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the quality of your tools DOES matter.... yeah, I know it's an obvious truism. I used to be a nail technician, so I KNOW, first hand how true it really is. BUT, it would appear I forgot until now.
I stumbled across some nicer color pencils (nicer than the crayolas I have been using) for a STEAL! 24 colors for $10. It was too good to pass up. They're DerWent's, if that means anything to anyone, and I'm pretty darn happy with them!
Why was I fighting with those stupid crayola's?? My freakin' shoulder hurt this morning from trying to make them "work." Just goes to show, your tools really do matter!
PS I give you all permission to ask me if I am being cheap, and stressing myself out over something that can't work!
I love my Derwents. They are so easy to use. I started out with Prismacolors but
over half of my 120 set just will not blend well. I thought I was doing something wrong!
Then I read here that others were also having some difficulties so they are sitting
unloved on a shelf. Now that I have the Derwents I have got back to coloring again...
I like that Enjoy your new set!!
It's so nice to see people on your side of the Atlantic enjoying Derwent pencils! They're an old UK company (established 1832) and they still have a pencil factory in the beautiful English Lake District. There's a visitor centre there which is (perhaps surprisingly - I mean a pencil is a pencil, right?) really interesting!
They do a whole range of pencil types - I'm guessing the OP has the Coloursoft ones since they're most like the Prismacolors in terms of being blendable with OMS etc. If you're looking for a watersoluble pencil, I have plenty of friends who swear by Inktense. I had a little go with these in the "play area" of the factory and was really surprised to find they're a watercolour pencil as the colour is so intense.
I have a mix of Derwent Coloursoft, older Prismacolor and a set of Lyra Skintone and I love all of them!
If you want to spend a little time being a Derwent pencil geek, their web site has lots of stuff about pencils and a hints and tips section too
I love Derwents too. I have a small set left over from my High School art days, and have recently added a bunch of colors. A lot of people don't like them because they are harder than Prismacolors, but I think they blend beautifully, and the colors are wonderful.
Derwent has several lines of pencils - which ones do you have, Kathy? the Coloursoft are soft and not so waxy as Prismacolors - the Artist and Studio lines do have a harder lead.
I have the Colorsoft pencils and find they are a nice fit for my big hands. I've been
wanting to try the Intense pencils too. The posts I've read about them are all very
positive. I've seen the gorgeous coloring some have did with them and think they
are a nice addition to the rest of the pencils. Coloring is fun!!!
I have both the Colour soft and the Prismacolor Premier colored pencils.
I LOVE my Prismacolor pencils! I have had them for about 12 years and just keep using them whenever I want to color without too much effort, which to me, means not having to check through all my Copics to find the right colors I need, LOL! Just lazy, I guess.
:oops:
I did find the Colour soft a bit harder than the Prismacolors, though I do like them.
One problem I have found with the Prismacolors is that certain colors tend to break easily when sharpened, like the Dark Green, especially. :( I have never quite understood why that is but I do love my Prismacolor pencils anyway.:grin:
__________________ "The smallest feline is a masterpiece".... Leonardo da Vince
I wanted to love my Prismacolors but it just isn't happening. I have 47 pencils out of
120 that were made in the USA. All the others were made in Mexico and those are
the pencils that have given me trouble. I finally got so frustrated that I put them
all aside and bought the Colorsoft. I'm happy that I did even if they don't have as
many colors as Prismacolors. Just wish I hadn't wasted my $$'s on the Prismacolors-
but who knew?!!
After reading all the posts about the derwent colored pencils, I'm thinking of giving them a try! I have alot of the prisma colored pencils,but agree with one of the above posters, about the blending. When I blend, I use my SU blender pen. Just curious about the derwent pencils, if I'm going to blend, do I have to use the watercolor ones, or can I use the colorsoft ones too? I thought that maybe it was me (operator error) in the blending.
I don't own a SU blender pen but I always thought it was used for watercolor pencils and
chalks. Now I could certainly be wrong about that. I have only used OMS with my Prisma
and Colorsoft pencils. I have tried a blender pencil but I have had better success with
the OMS and blending stumps. Hopefully someone who uses a SU blender pen can clarify
its uses for us. I've been known to get things arse backwards
Juble, there is a thread on SCS titled Prismacolor return policy - FYI. I haven't learned yet how to insert a link to the thread, but perhaps someone else would be so kind as to help with that process.
The thread contains a copy of a letter from the Sanford company (the maker of Prismacolors) explaining what process to follow if you have Prismas that won't blend. They state that they stand behind their product and will replace the pencils at no charge to you. They will even pick up the cost of shipping back the pencils, if you request it in your return.
Kitty14, I have read that if a certain pencil breaks repeatedly that it is most likely caused by the pencil having been dropped at some point. Some people have had success microwaving the pencil for a few seconds. Since the leads are wax the heating in the microwave sort of re-melts the lead back into a solid again, so that you can sharpen the pencil without breakage.
I just purchased Derwent Inktense pencils and I am still struggling to understand how to use them. I feel dumber than a box of rocks that I can't quite get the hang of them. If anyone knows of tutorials using these specific pencils, I would really appreciate having them sent my way!
