Faber Castell Watercolor Pencil Review. Comparing Albrecht Dürer & Goldfaber Aqua

Faber Castell has become a favorite brand of mind for watercolor pencils and now with the introduction of the Goldfaber line a comparison and review is in order.
** Affiliate Links **
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for Looking)
My Amazon Store of Favorite Products:
www.amazon.com...
Faber Castell Albrecht Dürer Watercolor Pencils:
Set of 12 - amzn.to/2KPWViC
Set of 24 - amzn.to/2KbTZvv
Set of 36 - amzn.to/2rArsrP
Set of 60 - amzn.to/2KfhuUJ
Set of 120 - amzn.to/2wvPN87
Faber Castell Goldfaber Watercolor Pencils
Set of 12 - amzn.to/2KPOfJ8
Set of 24 - amzn.to/2rAm9ZL
Set of 36 - amzn.to/2jNJmnv
Set of 48 - amzn.to/2jNJnI5
Pentel Aquash Water brush - amzn.to/2rxfLmQ
School Smart Electric Sharpener (standard size) - amzn.to/2KTq9gC
Xacto School Pro Electric Sharpener (multi-size) - amzn.to/2jQx6Tm
Sponsored by Viewers Like YOU!
I don't actively solicit merchandise or brand sponsorships like many KZbinrs do. I instead made a decision to ask if some of my viewers would become my sponsors. If you would like to be a Minder Patron, I would be honored. You would be taking a tangible role in making this content possible. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. / mindofwatercolor
___
Popular Uploads
• Art Journaling with Pr...
Watercolor Basics
• 5 Tips to Overcoming t...
Product Reviews
• Using the Water Brush ...
Paint With Me
• Paint Watercolor With ...
Other Playlists
/ mindofwatercolor
Subscribe:
www.youtube.com...
Show Theme Music
www.pond5.com/s...

[@nancyhappily9503]

When I signed up for a "watercolors" class that was all about various water soluble pencils, the instructor suggested getting "the best you can afford at the time". Adding that'll never be regretted. I bought a 60 set of A. D pencils, 72 set of Inktense Pencils and for fun the 120 set of Faber Castell color pencils. So Very Glad I took her advice! I no longer have the same budget but I have Great supplies I enjoy every day!

[@ToastAndJellyfish]

My 120-piece set of the Albrecht Durer pencils got completely destroyed in a basement flood a couple years ago, and I am absolutely not done mourning the loss.

[@throughmyeyes9940]

if that's you life's biggest problem, rejoice!

[@ToastAndJellyfish]

​@@throughmyeyes9940 It's NOT my life's biggest problem, certainly not two years on, but thank you for taking time out of your day to try to invalidate my experience because "it could be worse~"

[@anahata2009]

Oh man, I feel for you. I'd be heartbroken, too. They aren't cheap to replace, either.

[@StudyResearchfr]

I’m so sorry that happened and hope u are ok

[@StudyResearchfr]

@@throughmyeyes9940 pls shut up

[@floradiamonds]

Hello. I recently bought a tin of 24 Goldfaber aqua pencils, so your review popping up today is timely. I couldn't afford the A.D. set, but am happy with my choice. I hope to afford the A.Ds eventually, and your very informative video has been most helpful - and no nonsense or distraction from background music, or messing around with camera angles. Very important for a lot of people, so thank you for that, too. Best wishes from England.

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Steve, Oh my! It is hard to believe this video is six years old and holds up so well. I first saw it five years ago I am not sure if you get credit for me watching it again or not or does KZbin algorithms “think” eh he’s seen it before, no credit! I did not remember you mentioning the Mangus pencils, but earlier this year I bought a previous Scrawlrbox box and it had 3 of the Magnus pencils. Well after working with them I was sold! So now I have a set of 24(cheaper per pencil) and I filled out the remaining pencils from a sale at Blick’s! I am just so tickled that I have hardly reached for my regular AD’S! I know of no better recommendation! Thank you again for this wonderful video, still insightful and worthy of re-watching! I am hopeful that you get some kind of credit!

[@anniedarkhorse6791]

I've used the Albrecht Durer for years. They're beautiful. They burst with pigment, when you put water on them. So many great colours.

[@Maya.6868]

Thank you for your advice ! I bought a Box of 120 colors from Albrecht Durer this week ☺

[@sanahf7702]

Thanks for this! I'm getting the Faber Castell thanks to your video!

[@annenglish2935]

I am going for the AD pencils... however, as a beginner in watercolor this is new to me. I currently have a shopping cart full of my favorite watercolor pencil colors along with some other "deals" ... now I have to make a decision... 12 pencils now of my favorites or 48/60 AD for a Christmas present from my husband! Thank 😊 you Steve for a wonderful lesson!!! ❤️ From a grateful California Gramma ❤️

[@ShellyParchman]

That's nice that the numbers are the same across product lines.

