺️ I've been fascinated with water colors and I wanted to try it out.. And this helps a lot. I think I'm gonna go for the watercolor one ~ I like how soft it looks ^^
This video was so helpful. I have both pencils but needed to see the different outcome when used in a similar drawing. Your voice is so calm and clear (appreciated since I'm Swedish ;) ). I will definitely watch more of your videos!
I have the 72 set of Inktense. I usually apply them wet on wet, extracting the pigment from the pencil to a wet brush. I've found it's easier to control this way. You can always go darker but never lighter with Inktense. Using 140# Strathmore 400 mixed media or 400 Bristol. I've used the 350# strathmore but it's not necessary.
Thanks Brad for your great video working with both pencil sets, I'm doing some research as to which ones I'll buy, and your video was very helpful to show me what to expect. I like both, so it didn't help me to narrow down my decision LOL!!! May be it's a YES to both sets. thanks again.
@@BradSimpsonArt Well I kept on researching, eventually settling on Faber-Castell's Albrecht Durer. But thanks again for your video because we can find out so much more these days before we even buy. Cheers
I wonder what you mean.. I love both, inktense, and Pastelmat, too. But I am not able to layer them on white Pastelmat, light over dark doesn‘t work at all?! And another point is that water spreads on Pastelmat, it’s blooming, although I am using a small amount of water
@@emilyerdbeere9210 I am mainly a watercolor artist and I always start with the lightest colors and than layer it to the the darker tones. So I didn't say that it's possible to layer light on dark colors. And yes the color spreads. It depends on the style you wanna go for. I am not that hyperrealistic clean edgy painter. I love creative flow on my pieces....loose...washed...I think everyone has to find a combination of paper and tools which matches his/her own style. Sorry if my comment misleads you in your experiments.
@@kreativeReise Thank you for answering 😀 I am a bloody beginner in painting with watercolours, normally oil, so I have to practice. It is not that easy… because I am not able to correct areas and that makes me nervous 😅. Although… found out that on Pastelmat light grey paper I can wash out and remove the colour almost completely. You can’t destroy this paper. Do you use white or light grey? You are right, the effect if water spreads is interesting. I don’t want to create a realistic paint, can do this with my oilpaint. I have to learn how to control water. Do you use fixative for your watercolour paintings? Pastelmat surface gets dusty and I hate the toxic fumes of fixative but don’t know how to prevent the surface from dust
@@emilyerdbeere9210 As a beginner it is easier to start on good watercolor paper to receive good results. Choose a cotton paper...maybe buy some different papers as single sheets to try out which paper feels best for you. For watercontrol I found this vid helpful ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-MG7WfJ4vsoY.html I use both papers. If I like to create darker scences with light effects I use the grey one for bright pieces the white one. I often use fixative when using pencils or pastels (always when dusky things are on the top layer), because I don't want the picture to be ruined by mistake. I go on my balcony to do so because I don't like it my room. Except it rains cats and dogs. When I paint with watercolors or fully dissolved inktenses I don't use it. And you can make it easier for yourself when you inform yourself about the colors you will use. For the fear in the beginning it's maybe better for you to choose non staining colors which you can remove easy if you are unsatisfied with an area.
@@kreativeReise thank you, a very helpful tutorial about controlling water! And you are right, the paper is very important. Want to try arches, but have to save. Yesterday I tried my white Pastelmat again. I love this feeling of the velvety surface. I created a wonderful cloudy background, had so much fun! Unfortunately Pastelmat is also really expensive. And anyway, I have you noticed the quality of the white Pastelmat changed… The surface of the last two blocks was more rough and peeled off when I painted wet on wet
I disagree with the information you've provided here. First you say they are applied the same, by rubbing the pencil on the paper, then going back to add the water. In reality, there are as many ways to apply Inktense colors. I mostly use an Aqua brush and find that by just touching the tip of it to the pencil, then filling in a shape, allowing it to dry and adding several layers both intensifies the Inktense painting, and adds a dimensional quality to the painting with Inktense. When I rub the Inktense on the paper with the pencil or bar, then add water, there is a grainy look to the painting. I've never had watercolor paper or a 400 grade mixed media paper get a hole in it by using this method. I hope you keep experimenting with Inktense because it truly is a wonderful way to paint. To see some of my Inktense paintings you can look me up on fineartamerica.com
thanks nice video...I recently got the 72 tin watercolour pencils by derwent in india...I really want to create something but am having trouble in color theory
What size set of intense pencils would yo recommend me getting I already have the derwent watercolor pencil set of 36 or 72 I can not remember exactlywich one. I wanted to get some intense pencils and I'm not sure where to start
I like the Derwents. Have you reviewed Dr. Martin's Hydrus product? I'm very interested in what you have to say about those before I invest in them. Thanks for your videos and sharing all your experience and knowledge!