I am glad to read that others like the Derwent Coloursoft pencils. I have Prismacolors, but due to problems others have had, will not buy the ones made in Mexico and was not sure how I'd eventually replace other colors. Now I will look at the Derwents when that time comes.
Juble, there is a thread on SCS titled Prismacolor return policy - FYI. I haven't learned yet how to insert a link to the thread, but perhaps someone else would be so kind as to help with that process.
The thread contains a copy of a letter from the Sanford company (the maker of Prismacolors) explaining what process to follow if you have Prismas that won't blend. They state that they stand behind their product and will replace the pencils at no charge to you. They will even pick up the cost of shipping back the pencils, if you request it in your return.
Kitty14, I have read that if a certain pencil breaks repeatedly that it is most likely caused by the pencil having been dropped at some point. Some people have had success microwaving the pencil for a few seconds. Since the leads are wax the heating in the microwave sort of re-melts the lead back into a solid again, so that you can sharpen the pencil without breakage.
I just purchased Derwent Inktense pencils and I am still struggling to understand how to use them. I feel dumber than a box of rocks that I can't quite get the hang of them. If anyone knows of tutorials using these specific pencils, I would really appreciate having them sent my way!
Thanks for that information Annie. If all their pencils are made in Mexico I
wonder if the replacements would be any better? Maybe there was a bad
batch that some of us got and now the pencils are made better. I guess
that is always possible. I'll check out that thread and see what I can do.
Thanks-Juble
Derwent has a lot of info on their website. Very easy to find on google or yahoo. They have quite a few videos and pdf info about their product.
I think they have a blender pencil and pen. Also a burnisher. (I don't understand the difference).
I used a prismacolor blender with the dewent pencils. I think the pic looks ok and the sun came up this morning. So far so good! ;) you might get a better finished product with a pencil from derwent. But I don't think the difference is discernable to my eye at this point.
I have:
Derwent Coloursoft, Inktense (a very different medium in my opinion, than regular colored pencils), and some watercolor pencils which I have never tried, I just found them in my stash of supplies - happy surprise!
Prismacolor Premier pencils - not the Verithins
Dick Blick artist pencils
And a few Pablo Caran d'Arche (1 supracolor II soft Caran d'Arche - don't know how that got mixed in, maybe a watercolor pencil..hmm)
I really like my Dick Blick and find them just as good as the "good" Prisma premier pencils but not as large of a color range. Super good price on these pencils.
My Coloursoft and Pablos are very similar but Colousoft are much better price than the pablos. I'm sort of confused about the comments that the Coloursofts are harder then the Prismas. Mine are softer, although not a lot softer. I wonder what is up with that?
If your leads are breaking while sharpening, make sure you have a nice sharp blade in your sharpener. Also try turning the sharpener instead of the pencil. I bought a battery operated Derwent pencil sharpener for around $10 from Dick Blick and am very happy with it, it has a 2 sharpeners in it, one for graphite and one for colored pencils. Works great. And good advice above on that if a pencil is dropped thAt it can break the leads internally. I have one pencil that I dropped and have a breakage problem with. I will have to try the microwave thing.
I have read on the fourms where people love their crayola and "kid" color pencils. I don't know if they have ever tried any other brands or not to compare the differences. I sort of thought the same way until I somehow came across a Derwent Colorsoft pencil. The difference was very striking. You don't know what your missing until you try something else
My Colorsoft pencils are softer than my Prismacolor pencils. Maybe there are more
issues with the Prismas than previously thought.
Jovian 7-thanks for the reminder for the pencil sharpener. I need a new one. I haven't had any trouble sharpening my Colorsofts but I sure did with the Prismas.
Sorry, I think I'm spelling Colorsoft wrong.....LOL!
I have most of the Artist pencils, a few Coloursoft. I actually prefer the harder pencils, especially for light colors.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dini
Derwent has several lines of pencils - which ones do you have, Kathy? the Coloursoft are soft and not so waxy as Prismacolors - the Artist and Studio lines do have a harder lead.
I have most of the Artist pencils, a few Coloursoft. I actually prefer the harder pencils, especially for light colors.
Now hang with me, I'm still in novice mode. Why do the harder pencils work better for the light colors? Easier to lay on more color:confused: (Yeah, I'm
probably reaching there...LOL!)
I just purchased Derwent Inktense pencils and I am still struggling to understand how to use them. I feel dumber than a box of rocks that I can't quite get the hang of them. If anyone knows of tutorials using these specific pencils, I would really appreciate having them sent my way!
Here in another link for how to use Inktense, it's not in english but it's self explanitory
Harder pencils do not apply as thick a layer of color as softer pencils, which is good for a very light background. I always color in a bit of 'shading' in a pretty blue or blue green around my images (Derwent Turquoise Blue is my favorite). Here's an example of what I am talking about: Watermelon Sugar: Sweet Angel
With a softer pencil I had to be very careful and lay down a tiny bit of color with light pressure so i wouldn't get a distinct 'line' where it should fade to the white of the paper. With the harder pencil, it's a lot easier because I don't have to be so careful. I'd have to really press hard to get a lot of color. Then when I blend with OMS, it smooths it out and easily fades into the white. Does that make sense?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Juble
Now hang with me, I'm still in novice mode. Why do the harder pencils work better for the light colors? Easier to lay on more color:confused: (Yeah, I'm
probably reaching there...LOL!)