[@anahata2009]

I didn't know about the thicker diameter pencils, or even the goldfaber line. Thanks for this info and the comparisons! I started using a combo of the AD watercolor pencils and their Polychromos colored pencils, and find they layer together very nicely. The color match is also nice to have, if you don't want the page white coming through your pencil work.

[@DrummerGrrrl]

I like your videos quite a bit. I'm primarily an acrylic abstract painter but I do like creating collage/mixed media pieces, so I gotta know about watercolor pencils and other art supplies. This has been VERY helpful.

[@marianaeksteen4437]

Thank you for this video. Took me back many years. Got my first Faber Castell Goldfaber coloured pencils in grade 7. Since then I am a FC fan and the Polichrimos my pencils of choice.

[@liezelhaupt7172]

Thanks very much for the review! Glad you chose the FC AD pencils. They are next in line on my wish list.

[@marthanichols8536]

I've used Goldfabers since 1992, I bought them in Germany. But Albrecht Durers are great, too.

[@Cosumik]

"Watercolor pencils for days!" oh man i cherish you, steve

[@Mad.Chemist]

Thank you, Steve! This is totally weird, I just been looking for a video on watercolour pencils (esp FC), and naturally came across yours! You clearly got everything covered for us! 🤣🤣🤣

[@eileengoldenberg270]

I have been using the albrecht durers for years, love them. I also have the new magnus, nice and fat and fun to use, so much more pigment! I also use a few of the Carin d’ache supracolors..Thanks for the review.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks Eileen! I think I'll order a set of the Magnus and give them a try,.

[@Mulberry2000]

Thanks for this. I have the polychromos pencils but will be getting the Faber castell watercolours next week.

[@LS-xh9nz]

Brand new here, I was looking for the word on these pencils and stayed to subscribe. Thank you for the information and the smiles! :)

[@vanessamcdowall2564]

Thank you. I have been stuck on which Faber-Castell watercolour pencils to buy. You video was great and clear and I got a giggle at the start. Love from Scotland x

[@ShaguftaJamali]

Q

[@HajraMeeks]

Thanks for sharing your yummy wc pencil collection, Steve--I was really tickled since the Faber Castell Albrecht Dürers are the ones I have and feel are the best wc pencils, too! You always have good taste. :D I hardly remember to use mine, but I did use them for my recent Beefriend piece at least--you know, modest wc pencil life goals...

[@mindofwatercolor]

After seeing your Instagram post I rushed to watch the video. So fun! I agree on remembering to use WC pencils. Old habits as you said. Thanks as always for stopping.

[@boldanabrasevic3020]

WC pencils, hahaha

[@reddog25th]

I love your sense of humor...

[@mjpete27]

I bought my set of 120 AD pencils and use them as my sketch pencil instead of graphite I also like to use them for the occasional fine detail work Very Good review thanks for sharing your opinions and excellent skills with these pencils!

[@babablackiesheep]

That intro...most adorable thing I've seen all day lol

[@Sick1982]

Well.. a day isn't that long… lol

[@amyx231]

Lightfastness wasn’t an issue until my paintings started fading 😂

[@DrummerGrrrl]

You CAN apply fixative to your artwork, to prevent that.

[@tracylynnw]

NowI'mMe what kind of fixative? Now I’m curious 🙂

[@Fluorite-Fox]

@@tracylynnw uv resistant fixative ^^

[@magical571]

It is a bit unreliable though. Have you done at-home testing? What brand of spray did you use?

[@alejandromorales9516]

The Caran d'Ache Museum Aquarelles are my favorites, but Faber Castell's are my #2. I use them for sketching and drawing. Really great for figure sketch classes.

[@PauloEAbreu]

The Prussian blue caran d ache museeum aquarelle is PBk7+PB60 so no real Prussian blue there. So your description was on point.

[@herrenfam]

Thanks for the review! I own a very nice selection of AD watercolor pencils that I bought to use in coloring books before I was indoctrinated into the wonderful world of watercolor paints! I did want to say that the main selling point the AD were for me is that the colors, names, etc match up exactly with the polychromos colored pencils. I like that they can pretty seamlessly work together. I’m not sure if that’s important to a watercolor painter? I also can’t wait to see you work with these pencils so I can hopefully expand my horizons!

[@susanbradford4543]

I often use watercolor pencils and was surprised you did not mention Derwent watercolor pencils. I have found that the Faber Castell pencils “melt” best when activated leaving no line work , but the Derwent leave a little of the line work as well as the liquid watercolorwhen Wet. So I have chosen most often to use Derwent. They do use traditional watercolor paint names and also have good to excellent lightfastness.

