Using Watercolour Pencils - Derwent Inktense

In today’s video I show you the best way that I’ve found to use watercolour pencils.
Equipment -
Derwent Inktense Watercolour Pencils (24 pack)
A5 190gsm watercolour paper
Aquafine pointed wash Daler Rowney Brush
Good old tap water
Fabre Castell collapsible water pot
This is such a travel-friendly,space saving way of keeping creative on the road!!
To find my portfolio of work and a link to my Etsy store, please head to www.woodwardswatercolurs.co.uk
Thanks as always for watching and please feel free to comment below.
Colin
​⁠‪@derwent‬
‪@dalerrowney‬
‪@hobbycraft‬
#art
#watercolor
#watercolourpencilpainting
#derwentinktense
#watercolouringpainting
#arttutorial
#tutorialyoutube
#artist
#artistdemo
#demonstration

[@katev.8022]

These are great pencils, however, they aren’t watercolour pencils. These are India ink and when dried after use the will not reactivate as watercolour pencils are able to do. Again, great pencils good for all kinds of projects. For instance, a colouring book with single sided pages and always place a blank piece of paper to make sure no bleed on the next page. Get a small set and play with them and have fun!

[@sherizapara2992]

Thankyou...love these pencils!

[@stevehelfend605]

@@sherizapara2992 It

[@williamdart4343]

Only recently started to paint, at 70 maybe a little late but I am enjoying it so much. Loved this video and will watch more. Thanks for you help. Best wishes John

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Thanks John, that’s wonderful! Never too late. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@deborahstuart1775]

Never to late to learn, Art is wonderful. 6/6/24

[@Joana_Mar]

Not late at all! Enjoy it ❤

[@freedomofreligion3248]

I'm 71. We FEEL something other than our actual chronological "age". I often feel about 25.

[@Joana_Mar]

❤❤

[@shirleythorbergson6405]

Always wonder how pencils work so thanks for the short video. I will five it a try. Thanks

[@pennyhewitt8801]

Thank you for encouraging me to actually use these pencils which I have had in the cupboard for a long time without using. Bought and put away😂 Great video going have a go at this video 😊

[@janfisher-payne4119]

Please note, theses are NOT watercolour pencils, they are made with Indian ink hence the name Inktense therefore they do not behave like normal watercolour pencils. They are much less forgiving and once dry are permanent. They are fabulous and the colours and pigment are intense but you can’t move them about like watercolours.

[@smahoney5794]

A great way to use the little sandings/shavings is when you're painting rocks and stones. First lay down the base colors. Then, while it's still wet, sand the pencil over it with a darker color and let the pigment do its thing.

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Sounds like an interesting technique

[@twistedsoda]

I had no idea! I even own these and never used them because I didn’t know how. Thankyou for a fantastic explanation

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Im so pleased you found it beneficial!

[@DanitaReynolds]

I have a set and use them once in a while. They are certainly vivid and fun to play with. They are ink pencils (not watercolor pencils) and once they dry they are permanent. So if you want to mix colors together they need to be mixed dry on the paper. You can rewet the dried ink pencil marks but they won't reactivate like watercolor does. Making it fun to watercolor paint on top of the dried pencil ink marks. @Colin Woodward thank you for sharing this video. It was fun watching you play with this medium and it has made me inspired to pull mine out and play with them too.

[@debrah5464]

One of the best descriptions of the use of these pencils I've seen! I've hoarded mine for too long...time to play! Thanks!

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Such a lovely comment! Thanks for watching and have fun!

[@hulamunki]

The colors are gorgeous how they wake up to the water!! Thank you for sharing with us. This is inspiring! 😊

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Lovely message! Thank you

[@hfbowerndesigns810]

Looking at these pencils to add colour to my woodturnings through adding pyrography and colour. Carol Hall a member of the AAW American Association of Woodturners has some videos on using the Inktense pencils on wood. Thanks for the demo Take care Cheers Harold

[@LibbyRal]

What I love about these is that you get different effects depending on which technique you use. You also get different color when dry than when it's wet. So I don't limit myself and will incorporate several techniques within one picture. One of the most exciting is to work on very wet paper and blend different colors that way. It's also a great way to mute some of those extremely bright, unrealistic colors.

