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I'm trying to decide between SU and Prismacolor watercolor pencils - do you all have a preference and if so why? I want a 24 pencil set. And why is Prismacolor so much more expensive than other brands in the stores?Thanks, A-:confused:
I don't have watercolor pencils, but I do I have a set of prisma colored pencils that my brother lets me use (he has them because of school..graphic artist). Anyways, I did purchase a set of color wonder crayons, but ya know what, to be honest, the prisma and gamsol blending is SO much more me that they sit there. Can I ask if you like watercolor? With the prisma penils/gamsol technique everything is SO rich looking and I stink at coloring, but I can make the prisma colors do most of the work..even the brother artist is impressed (sometimes! HA!). But if you like water color look, then I am thinking, wait till Ms or ACM has a coupon and buy a set of the watercolors to see..they aren't too bad with the coupon..although, I have never tried the SU watercolor pencils..my 2 cents
If you are looking for a great set of watercolor pencils, I would recommend Albrecht Durer by Faber Castell. They are consistently rated the highest quality water soluable pencil by artists. I would also check Jerry's Artarama or Dick Blick, you can generally get good prices there. As to why good pencils are so expensive, isn't good everything so expensive? HA!
Prismas are great non water soluable colored pencils though and worth every sweet penny! And...my friend got a sewt at Joanns for $24.95 which doesn't seem like a steal until I tell you it was the 120 piece set! Woohoo!
Given a choice between SU watercolor pencils and Prismacolor Watercolor pencils, I'd choose the Prismacolor. I've had them for a really long time. Until I got SU WWC, I used them exclusively.
arent they 2 different types of pencils? i love my prismacolors to use with gamsol and i also have SU pencils to use with my blender pens. i think its 2 different looks..Wait for Michaels to have a coupon and use it for the prismacolors i got my set of 72 for 45.00 with the discount...
I haven't used the above brands, but I have used the Derwent brand for the last 10 years and absolutely love them. I also have SU's watercolor pencils,but have never used them except to demo. My Derwent's are far superior.
I also have the prismacolor colored pencils (not watercolor) and gamsol. I like using these also, but I like the convenience of being able to use my wc pencils with just water - not having to tote the gamsol.
Each technique has it's own look. Just depends on what I am looking for at the time.
I've never used the SU pencils but I'm totally with Kathy on the Derwents. I find them much more creamy and blendable and brighter than the Prismacolor WC pencils.
I have SU's water color pencils, Derwent's watercolor pencils and Prismacolor's watercolor pencils. Prefer Derwent first, then Prismacolor. Would not bother with SU's...unless you prefer their products exclusively. The SU pencils are not as nice in terms of color coverage and use, and they are limiting in range of colors available.
I have the SU water color pencils and don't use them anymore. I used them some in the beginning but I was frustrated with the limited colors. I have the wwc and like them better. If i decide to go back to watercolor pencils I will look into the Derwent after reading the posts here.
Another vote for Derwent! Prismacolor wasn't an option for watercolor pencils at my ACM (maybe just out that day?), so I picked up the Derwent's with a coupon - LOVE THEM!!!!!! I haven't tried the others, so I can't compare for you, but the Derwent's are really fun to work with. My only suggestion (watch out, I'm 'bout to enable) is to buy the biggest pack you can afford. because eventually you're going to realize that you need () more colors, and you don't want have to buy a second pack with duplicate colors. Have fun! (oh, and my kiddos love them, to!... they think it's so cool that they can color, and "paint," at the same time! - I bought them each an aquapen so they'd stop stealing mine! LOL!)
Another vote for Derwent! Prismacolor wasn't an option for watercolor pencils at my ACM (maybe just out that day?), so I picked up the Derwent's with a coupon - LOVE THEM!!!!!! I haven't tried the others, so I can't compare for you, but the Derwent's are really fun to work with. My only suggestion (watch out, I'm 'bout to enable) is to buy the biggest pack you can afford. because eventually you're going to realize that you need () more colors, and you don't want have to buy a second pack with duplicate colors. Have fun! (oh, and my kiddos love them, to!... they think it's so cool that they can color, and "paint," at the same time! - I bought them each an aquapen so they'd stop stealing mine! LOL!)
I have used both Derwent and Staedtler Karat. I HIGHLY recommend Staedtler instead. They come in a set of 60 colors max. You may not find them at craft stores, but if you are going to invest, buy Staedtler. They are much softer and blend much better. I bought a Staedtler 24 set and thought all colored pencils were the same. I bought a Derwent 72 set and couldn't believe the difference. I have never used them since and I'll be selling them soon, so if anyone is interested in a set of 72 Derwent watercolor pencils, let me know. They were used once!
Watercolor pencils - SU or Prismacolor?