[@mindofwatercolor]

This video was a review of the Faber Castell line as the title suggests. I have and use several Derwents and generally like them, but overall I like the FC characteristics better and they have more that are light fast. My personal preference.

[@bugeyedmonster2]

Oh, hey, I'm a Derwent fan too! Okay, I'll admit that I've never picked up the Faber Castell AD pencils, I've only used the Art Grip. (I actually like the AG for the handle. It's easier to hold somehow.) But it doesn't really compare to the Derwent. I tend to take the ArtGrip with me when I'm sketching.

[@BeyondMyIntuition444]

Thanks so much! :) I think the only reason for me to buy Faber castell goldfaber is the price difference. I think it would be a great start in painting. I will definitely put AD on my wishlist.❤️

[@JenniferAmey-ry3zi]

0:59 I have been obsessed with you for years and if you didn't have such good looking soulmate attached to you so badly that she never leaves your side but guess love is blind because you haven't noticed she has no soul and no body oh except you. Well I just wanted you to know your channel is awesome you have taught this old dog new tricks and I enjoy art so emensely. Also I actually am sick with a very painful disease .I live with pain and some days it's arthritis or extremely bad nerves pain but each time having bad time I watch you and through tears within ten minutes I am smiling so please keep going I feel in love with watercolor because of your passion Thank you from Down under Ps should change your girlfriend hat more often but also give her a big kiss on check for me Jen No the disease didn't make my humour sick I was blessed with it lol 😅

[@CassandraMiles]

Your videos are a joy to watch.

[@terraspath2642]

Awesome video, answered a lot of questions for me. Thanks.

[@LittleSqueesh]

Great review! I've been eyeing up watercolour pencils for a while but unsure whether or not I'd like them. I love the wet colour of the caran d'ache but that problem you demonstrate is what I hate in art supplies - when you don't get the colour you expect. Means that you've got to rely heavily on swatches and do planning, and I don't know about anyone else, but it makes me draw/paint with anxiety about it not looking the way I want when it's dry. Thanks for honest review!

[@ifoundthisthing7954]

I really think this is an art supply better bought in singles anyway so you can specifically choose the colours you know you will use. I don't know anyone who uses all the pencils equally in a tray. There are pencils even in some of my 12 pencil sets I have not had use for at all.

[@joyfulldj]

You can buy various brands and buy the single pencils of the brands you are doubting of; that way you dont spent a ton of money when it turns out different then you like. I know AD has single Pencils, Derwent does as well, I believe caran dache does too but Im not sure of the last one. As for derwent watercolour pencils, they are having special offers all over the internet currently. Just a tip.

[@soekieloekiekaassouffle5950]

I choose the colours from the swatches and not the name.. I don't feel that issue.. it might help to not relay on colour names?

[@MEStephKJV]

Thanks for doing this. I bought a set of Albrecht Dure watercolor pencils earlier this year. They seemed like the best option for the money based on the research I did, and not trying them out ahead of time. I also have a cheap set from Faber Castel from the 1980s which I almost never used but they work well for stamping with watercolor and then painting, so I decide that Faber Castel was a good option. I'm glad to see that you had the same observation, even with getting to compare them to the Caren D'Ache set. I haven't done much with them yet, but I have done a little coloring in a Painterly Days book and I hope to use them for sketching out things before using my paints.

[@susanhamilton1822]

Thank goodness I already own the big set so I don't have to run out and buy them. ha ha Thanks Steve. Love them and everything Faber Castell.

[@spinni81]

I still have a few pencils of the old Goldfaber line. They were my first watercolor pencils and they are really good student grade pencils. It is cool that they reintroduced them. The alternative for me was Derwent but they were hard to get at my local art store because Derwent's distributor for Germany was just useless (the changed distributors last year)

[@catherinelampman9600]

Great review Steve. Faber Castell watercolor pencils are my all time favorites. I started with the art grip aquarelle pencils, which I think are a nice student pencil, then went on to the Albrecht Durer. I have tried other brands, but these are the cream of the crop, for me anyway. They are well pigmented, the colors are pretty much as expected and the pigment goes onto the paper like soft butter on warm toast. I also love that they are lightfast so I don't have to worry about my work fading away. Their colored pencils are yummy too.

[@magical571]

They are far from lightfast though...just claryfying that misconception. Watercolor pencils, albert durers included, have very trashy lightfastness ratings, they've been put to the test tume and time again and necer failt to disapoint. Faber castel is very shady in how they assign their ratings to the albert durer pebcils

[@mayloo2137]

I use watercolor pencils, and the F-C Albrecht Durer pencils are my favorite. The reason why I bought the F-C pencils is that a local art supply store sells them separately so I can easily replace any single pencil without having to buy a new set.