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

I’m glad you enjoy them too, however I’m not a fan of drawing on wet paper😂 We’re all different!

[@MeaghanDuchess85]

Hi Collin! I have just started using watercolours and watercolour pencils for the first time and came across this while looking for something to paint for my Dad for Fathers Day tomorrow. I gave it a go with my own set (different brand not quite as many colours but no big deal) and it turned out great! I showed my Mom after and told her the place you drew it from and she told me that her father's ancestors where from the Isle of Man!! What an amazing synchronicity for this to be the video that I chose to draw with and the place happen to be in my ancestry!! THANK-YOU! 💚

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

That’s great Meaghan, I love hearing testimonies like that! Thank you for sharing and for watching, I hope your dad really likes it.

[@madelinekerriiart]

what a fun landscape!!

[@gamineglass]

Beautiful idea!

[@rachelsmith8876]

I like yout painting

[@DanielOliveira-lk3tg]

Loved the result ❤

[@MMGARC]

I've had some in my art room for about 4 years and played with them a few times.....but then they sat. You woke me up with your wonderful explanations, Colin. I can't wait to pull the out and rediscover them once again. Thank you for this great tutorial.

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

So lovely to hear!

[@spyderworxartdesign6641]

awesome!!!!

[@justinesimone5343]

Thank you! I was given a set of water color pencils but didn't know the best way to use them until I watched your demonstration! Now I'm excited to try them! ❤

[@janerogers630]

Really loved your tutorial. I have this set of Inktense and had no idea how to use them.Your technique is amazing. Grateful for the demonstration. I will watch many times.❤🎉

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Thank you!

[@user-pf8fc5zb1k]

Thank you good work 🥰

[@grannyscrap7246]

Hi Colin, I love your tutorial. I didn’t realise the outliner doesn’t move. Great tip. Clearly I haven’t used it enough, but these are my absolute favourite pencils. Sharon

[@hardybeverly]

Very helpful and interesting.

[@sherryseeton6749]

Holy cow! I'm going to have to watch this again because I'm so captivated by your beautiful accent that I'm afraid I'm not taking in the information all that well. 🤣 Sorry! (not sorry). Gorgeous, amazing picture!

[@ingeborgsap9509]

Happy to see this demo and surprized at the mention of Niarbyl. Am Dutch, but been there and going over to the isle again in 2 weeks. Next my local paper and paint shop announced an Inktense demo, "feel free to have a go yourself." So quickly sketch copied the outlines you drew on a small block. My painting differs a bit from yours -well, you're the master!- still, I posted it to a friend on the IOM. No mistake, the answer came: "That's Niarbyl!" Loved the pensils and got a set. Thanks for sharing. Ingeborg, Netherlands.

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Thanks for that! Isn’t it such a beautiful part of the world!!

[@Planetosave]

Strong colors! I would expect less visible strokes after wetting the area. But still beautiful!

[@janiceobrien2631]

I love your technique.

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Thanks Janice. I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment!

[@shaaronhole3111]

Love the vividness of these pencils, thank you for the demo

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Ah, thank you, you’re very welcome

[@borleyboo5613]

I’ve just bought a small set of these. This has inspired me to use them a lot more than I have. Thank you for this helpful and lovely demonstration. 😊

[@double2mo382]

I think I have been woken up to try my set again. Love how you lay down the texture. That's what I will try.

[@sallyjoligocki5011]

I am off to hobby lobby to get some Derwent ink tense. Thank you for sharing.

[@kristieprice8842]

Thank you for sharing how you use Inktense watercolor pencils. I like how you used the pencil and flat brush to create the bay of water. I want to try that technique.

[@terricaprio614]

I enjoyed your tutorial very much! I think I’ll go back and retry these pencils!

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

That’s so good to hear! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@user-mn2bz7cg9s]

Замечательно! Спасибо!!

[@dawn4224]

I have the inktense bars as well as the pencils! Great to have in my art supplies!

[@sallykirkstephens8415]

Me too ! Really rich colour

[@milzaclay9925]

Omg! Your work is beautiful and vibrant. I'm inspired by your demonstration. Thank you so much!❤

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Ah that’s great to hear! Thank you

[@user-us7pp5hd7n]

Very educational. Much thanks

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Cindy, thanks for watching and for the feedback!