Thanks for the great comparison video Brad! I love seeing the results compared and love both, depending on whether i want the more 'muted/washed' out colours, or more 'pop in your face'! ... and I love the idea of being able to overlay the 'permanent' inktense layers, which is also great, especially if needing to fix a mistake, by 'painting' over with the white pencil/ink (very opaque if made into a liquid ink before application, rather than applying the pencil directly) - and restarting an area/or modifying ..... but there are some issues with permanency (see Brenda Morgado's comment below, and your reply and my replies) - and this is found in quite a few other videos too. Paper could have been a factor, but when inktense 'does' work as its supposed to (see Lisa's Lachri Fine Art channel), I'm not sure what's going on, because she also uses a watercolour paper, though admittedly, it is a very smooth watercolour paper (as Brenda did, in using a smooth paper and she will be testing it out on a rougher watercolour paper such as yours I think), so very interested to know the result. There seem to be quite a few variables that may affect the result and its getting confusing (I'm waiting on my set to try for myself)...... Another tip Lisa gave, because, like you, she too, noted how fast Inktense dried, leaving streaky areas ... and her partial solution to this was to quickly use a 'blending mop' type paint brush over the area to smooth those streaks out as much as possible before it fully dried (though she did hers painting sea-blue water, so it didn't matter as much either because it actually gave a great affect, like the clouds in the sky you mentioned. If you have any other comments/tip re: this (and comments below), I'd be very keen to know Thanks again for this fantastic comparison :-)
PS - Re the quality of the Derwent WaterColour pencils - do you have any thoughts? They look great when you use them, of course! I'm a 'derwent gal' 8-) having been brought up with Derwent all my life in aussie down-under, with an English-born mother, and loyal to them (though exploring other brands too), but am collecting many/all of their products especially as they have such a huge range and some of their ranges are very unique to the pencil world (eg water-soluble graphitint [subtly tinted graphite], the muted, earthy tones of the 'Drawing' set, the water-soluble tinted charchoal, art bars, and others) - However, I need to make a decision about the watercolour pencils (I know they have their professional artist grade range, and the student 'Academy' range,which are much cheaper, but I've seen a few comparison video tests of the Derwent Artist grade Watercolour pencils relative to several other brands, and while they compared quite well, they weren't the best, and in fact, some much cheaper ones came out better (eg Micador watercolour pencils,an Australian manufacturer/product, aimed primarily at kids, but some adult products). .. prismacolour also came out better, as did, of course, Caran de Ache (I think that's what its called/spelled) ..some of these other videos also showed that the initial pencil lines simply did not dissolve fully, and could not be 'erased' after activating with water (thus, almost permanent there in terms of underlying pencil) - and the tones were not as vibrant (although that is a common theme with Derwent; their colours seem to be of a more 'natural' nature, great for landscapes, etc), rather than 'pop in your face' colours (except inktense), such as which you might find with Prismacolor premier and other pencils. Do you have any thoughts on this? Have you tried other watercolour pencils? There seems to be many variables involved, especially paper quality and type. I do have some watercolour pencils, but didn't have enough budget at the time, and took a risk on some cheaper watercolour pencils, and after watching an 'inktense' how-to' video by Derwent, I simply followed that in trying them out (never having used watercolour pencils before), not expecting such a bright result, but oh my - these were fantastic; colour popped, but they could also be muted and be more transluscent depending on the amount water used of course, and there were lighter colours in the set. It was a 72 set by Colore for $19.95 on Amazon; no, not sponsored, just a lucky pick - have yet to test them all out though and its difficult when don't have anything to directly compare them with, other than videos). I LOVE water-soluble media, and one day, hope to have many different ones to review - but Derwent, very keen to know the thoughts of an expert? Thank you again. (and apologies for lengthy comment; having trained as a writer, and written a looooooong PhD thesis, I seem to have issues with keeping it short! lol) eek!