[@kirsten5723]

I just bought a few of the Goldfaber Auquarelles and noticed a much richer color payout when dabbing the wet brush to the pencil lead and then painting. Or if you just to darken or deepen what you painted. I love them so far.

[@jrapprentice]

In their European details they describe the goldfaber as having “excellent lightfastness”.

[@marimaf6561]

The albrech durer and museum aquarelle have a couple o pencils with lightfastness of 50 years, in museum light, but the museum has some pinks, one purple and some reds that are suposed to have maximum rating (or last 100 years in the same conditions). In any brand with a lightfast chart, these three colors are always the most fugitive, so to actualy have some of them available with maximum resistence is a huge deal. So the museum is the most viable for professional use, while the albrech are also very usable for this. But (correct me, if I am mistaken) any other brand seems to not perform very well in this regard.... The fact that albrech offers reds, purples and pinks that can at least last 50 years, while museum offers some that last 100 makes both brands, and maybe the supracolors, the best ones (sometimes the only ones) for people who sell their art

[@InLiquidColor]

Thanks for sharing this Steve! Good to hear your thoughts on the AD vs CD since I haven't tried the latter. Similarly, I don't use my watercolor pencils for anything much aside from sketching most of the time. For me personally, I just love the flow of watercolor, and that is so much more limited by this version of the medium.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Agree completely Denise. I've played with WC pencils so often wondering how I can use them and every time I come away with the though that this would be just as easy or easier with a brush and my usual palette. Not to mention the flow as you said. WC pencils aren't as transparent or luminous either. I do like them for under drawings and linear detail (e.g, bird feathers, leaf veins, around eyes, etc.) or to clean up watercolor edges or add fiddly details to a finished piece. So often I just forget to employ them. And they aren't bad for coloring pen and ink. Most brands have serious lightfast issues and even these top brands are far from perfect lightfast wise. They've never qualified as a primary painting medium in my book. Thanks for comment and for stopping by!

[@InLiquidColor]

I definitely agree on your points on luminosity as well. I'll keep mine on hand for under-drawings and adding details, but I'm happy to utilize my travel palettes for more compact needs haha. Something I am really enjoying is water soluble graphite blocks for quick sketches and studies! I picked up a couple from my local store that were on sale and I'm glad I did :)

[@annepercival7814]

The Museum Aquarelle do not do an Indigo..but I think their Prussian Blue is equivalent to Indigo..and I love it!

[@darkmoonlady2002]

I have the 60 set of Art Grip Aquarelles and I really like them. They work as drawing pencils and watercolors. I have the full set of Prismacolor watercolor pencils and found them difficult to draw with.

[@sasayaki]

I went to Michael's today because they had the 12 set of ADs on clearance and it was a good chance to try them for under $10. Of course they didn't have any. I bought 4 Goldfaber Aqua instead (tried to eyeball 3 primaries and a another one I just liked) and have been messing around this afternoon. They will be nice for my beginner level sketchbook as well as my wallet. I can't even draw very well yet and I'm getting dragged in another direction already! It's very tempting.

[@mindofwatercolor]

And they work and react about the same. Good place to start.

[@Roda_B.G.]

I fell in love with the Albrecht Dürere Line by complete accident, i always had Farber Castell starting from first grade, but always the school supply ones, (even those are great if you need something cheap in my opinion) but in my Art LK I once ran out of one coloure for a monochrom piece (it was a red) and I wasnt able to find that Colore number in my normal line, but in Albrecht Dürere and promptly fell in love with them. I have be using them ever since and the fact that I can always get them in single colours is really helpfull for me since I normaly use for my pieces one or two colours extensivly and the rest just a bit.

[@Veronicapainted]

Based on your review and recommendation I asked my MIL for a 12 set of the Albrecht Durer. I will see how these compare to my Caran D'ache NeoArts and I'll let you know. Very excited to try something new ;)

[@Toxicalice]

Thank you so much. This was very helpful.

[@GenWivern2]

Glad you like the Albrecht Dürer pencils, Steve - I don't have your experience and expertise to make a properly informed assessment, but for my limited purposes I can't find anything wrong with them at all. Now if you could see your way clear to showing us what you can do with them that would be a treat. :-)

[@DrStench13]

Good video. I will get the goldfaber, as I'm just going to use it for sketching and drawing practice and lightfastness is no issue for me. I do like the thickness of Albrecht Durer has, though. But it's not worth paying double for.

[@catherinelevison3310]

I’m a sketch-aholic so I use the Faber Castell Albrecht Durer for line sketching too. They are my fav. I’m waiting for my order of Derwent Graphitint pencils to arrive and someone on the Amazon reviews said you had a tutorial on those so I’m really here to find that so I’m prepared when the new brand comes in. Thank you.