[@A-Minor-Music]

I recently got the smallest set of 12, thanks much for this demo. And I also love to use the F-C sharpener, gives a super sharp point with only a few turns.

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

You’re welcome. The sharpener is incredible!

[@momomarie]

Thank you, I had some of these pencils and didn't know how to use them. I had a very small set and just bought the big one so I could follow your lesson. I love it!

[@TraceG]

Going to dig my watercolour pencils out and have a scribble 😊

[@nesaclark1059]

So very interesting!

[@callywayish]

Another significant advantage of inktense: once dry, they are permanent, unlike regular watercolor pencils; so you can layer if you want to adjust the shade without adding a workable fixative as would be needed with regular watercolor pencils. Love these! Thanks for sharing the way you prefer to use them.

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

You’re so welcome

[@Iceland874]

I have a smaller set. Thank you for the video. I have never painted before.

[@Kimmy6519]

Although they aren’t watercolor pencils, but ink pencils, I think they are lovely, and really wake up with water!

[@pebblesstleonards]

Excellent video, thank you. They are my favourite watercolour pencils, so much so that I bought a set for a friend who has now discovered their favourites too!

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

You’re very welcome

[@Nora-jt9zy]

Thank you for showing how you use these pencils 😊

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

You’re welcome!

[@valmorck4814]

Great demonstration....I have used these for awhile...but your addition of texture and the brushes made them even more fun. The colors are wonderful and bright with the ink added.

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Thank you

[@barbhartle7438]

Wow just happened upon your video and love it! Thanks for sharing Colin. I have some of these pencils for years and have never used them. I most certainly will try this today. You've inspired me.

[@despeasland4837]

Hi Colin . Thanks for sharing this brilliant tutorial.

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Thank you Des

[@others1012]

Hi Colin, I have this set but was never quite sure how to use it. Thank you for this tutorial. Time to do new play 🤩

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

That’s so good to hear!

[@atokea77777]

Lovely painting ❤

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Thank you so much 😀

[@vwood2]

Great demonstration! I love how you kept the lines showing. Thank you very much - I just picked up a set, so perfect timing 😊

[@veystone2580]

Sets of 144 or bigger than that? Where do you get your info from?!

[@vwood2]

@@veystone2580 Sorry, no. My set just has 24 pencils. But Derwent has an excellent website if you’re looking for more info.

[@MichDuedahl1]

Thank you very much. It helps me a lot.❤️👌🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

You're welcome 😊

[@user-cj6yw5fu4l]

Thanks Colin for your tutorial,I haven't used my pencils for a while and this has encouraged me to get going with them👍🏻🎇

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Ah excellent!

[@greggtransky9080]

Colin, really stunning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for sharing. Want to watch this again and try it. Best to you, Sondra Borrie

[@dariabuczynski9711]

Enjoyed your demo. You have a great voice. Thank you

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Ah, thank you.. it’s the northern Irish accent 😂

[@janarlenesogge1729]

Need to bring out my set and use again. Thanks

[@clanreid2556]

Very Nice 🌟

[@maryearll3359]

Don't forget you can use different colours together and then use water to make the colours blend -:just as you can do with water colour paint. Some watercolourists use just two or three colours to paint with. Don't forget the colour wheel ! ❤

[@LibbyRal]

One of my favorite ways to use them is to wet the paper, then mix the colors that way.

[@wendykelcey1246]

Great video and a wonderful help! I have these pencils as well but was never very successful using them. I’m going to give them another try using what you’ve taught here! Thank you so much!!!

[@kinkin6593]

i love your technique :)

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Thank you! Thanks for watching

[@Robyn19fnq]

Thank you. I have the same set, but didn't quite know how to use them effectively until now.

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Great Robyn! Thanks for watching

[@JinnyCJ]

I was given the blocks which I love using, though they are a bit messy (or I’m a bit messy?!). I need to give the pencils a go. BTW I’m Jinny from North Yorkshire, hello 😀

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Hello Jinny. I absolutely love the blocks too!

