Derwent Chromaflow Coloured Pencil 12 Set Swatch, Review & Comparison with Prismacolor Premiers

[@FaithAnnNB]

I don’t use coloured pencils on their own very often, usually just with other media, so I don’t have an overly extensive collection. Very interesting to see someone else’s research! I have a set of Derwent Inktense, some Pitt pastel pencils, a large set of polychromos (my one pencil splurge) and a few other random small sets that I’ve tried. So, I don’t have many of a similar purpose/type to compare. However, the last pencil purchase I made was a set of 12 Derwent drawing pencils and I LOVE them. I’d like to invest in a larger set or some open stock to increase my collection of that particular pencil.

[@helencryer]

Derwent Drawing pencils are heavenly - I love them! I don't think I could use them as stand alone pencils, because they're so soft and I can't get great detail, plus limited colour palette, but they're gorgeous! My problem is that I own about 15 of them, but I'd really like to have the big tin of 24, but I can't really justify it when I already have quite a few!

[@kathyhackney7950]

Im the same. I have 20 something prisma colors and the 24 set of drawing drawing. That's their biggest set. Just 24 butntheyre so yummy. I like really soft waxy pencils that I can use over.paint for mixed media. I wish they had more but I heard the derwent drawing and derwent light-fast are very similar. Oh I also have a set of artisto and they're just ok. There are a few that are great but more are meh

[@lisaharner3720]

Helen, I just saw this video and am glad for the comparison. I have some prismacolor and enjoy them. I had decided, based on other comparisons, not to get the Chromoflows and stick with Prismacolor. Your comparison cemented that decision. Thank you! I have a few luminance and it’s on my list for a set. I’ve seen you expound on the wonders of Holbein pencils and hope to give them a try soon. Thanks again! For water based pencils, I love inktense and my set of Derwent Albrecht Durer was a great investment!

[@helencryer]

That's great! I do like the handful of Holbeins that I have, but I still don't know how reliable their lightfast information is, if that's of importance to you. I think with coloured pencils, across the few top brands (also including Derwent Lightfast & Drawing, and Polychromos) then it's a case of mixing and matching for the colours you most like across brands. I think you have the best watercolour pencils!

[@daniellecoulter1879]

The Albrecht Dürer watercolour pencils are a Faber Castell product, not Derwent.

[@lisaharner3720]

@@daniellecoulter1879 Yes, they are FC, not Derwent. My bad. Still a great investment.

[@bethmegansmith4642]

Like you video. Had150 set of the Chromaflow didn’t love them some colors were streaky and 3 leds came out too. Also some broke when shaping. I ended up giving them away . My Boyfriend got me the 150 set of Prisma colors I am a Colorist and I like to learn to sketch ….. 2024 thank for sharing

[@helencryer]

That's good to know, thank you!

[@terrystred]

My favourite Derwent colour pencils are Coloursoft, which are very creamy and vibrant, and Inktense which have an amazing depth of colour when wetted.

[@helencryer]

Ahh - I've never used Coloursoft! Inktense are great - bold and heavy - great for specific things. Another pencil I REALLY love is Derwent Drawing - have you ever tried them? Derwent Lightfast and Holbein are great too!!!

[@embellishstudiosTM]

Thanks for this comparison! I love the few Derwent drawing pencils crayons I have too, I keep thinking I might need the whole set😊!

[@terrystred]

@@helencryer Yes, I inherited some Derwent Drawing pencils from my father. They are great for sketching and shading. I haven't yet tried Lightfast or Holbein, but they are on my list!

[@helencryer]

So many pencils, so little time!!!

[@terrystred]

😁

[@awatercolourist]

Omg! That butterfly is beautiful 😮

[@helencryer]

Thanks! One of these years I might finish it, but I'm temporarily distracted by watercolour.

[@everettsharp1917]

Many thanks for the comparison. I always want British products to be better, even with my coloured pencils! Prismacolor were I believe a British company, sold to Berol who have a factory, as mentioned, in Mexico. I still have some pencils from 30 years ago that, being uncommon colours, have hardly been used and are still excellent when needed. Decisions, decisions 😊

[@helencryer]

I'm definitely a big Derwent fan (have the Lightfast range now since making this video), but think I'll always love my Prismacolors!

[@krissy2321]

Many thanks for this comparison video, I really enjoyed it. I’m about to order some new pencils for my birthday so it’s really nice to hear your opinion on both brands. Thanks 😊

[@helencryer]

Whatever pencils you go with, I hope you enjoy them!!!

[@krissy2321]

@@helencryer Thanks 😊

[@racechick2033]

Nice review and gorgeous colours that pop. Thank you. ❤

[@helencryer]

Thanks Panda!

[@juliebromfield1865]

Interesting. I am looking for a small set 12 max to use with watercolour paints for extra detail. I don't use them often but find crayons useful when I am travelling. I struggle with pressure in hands/arms because of my chronic illness so am after some easy to lay down colours, but worry about the Prisma colours as I hear so many talking about breakage with them x

[@helencryer]

I like using my Luminance over the top of watercolours - they have very easy lay down, and I've had no breakage. With the Chromaflow, I don't know what other people's experience has been of the breakage, but I wasn't too impressed with that aspect today, though they lay down quite nicely. I just haven't had much breakage with Prismacolors, and they have the easiest lay down in my opinion. Of my lot of over a 100, only 1 pencil has had significant wastage due to breakage. Have you used any colour pencils in the past? What have you liked?

[@embellishstudiosTM]

I do wonder sometimes when I've ordered art supplies online about their trip. Have they fallen or been tossed around etc? Because maybe that could make sense why you've had that breakage?

[@helencryer]

​​​@@embellishstudiosTM Yes, it's hard to know! I guess patterns build up when a lot of people are reporting the same thing back, which is partly why I do KZbin reviews - to help add to the general body of knowledge, and also why it's a good idea to look at several reviews.

[@grahamekellermeier8280]

Great pencils have the tin of 72 nice to use.

[@helencryer]

Glad to hear you enjoy them!

[@norasmith4939]

Here set chromaflow is 132 euro and prismacolor is 239 euro. Both 150 pencils so yeah. I got my chromaflow and love them. Got mine for 112 euro

[@valeriegehling4358]

Hi, please can you tell me which type of black paper you used to swatch on? Thanks.

[@helencryer]

I'm not 100% sure which one it is, but it's a hard back, spiral bound, A4 Derwent book.

[@juliegrune1375]

I ♡ my chromaflow BUT you do have to be careful with which sharpener you use. T'Gaal set on no 1 or the small metal German sharpener (2,50€) Derwent recommended for the Chromaflow

[@helencryer]

I actually bought a T'Gaal sharpener and ended up sending it back. I'd seen good reviews on it, but mine chewed up the wood too much - don't know if it was a bit faulty.

[@awatercolourist]

First!

[@helencryer]

Phew! Was worrying you'd abandoned me!

[@awatercolourist]

@@helencryer Nah! I’m much too idle to have a life 🤣

[@helencryer]

Well, I was never into the glorification of 'busy'

[@awatercolourist]

@@helencryer ✊🏼

[@ShadiShadeh]

👏👏❤