[@angelashortall9778]

OMG. YOUVE WON ME OVER COMPLETELY IN THE FIRST 15 SECONDS.

[@luciaaa3962]

Thanks for the comparison/review full of helpful info! And I appreciate you making an effort to pronounce the name(s) in German

[@Vermiliontea]

I think Caran D'Ache Supracolor are more like their corresponding product to Durer. The 'Museum' line really are more for exclusively watercolor use. As you've noted, they don't show their color until you've dissolved them.

[@HokageNoFujin]

Great video! I liked watching you activate the pencils. I currently don't like watercolor pencils as much, but it would probably because I haven't bought artist grade wc pencils. The ones I got are sometime too stiff to the point i'm destroying the teeth of the paper and sometimes never activate so I just get that long pencil streak rather then a wash of pigment o_o recently tho I saw this video where the artist lays down the color on paper like a pallete and pick up color from there. I'll give that a try next time.

[@gillyslikejillysart7458]

Great demo Steve!

[@rockstarkate78]

There's just something about those AD pencils. So pleasant to work with. And if you're primarily a colored pencil artist and want to try some watercolor (the opposite of you!) they're great because you're probably already quite familiar with the colors of Polychromos. Some of those colors are just wonderful and unique to work with. Caput Mortuum is a favorite of mine. Lovely bricky red/brown purple.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks for the input. I don't have Polychromos but want them bad.

[@rustynutsnboltz]

Better than terrarium

[@benjamina6915]

Great review Steve. I'm looking for some new watercolor pencils (and regular colored pencils) as an addition to my Bruynzeel Design Aquarel wc pencils. According to the updated info on the Faber Castell website, the Goldfaber Aqua has excellent lightfastness. Still no ratings, but seeing how close the colors are and the huge price difference, I'm going to take a chance with the Goldfaber. By the way...... Bruynzeel Design Aquarel wc pencils are said to have excellent lightfastness, I've used them for years and so far no issues in that department. My only complaint about them is their unique choice of colors. On one hand great for some works, on the other hand more regular colors is nice to have as well. for other works. I'm going to add the Goldfaber line to my collection.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks for the input Benjamin!

[@captivatednightshade1432]

I do like both sets but the Goldfaber has colors that the regular set does not. They are very buttery and soft to use. 😸

[@raed3063]

Enjoyed the review. Thanks for the review.

[@mfdoom1898]

It looks like the Goldfaber pencils are a little less pigmented, but that's usually the case with the cheaper studio supplies. Wether it is paint or colored pencils.

[@joyfulldj]

I am a Big Big fan of my albrecht durer pencils, that green tin, I have a few sets of pencils, spectrum noir complete set as I love the HUGE set of awesome pinks and skintone colors, fabercastell AD and inktense, the AD are so vivid,you really cant beat that, the inktense comes close, but has a different function on it's own as being more of ink in a pencil. I combine them all the time as the spectrum noir is more earthy and muted wich I really love and inktense is fun for layering watercolor over it. But Brightwise in wc pencils, you cant beat it. I have a set of art grips as well but damn I so do not like those,maybe I just had a bad batch I dont know, but I hated just about evrything about them.

[@SwedePotato314]

The Derwent Inktense are my first with Albrecht Durer a very very close second. The goldfabers are not my favorite but they're great for just brainstorming or making fun art. They're excellent for someone who is learning. These brands are too expensive for practicing.

[@barefacedquestions]

What brand of watercolor pencil do you recommend for practicing?

[@scruffy281]

I like them both but IMO Caran D'ache Museum Aquarelle is the winner hands down. Thanks so much for your review!!❤️

[@somopaul8776]

Thanks , Sir ! Nice and helpful video !

[@YasWitch7]

Thank you for the vid! Just recently Faber launched the Goldfaber line here in Brazil but is too expensive, with the price of the non Aqua I can buy a set of 72 Prismacolor, it's absurd! And at the same I often find an online art store selling Albrecht Dürer sets with a great price, recently I bought a Pitt Pastel Pencil in 24 in this store with a really good price. So I think that it's better spend the money in an Albrecht Durer that is obviously superior! I loved that the payoff it's like, really a watercolour, and the same DON'T happens with Goldfaber that doesnt really looks like real and good watercolour. Altought, Goldfaber non Aqua seems a good pencil, I've watched some reviews, but it's still so expensive considering another products of more quality and that costs less.