Harder pencils do not apply as thick a layer of color as softer pencils, which is good for a very light background. I always color in a bit of 'shading' in a pretty blue or blue green around my images (Derwent Turquoise Blue is my favorite). Here's an example of what I am talking about: Watermelon Sugar: Sweet Angel
With a softer pencil I had to be very careful and lay down a tiny bit of color with light pressure so i wouldn't get a distinct 'line' where it should fade to the white of the paper. With the harder pencil, it's a lot easier because I don't have to be so careful. I'd have to really press hard to get a lot of color. Then when I blend with OMS, it smooths it out and easily fades into the white. Does that make sense?
Oh yes, I see what you mean. Thinking about it does make sense as softer
pencils put a thicker layer of color on. Thanks for that tip. Your card is so
lovely. (Sigh) I hope I can get that good someday but I still have a lot of
practicing to do!
Harder pencils do not apply as thick a layer of color as softer pencils, which is good for a very light background. I always color in a bit of 'shading' in a pretty blue or blue green around my images (Derwent Turquoise Blue is my favorite). Here's an example of what I am talking about: Watermelon Sugar: Sweet Angel
With a softer pencil I had to be very careful and lay down a tiny bit of color with light pressure so i wouldn't get a distinct 'line' where it should fade to the white of the paper. With the harder pencil, it's a lot easier because I don't have to be so careful. I'd have to really press hard to get a lot of color. Then when I blend with OMS, it smooths it out and easily fades into the white. Does that make sense?
Odorless Mineral Spirit - Gamsol is the most common brand in the US, some places carry Mona Lisa brand. You use it with paper stumps to blend the colour from your pencils. You can also use a tiny amount of baby oil or Goo Gone if you don't want to use the mineral spirit (some people are affected by the vapors from it).
Odorless Mineral Spirit - Gamsol is the most common brand in the US, some places carry Mona Lisa brand. You use it with paper stumps to blend the colour from your pencils. You can also use a tiny amount of baby oil or Goo Gone if you don't want to use the mineral spirit (some people are affected by the vapors from it).
HTH!
Gotcha. I do have some goo gone around the house, so I may give it a try to see if I like the results.
I got a little pen doo dad with gamsol or OMS in it yesterday.... (I'm such a non committer, lol)
I have to say OMG!!! so awesome.
and you guys were talking up the Derwent colorsofts, so I went on Amazon and found a set of 24 for $15 total. They just arrived about a half hour ago. I played with them and the gamsol/OMS together, and I am just so excited I can barely contain myself!!!! Double OMG!!
Thanks for sharing your wisdom and work.
(I really have got to stop buying stuff for a while, hubs is about to freak!)
I have quiet a lot of prismacolor pencils (about 70) and am very happy with them.
To blend i use baby oil as i cant get ahold of oms over here and it works just fine.
Ordered my first 80 copics today, will be interesting to see how I am going to like them. :cool:
I love my Derwent pencils! I have the fulll 132 piece collection of the Prismacolors, but those have been horribly neglected lately as I've become seriously addicted to my Inktense pencils. I've done a little dabbling with them with water, but I'm out of water color paper at the moment, so I've been using them with Zest-It (eco-friendly OMS) and I adore the results.
I posted this link in the Prismacolor thread, but I'll repeat it here because I just adore how the frogs came out.
They're totally Inktense, blended with Zest-It. They're even more vibrant in person.
I've got some of the Studio line of Derwents and love them as well. The coloursofts were in my cart at Blick, but I've since swapped them out for the Graphitints. They'll be mine eventually, I'm sure. I just love the quality that Derwent brings and the chunkier pencil in the Inktense and Colorsoft lines is comfortable and easy on the hands.
Well, went to M's and they had the Derwent pencil sets on buy one get one for the sets soo I got the colorsoft set of 12 and for FREE got the metallic set of 12, now I need to go play....LOL
Thanks again ladies, Gerry
__________________ 1 husband, 5 children, 10 grandchildren, Life is Good! IF ALL ELSE FAILS, I READ THE DIRECTIONS
Well, went to M's and they had the Derwent pencil sets on buy one get one for the sets soo I got the colorsoft set of 12 and for FREE got the metallic set of 12, now I need to go play....LOL
Thanks again ladies, Gerry
I saw that sale.... I tried to find someone to share the spoils with, but no luck! I want the metallic ones too. oh well, I will keep an eye out for a good deal on Amazon.
Blick has a set of water soluable metallic pencils from Caran D'Ache in their collection. It's in my cart with the Derwent Graphtints. I really do need to just bit the bullet and click "checkout"!
Colored Pencils-there really is a difference....