[@puppetsnippets6830]

I love the inktense range and colours. I am just experimenting with them on fabric and also have just got the pan set 2 as a present and can’t wait to try them out. On holiday recently I had a few materials but the Inktense came out top.

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

They really are fantastic aren’t they!

[@ZannerBatman]

You can also put a wet brush to the pencil tip to get colour on your brush, and of course you can brush some off into your mixing area, and use similar to regular watercolour.

[@parsellart7805]

Great ideas for me. I use these pencils and I find they have a lot of pigment. I prefer them over other brands I also use their intense blocks. Thank you for your great tips.

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

That’s so good to hear. I always hope these videos are helpful in some way!

[@jodycourt]

So good! I've started using my watercolor pencils lately and I love the additional texture of the drawing with the paint. I have the Fabre Castell. Once I've used these up, I'd like to try the Derwent. Sometimes I dip my pencil in water and get a really good, dark line. It almost acts like crayon. FUN....it's what I'm about.

[@KitKatToeBeans]

I wish there were that many colors of inktense! They now have 100 colors which were released last year. They are one of my favorites 😊

[@binksterb]

Have to agree about the pencil sharpener, the best on the market, and easy to clean. Highly recommend!

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

It’s SO good!

[@rustyadams309]

Just great! Rusty is the name.

[@debh94066]

Wet brush, on the tip of the pencil then paint with the brush. Incredible pencils. They definitely have their place in the art world. Not typical watercolor paint. Once applied on paper it’s a done deal. Love your technique too.

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Thank you!

[@user-kw4kk6sp5v]

Thanks for the demo! A friend gave me a set of 12 years ago and I have not used them much but I'm gonna have a go with them again.

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Oh you’ll not be disappointed! Thanks for watching

[@lindamclean8809]

I think it would help the viewer to see your reference picture as you work....otherwise we don’t know what you’re doing ❤

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Thanks Linda

[@Midgy21747]

Thank you for a great video . I have the blocks and didn’t know what to do with them. Midgy

[@rikkigafni4500]

Great lesson ! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with me. I have a set and never started to use it , but thanks to you I will start. I loved how the painting started and ended so beautifully. I will check your work out.. all the best. Rikki

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Thanks you. I’m glad it’s encouraged you to give them a whirl. Colin

[@michaelbyrd7883]

Awesome, tutorial I enjoyed watching and learning what water pencils can do i.e. less is more. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

You’re welcome!

[@kathybost1879]

I also have the Derwent Blocks, which are permanent when dry, tfs. love from usa

[@heatherpagefiberfreak4230]

I've been eyeballing these for awhile....looks like I'm going to have to pick some up!

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Hi Heather, thanks for the comment and for watching. I have always been SO PLEASED with the Inktense pencils!! Hope you feel the same when you get yours!

[@snuuby5468]

The Derwent Inktense pencils come in 12/24/36/48/72 and 100 sets. Recently, they increased the set of 72 to 100 pencils. The additional 28 new pencils can be purchased in open stock.

[@WhstlblwrBlastingEpsteinsPals]

My grail art support. Homeless whistle-blower can't afford 😢 I still love watching other artists use them... I will be ready for them when I can afford them, at some point.

[@angelakenny6500]

You make it so easy ,I have Derwent watercolour pencils not so good as yours but ok for me must practice .Thanks for sharing

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

So glad you enjoyed it and are inspired!!

[@Taitcreates639]

New to water color, received a set of 36, I heard they were awesome, I am trying to learn how to use them

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

They are!

[@simonblackbird4568]

Great video Colin! Now I want to buy a set! 🤦‍♂😂

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Oh do, they are amazing!

[@juliemaitland1176]

Hi Colin, I’m not sure where you came from - you just suddenly appeared on the screen - but I’m glad you did😊. You have such a soothing voice it was a pleasure to watch you, I will be subscribing. Like many of the people commenting I have had my pencils for ages untouched. I bought the 72 set and then the blocks and finally upgraded to 100 when the new colours came out but still I didn’t use them! I don’t really know why - probably because I didn’t know how. Watching you was a kind of eureka moment and all fell into place. At last I can get to know them better which I am looking forward to. Thank you for sharing your way of working with them, you made it look so easy. It reminded me of colouring books I had as a child when all you had to do was add water and the colours ‘magically’ appeared. Only with Inktense you need to learn how to put the colour down before the fun bit! I shall get them out tomorrow with a whole new idea about them. I need a distraction right now and you have given me one.❤

[@TwilightAngel_89]

I love this 😄I’ve got a set of these but haven’t used them yet

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Give them a go!!