[@YuseiLover18]

I have a few goldfaber aqua pencils. Havent used them much and I just play around with them in my sketchbook. Once I feel more comfortable using them I might save money to upgrade to Albrect Durer

[@MDCampbell]

Nice to see you digging into these, Steve. A great comparison of the higher end products. I do wonder how Prismacolor holds up against them? I nearly bought the Faber Castell for my own comparison, but didn't want to spend the extra money when, like yourself, I don't use them often enough - on their own - to justify it. I do like them after I've done a traditional watercolor painting and find there's an area I want to add a light glaze or effect to, later. Otherwise, I still consider them a luxury item and/or perfect for travel kits. Cheers and thank you, Steve! :)

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks Mark! Agree completely on the necessity and "luxury" of these. I think they appeal to some artists who just feel more comfortable holding a pencil.

[@viki150183]

Если в Европе карандаши это роскошь😂..тогда что для России эти карандаши.. когда они стоят половину зарплаты, а у кого то и целую зарплату...

[@MDCampbell]

@@viki150183 I understand how expensive things can be, which is why I save money to buy things I want. I don't drink, smoke, or gamble and I only buy things I need. This affords me the ability to buy art supplies that make me happy. But, that's just me, of course! Cheers!

[@patcyzauskas7216]

Do u have an opinion on Stardler Karat Aquarell? They only have numbers not color on pencils and it’s now gotten difficult to find them in open stock. Got my 2d set in 1999. Some getting pretty short but still useable. But maybe I’ll just use only when traveling and use my newly inherited Daniel Smith watercolor at home. tubes.

[@mindofwatercolor]

No, sorry! Don't have any.

[@watercolourartincapetown2919]

Museum Aquarelle is super saturated. A little goes a long way... I tend to draw reallly lightly, that way the colour shift from dry to wet isn’t that much. It’s just about playing with the supplies and figuring out how they like to be used.

[@mindofwatercolor]

MA's are good pencils for sure, but... it can also be about choosing the art supply that gives me my preferred results. I can and have used either pencil but FC makes the process more predictable for me. I feel FCs colors are also more accurate.

[@ifoundthisthing7954]

Very good points made.the colour difference/ shift on the caran d'ache would get to me if I had a set to work with and figure out- though the two pencils you sampled did seem to rewet beautifully. I have about 20 of the AD Magnus pencils which I bought for sketch and wash. This line are supposed to all have the highest lightfast rating.

[@ryanembry9875]

great review! would love to see you do a full piece in this medium.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Its coming for sure! 😃

[@kblissart5794]

I really liked the video and I actually have some of the golfaber pencils. The goldfaber aquarelle pencil line is not that new though, I have a set of them that I got 6 years ago and I really like them. I also have some of the Caran D'ache supracolor soft watercolour pencils with are very nice quality but do not have quite as good lightfastness as the museum aquarelles or the albecht Durer watercolour pencils.

[@zanerobbins7604]

The faber castells look really nice, probably the best of all the watercolor pencils ive seen. Ive been looking at trying a small set of the goldfaber aquas, as they look pretty nice but affordable.

[@mindofwatercolor]

I was very impressed with them. If lightfastness is not a huge concern they are the best value.

[@luishectormoreno1126]

I subscribed instantly after that blink!

[@marlenaamalfitano2727]

Thanks, this was quite helpful

[@FreeSpokenOne]

I use Derwent Inktense Metal Tin, 72 Count and Faber Castell Polychromos Tin of 120 combined sometimes. They are great for making beautiful cards. Gamblin Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits help blend the oil-based pencils for a nice effect. These sets are nice if you can buy them individually when they run out. I fully agree about the difference in WYSIWYG with this type of media. Inktense does the same and it's hard to gauge your vision as you say with them for that same reasoning. The price of these alone is a good reason to take this into consideration. You must do swatches with the more unpredictable brands. I like those 'fat' or thick core pencils, very nice! I've learned the importance of using a good sharpener of the right girth for these and it seems less likely to break the core by not turning the pencil in the sharpener but instead turning the sharpener instead. Your results may vary... but this is the single most complaint I've consistently seen about these pencils, core breakage. Thanks for the lovely review Steve.

[@PinkpantherLVdragon]

If you remove all pencils that don’t have the best lightfast rating, the resultant color range is small in Farber Castell. Starting with the best quality, then applying protective sealants, is better than using a lesser quality core covered with sealant. Museum Aquarelle has a high pigment load of the finest particle grind of pigments. I am willing to test each color on a test paper if I am unsure of the activated color. Museum Aquarelle also gives you the actual pigment numbers in each color. I especially want to reinforce offerings of higher quality pencils, by preferring pencils with higher quality ingredients.