Derwent are the only brand I've come across here in Texas. I usually shop at Hobby Lobby or Michaels and I've been very pleased with Derwent. I would love to try other brands, as well.
I think a mop brush could really help eliminate streaks. But the challenge would be the mop brush absorbing too much of the water, and therefore the pigment, which could also leave unwanted spots. It's definitely doable though, with a little finesse.
Hi, enjoyed watching your demonstration of the two watercolour pencils. I have both. I find when I add water to them, on the paper, they tend to get a little grainy, forming tiny grains that look like dirt on the paper. Perhaps you could tell me what I am doing wrong.
Hi Sue! What kind of paper are you using? When you add too much water to a thin-grade paper you'll end up with a grainy texture, or even peeling of the paper. I would recommend the heaviest grade paper you can find, and spend the extra money on a higher quality paper. It's true, you get what you pay for.
Sue Leatherdale They are not both watercolor pencils. Watercolor pencils are one thing and Inktense is water soluble ink pencils. They are two very different things.
Hi , I just bought the full set of Inktense and I have an issue ......many claim that inktense is permanent and after it is dry and you come back with another color that the colors will not mix Right ? You said it as well but this is false by my experience.. started some water Lillie’s first base colors came back next morning to add more colors and when I added water to test the truth that it would stay in place but instead it did not stay in place . I could brush water my wet brush over the day before’ s colors and they smeared as if freshly laid how can that be are mind defective?
Hmmmm, I've never experienced this in my time using Derwent Inktense. Maybe the type of paper your using? Does it have a glossy finish or some grain or tooth to it? These kinds of pencils were created to be like ink, thus the name. Ink is generally permanent once it dries; you may be able to get a little "run" out of it by applying a LOT of water, but not nearly as much as you are describing. In fact, this quote is from the Derwent Art Blog: "Derwent Inktense pencils, indeed, have ink in the lead and will be permanent once dry." So yes, it's a possibility your set is simply defective. If you are displeased with the product, you should try to get your money back. It's a shame you ran into this snag. Thank you for watching, and thanks for the question.
#BrendaMorgado I have heard this issue about the lack of permanency claims for inktense many times, but from watching Lisa (Lachri Fine arts) and a couple of other vids - the inks are generally permanent - as long as the pencils are completely washed out with water. That is - if there are still some pencil lines left, which have not been activated by water (after you've 'finished' a section), that remaining pencil will still activate with water later - but the part which has already been blended by water, will not/should not reactivate. Its only permanent when there are no dry pencil marks remaining, if that makes sense? Hoping that helps, as I'm just going by video tutorials and tips at the moment, and am about to buy the inktense set, but oh gosh - want the watercolour pencils too! ... and waiting for a 24set of the inktense bars, because its getting expensive, but i've heard also that the bars can go a long way, in terms of mixing a lot more colours from a small set, especially if using them like an ink (eg scratch off some of the 'bar'/chalk on a sandpaper block, and mix with water first into a pallette, before application (or even create ink sprays in bottles).... hmmmm. Shall be interesting and fun!
#BradWSimpson see my comment above re: permanency of inktense and why some of it can be reactivated later and how to avoid this - there are a lot of 'tips and tricks' with using inktense, relative to watercolours, being different mediums (Lisa of Lachri Fine Arts has some wonderful advice on using this medium, and TheFrugalCrafter I see, is also doing a lot more inktense tutorials - of course, paper could make a difference too, but not sure how it might relate to 'permanency' (except maybe 'bleeding'??) - thanks for a great comparison - I really needed to know this in my choices :)
Megan , I think Brad could be right think it could be my Canson Smooth paper ...Going to try again on good watercolor paper . Good luck with yours . I am a art supply junkie and I am wanting the bars as well LOL
#BrendaMorgado Hi :) Thanks for the reply - yes, you may be right; it could be the paper, and I did mention it as a possibility in a a response to Brad too, underneath my initial comment to you ..... I'm interested in the outcome if you would be keen to share??. I only mentioned this here because this issue has been so common with inktense penciils ... Wow, dillema! This is interesting, given that others have found that they are great, because, in being so 'permanent - they also a very forgiving medium - if one makes a mistake, one can simply create a 'white ink' and paint it over the top and its quite opaque and start that section again (with no muddiness or blending of underlaying colours) - I've watched it on video, so its not just a comment and it works). But then, someone in another video (who had no idea what inktense was, nor that it was 'supposed' to be permanent), compared it with Prismacolor's watercolour pencils, and conclusion ... dadadaaaaaaa ...... the Inktense were much better for lifting the colour off the paper once 'painted' on .... compared to the 'non-permanent' watercolour pencil!! omg lol 8-) Admittedly, she did do this while the ink was still wet, but still - I had to giggle and really wanted to tell her to research more about what inkense is 'supposed' to do/be. Hopefully she has by now as I can't remember who it was - great vid though! ..... There is also another video titled: - 'Inktense the hidden truth. Inktense claims finally tested' by ColoringKaria - that too showed it lifting off the paper despite claims of permanency. What a dilemma - Lisa of Lachri Fine Arts is obviously doing something quite different to get the results intended, and has now done, as you may know, the artwork covers for the new inktense tins by Derwent!! So she knows her stuff and her artwork is brilliant ... The paper she often tends to use is - Fabriano Artistico Extra White Hot Press, Smooth, 300gsm (140pound) WaterColour Paper (looooooong name there!! lol ..... another dilemma - the paper she uses is extra smooth!! Hmmmmm (she has many other tips though) What is THE trick(s) for 'permanency? I can't wait to get my set to try this out for myself too.... and I think this needs to be more fully addressed, so people can really benefit from these great products (I wonder if i can message Lisa somehow, with all these findings, and ask how she does it, tips and tricks; what she thinks about the permanency etc which she does achieve ..Many of these tips she's discovered by accident and i wish I knew them all ...... There appears to be many variables - how much pencil used; how the pencil is used (dry on dry; dry on wet; wet on wet etc), if the pencil is even used (ink creation); amount of time left for it to dry and if it is fully dry; if there is any dry pencil left after 'water activation', which can then be reactivated later etc etc etc. (and that's not even mentioning the bars!) Goodness me! So yes, I would certainly be interested in your paper test outcomes. I know Lisa's smooth (long name!) paper does work (and it is watercolour paper sized), so if you have also tried a smooth paper, with different results, hmmmm .... and will be trying a different watercolour paper - I'd be very very interested. ...... Thanks so much Brenda, from a fellow art junkie (oh my purse, groan!) :-)
Thank you so much. I appreciate your subscription. I use all kinds of brushes, depending on the subject. I generally use a small flat brush for pastures and mountains, and a larger brush for bigger skies or bodies of water.
vas123 You ca use Inktense pencils on any thick-grade paper or card-stock. Watercolor paper is designed specifically for water-based painting, but any thick paper will do as long as it has a little texture or "tooth." Hope this helps.
Both would work equally well, I think. Inktense pencils will be a little bolder, while watercolor pencils will be softer. For both, be sure to use a thick grade paper that can take the water and won't buckle. Thank you for watching.
There is no comparison between Watercolor pencils and Inktense. Watercolor is pigment, Inktense is water soluble ink. You can't compare pigment and ink. They are two different thimgs. One is lightfast, one is permanant. While they go down the same way that is where it ends. That is why Inktense colors are so alive and vibrant, they're ink. You are doing a big disservice comparing the two because there is no comparing. That's like comparing an apple to a pork chop. They're both food, you eat them both the same way and they both fill you up. But one is a fruit and one is meat, two different things. You are confusing the users. Inktense should be compared to pens, not watercolor pencils. Kathy B.
This is a great tutorial. I actually trying to buy one of them two medium. I love bright intense colors and painting. I think I'll buy Inktense first and then Watercolors...thank you