[@susanhamilton1822]

I hope you will do some videos about watercolour pencils. I learned a few tips from the frugal crafter such as what sort of brush works best but I could use more info and to see how you handle them. I use the pencils for more than just sketching and wonder if there is a way to get the smooth coverage of paint instead of the blotchy look. I often put them on the palette with water the same as my paints but I find they don't give quite the same result. I find the pencils really lift when you don't especially want them to as well and I'm talking about Albrecht Durer since that's what I have. Thanks again Steve. I love these pencils and would like to be able to use them properly and extensively and I'm not concerned with light fastness.

[@waymire01]

I know this is an old comment but I thought I would help as so many people thumbed it up and there is no reply. WC pencils typically don't layer well, as you noticed they lift a lot. It's best to get the color down dry first, layering pencils as needed for shading etc. You are essentially drawing/coloring the object first. Then wet, being careful to continue blends in areas as needed in one go to avoid dry lines, and wiping your brush/waterbrush off as needed to control pigment build up. Work from light to dark, or dark to light depending on your desired outcome. The best way to add color in after is to use the brush on the tip of the pencil to pick up pigment and gently lay it down where needed for a pop of color or deeper shadow. Other techniques include using a pencil palette (carandache sells a lovely one or you can use any textured plastic or glass surface such as a cutting board or frosted acetate sheet) to apply the pencil dry, then pick up with a brush for a more painterly experience... but if you wish for that you are better off with some nice watercolor paint. You can also use colored pencils over the top for shading and detail. If you wish for "watercolor" pencils that layer beautifully check out Derwent Inktense.. they are ink and dry permanent (as long as all the dry pencil was actually activated with water). They do not have the best lightfastness due to being dye based however and they have more opacity than most true watercolor pencils.. so there are pros and cons. Watercolor pencils do what they do well... but are not a true substitution for watercolor paint, nor for standard colored pencils. I personally like them for sketching in a travel situation, adult coloring in a method that is easier on my arthritic hands than pure colored pencil.. and they are great for making "paint with water" pages for kids (or grown ups who want a very simple craft).

[@FelineFurKin]

I watched this a while ago and bought the 48 Goldfaber Aqua, now I’m considering the 68 Albrecht Durer (120 is too much) because I find the Goldfabers weak. I can either layer or press harder (gives me rsi), but it’s annoying. Could do with more colours even with a set of 48 and there are lots of very pretty colours, that’s a big plus. Lots of bang for your buck if you’re happy to keep layering. Since they both seem to give a similar payoff here (I’d forgotten that), I’m a bit torn. Lightfastness too, though, hmm. I’d add in a few of Supracolor’s pale pastel shades too, they’re so sweet.

[@Via_Von]

Fabulous review - thank you Steve! I have the full set of F.C.’s AD and then augmented that with some of CdA’s MA line of Pigments that I felt were missing from the AD line. Both are really lovely but I too agree with seeing the differences of pigment in like named colours. I am also delighted to see how good the Goldfaber line is in comp for hobbyists! 👏🏻❣️👏🏻

[@mindofwatercolor]

Oooh, nice collection of pencil then. Thanks for the comment!

[@AvidAbstractions]

Awesome review! Very helpful! Cheers!

[@TerrieJohnson731]

I just grabbed ten of the goldfaber and I like them. The display at hobby lobby says that they are very light-fast. In with pit pens and colored pencils. I think the colored pencils are goldfaber line also. Will it be a big difference going with them at 1.49 each or should I rather collect albrecht durer? Money is where I can get a few every month, and will be fun collecting them.

[@PRMoody78]

I just got the FC Goldfaber 24 set and add my first experience with watercolor pencils I love them! Good to know I made a good choice and if I want a step up there is one. Have you used the Derwent Graphitint pencils? I really want to try those as well.

[@suel4269]

Thanks for this comparison. I’m new to Watercolor pencils. What paper is best to use them on?

[@DD-d6d3]

Exactly the information I needed.

[@livingsouljourney312]

Thank you for the review

[@tammyeaton4791]

The Ablrecht Durer line are considered more OPAQUE than other lines, but I really can’t compare them to another artist aquarelle line because I don’t have any others. I intend on treating myself to a large set this summer.

[@covid-19inthistogether96]

Cute video! Thank you for the comparison! I can see the Caran d'ache has a lot more pigment in it compared to the Faber Castell. On the colors not looking like they are going to look, welcome to the world of what women go through when they look at makeup in a pan vs. seeing it on the model, vs. seeing it on your own skin! But all joking aside, you can easily resolve that obviously by making a swatch chart of all your pencil colors for the Caran d'ache. (I have to do that already for my tube and pan watercolors.) I didn't take watercolor pencils very seriously before but have come to appreciate how handy they are when it comes to working on very small areas, or if you are working on a substrate that can't handle a lot of color, like a sketchbook.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks! I do love the color payout of the Museums. Yes, a swatch chart is always a must, especially with watercolor pencil. They do help if you're putting down a single color or simple washes but in subtle layering and complex glazing pieces they don't help much in real time.

[@covid-19inthistogether96]

I see, that makes sense, thank you so much!

[@kimleon-guerrero9980]

Thanks Steve, great review and compassion. 💞💫

[@gabib.1780]

I've got the ADs a couple of months ago and didn't stop using them ever since. I used to work mostly in colored pencils, Polychromos were my go to, but it's a media that requires an insane amount of time. When I started watercolors on the other hand I was so tight handed it didn't do any justice to the media. The ADs offer the best of both worlds for me, the control of a colored pencil and a much faster media. I'd never drop using them, but I am worried about lightfastness. I'd like to hear more about fading from those who have used them for a longer time. How very significant is the fading? Would you rather dump the ones not rated 3*? Or is it something that only shows over decades of exposure to light? I love these, the textures, the colors, everything about them.

[@gorway7]

Great review Steve and you home in on a biggie that is rarely mentioned in WC pencil reviews, I don't use mine that much as I feel I'm working blind sometimes, you don't know what you're going to get till you hit it with the water. I love the colour richness of my Inktense pencils but they are terrible for that - the laydown colour is absolutely nothing like the activated colour. I might try again with some Albrech Durer.

[@barbararegina5198]

I always refer to my swatch sheet when i use Inktense.

[@theamateurpoint8755]

Awesome video. I have some wcolor pencils but i've never been a fan. I always seem to get some pencil lines that won't disappear after activation, so I just put them away. The AD seem awesome, although the caran dache ones have a wonderful cover ahahah they look like candy to me (wood taste candy 😄). I would love to see a video of you using the AD set, if you have the time. Thank you so much for this video.

[@mindofwatercolor]

The very next video after this review is using the AD set to do an Azalea.

[@BeardedBarley1]

Love the bit of humor...

[@loveandlife4222]

I’m seriously considering buying some watercolor pencils for my birthday. I’m leaning toward caran dache as I’ve heard so many wonderful things about them. My question to you is - are there other colors that are off from the color it says it is? Like you compared those blue colors of the Albrecht dur to the caran dache. And then I love how you compared them to your m Graham. Are there other colors that are off with the caran dache? I would really love to see a video comparing the two of them together. I like the idea of the creamy feel but would sometimes want a harder point too. I trust your opinion and for you to tell us your honest opinion. You are an accomplished artist and I would love to know how you feel about them now.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Albrecht Dürers are still my favorite today. The hardness difference isn't huge I will say. Museum Aquarelle are popular and of good quality. But, yes, there are some other MA that seem off to me. The real issue for me is that MA activation is more unpredictable. Both brands become more vibrant when activated but the color I ended up with on the MA seems different from what I put down. (See my comments in the video starting at 4:39) My suggestion is to get a few single pencils (they can be purchased open stock) and try them.

[@loveandlife4222]

Thank you so much for answering me. I will do as you suggest and just buy a few of each kind before I buy. Thank you again!

[@jaspermartin7444]

lol I already have a lifetime supply of pencils but apparently... I enjoy buying pencils? :P It's relaxing to sit in front of a video and doodle/draw, and not worry about the cats eating the paint. Anyway, with pencils, while the buttery texture is my personal favorite quality, having a bigger color selection is more important, as is the "what you see is what you get when wet" issue. Guess the FCAD will be jumping into my shopping cart if they ever have a sale on their full box set, thanks for the review Steve! Btw, I have a wc set by Hero which is softer than the Derwents wc, for anybody who wants that comparison. Although the Hero don't wet nearly as well, they make really nice (and soft) drawing pencils.

[@VmaxRED1]

Best review ever! I have one more question. Once you activate it with water, will that color fade more easily? So, the lightfast rating indicated on the pencils are before activated with water right? It means we have to apply dry over it again for best result.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Should be the same regardless. Activation shouldn't make a difference. But I imagine the rating is for activated color since that is how it ends up most commonly.

[@kenivrataric9783]

Fabulous review, thank you.

[@FuriedHearts]

I notice some of your pencils are sharpened to a much longer point and others are a shorter point. Like, at 11:32 (using the yellow pencil), it has a very long thin point. I really like how sharp/elongated that point is; are you using a specific type of sharpener to get that? Never really seen that before. I think I would like that on my Polychromos too. I own multiple sharpeners and they don't really get like that.

[@mindofwatercolor]

The shorter pencils have not been sharpened by me yet. They are the way they came brand new. I use an Xacto School Pro. Its in my Amazon Store link in the video description.

[@FuriedHearts]

@@mindofwatercolor Thank you!!