[@johnbrengle1443]

Very helpful! Thank you! John in WA State.

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Thanks John

[@kr2112]

Wow! Thanks so much, Colin! I love your enthusiasm. You’re a great teacher. It’s funny because I didn’t type Inktense into my phone, BUT tested my old Inktense pencils AND sticks (if you haven’t tried them, please DO! They can give off a tiny bit of dust and also can get on your fingers, BUT they are fabulous!) yesterday and suddenly your video came up this morning! I think my phone IS listening! Aaaagh! Anyway, I was testing them because I heard an artist raving about Daniel Smith WC sticks. I bought a few to test. At the same time, I also tested my Caran D’Ache Neocolor II. And I think both types of Inktense tools work the best out of the four. The drawback with the DS is that they are pretty light and scratchy to draw with, although I do like how much the lines and texture can be retained after wetting. I’ve had my Inktense pencils and blocks for a long time and forget about them and then pull them back out, only to remember just how nicely they work. I think they are great and am so glad that I found your video at just the right time to remind me of how to use them to their best ability. I used to have a huge set of Faber Castell watercolor pencils. Unfortunately in moving studios, etc. I seem to have somehow misplaced them. They also were excellent. I’ve noticed that both Derwent and Faber Castell can last for an incredibly long time, even though, as you say, the Derwent will blunt more easily than regular colored pencils, due to the softness of pure pigment. Regardless of someone above remarking that these are NOT watercolor pencils but water soluble ink pencils, your calling them the former seems to me to be an appropriate way in which to think of/describe them. They truly do behave like really intense watercolor pencils. And, while they blend exceptionally well with water, they also dry permanently and can be worked on top of without dissolving by rewetting, which can be a real plus. Additionally, their white pencil and block can blend well with other colors BUT can also cover! And they are pretty nice to use without water, like regular colored pencils, but with more tinting strength. However, some of the colors aren’t fully lightfast, and the lightfastness of various colors can lessen, depending on how much they’ve been diluted. In the other hand, they can be used on fabric, which can’t really be done with other colored pencils. Thank you, again, for your wonderful, enthusiastic demonstration!!! I’m following you now, for sure!

[@kr2112]

PS Can you please tell me the brand and details of the brushes you are using in this video? Thank you!

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Really appreciate the information in this comment, really helpful. I also appreciate how the white Inktense can cover and blend so well!

[@JoAnneSmith-di8ok]

Hi Colin. I have been enjoying you and Tobys joint sessions. I subscribed with you also, now tonight. I have the 12 count of Derwent Inktense pencils. I love them. Thank you for showing me how they work doing a landscape. I need ideas on what to do with these great pencils. Thank you!

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Joanne, so glad you’re enjoying the videos. Thanks for subscribing! Get drawing!!

[@lisaharner3720]

I love inktense! I have the full pencil set with the new colors and the pan set. I do a lot of botanicals with them. When I don’t want to see the pencil line I rub some on the Caran d’Ache palette aquarelle and take the pigment from there with a wet brush. I love your landscape technique. I’ve enjoyed your video and you’ve inspired me to try a landscape! New subscriber. Thank you!

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Hi Lisa, I’m well jealous of your full pencil set! Thank you and enjoy them! Thanks for subscribing and taking the time to watch and comment!

[@nettiewilson7196]

I have been using these for a few years. I love doing designs on fabrics and over the past few weeks I have been doing simple flowers on small floss cards. I love them but I like it better to draw and then add water.

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Wonderful!

[@JoAnneSmith-di8ok]

Sure will do that.

[@joykruczay]

Thanks ever so much for sharing your talents with us! You are obviously very skilled in the media. I certainly need more practice with them. Unless all of the pigment is activated, they can lift a bit. One can also use an inexpensive Caran D'ache pallet that is a polymer to apply the pencil, instead of paper which is discarded. Any unused pigment can dry and be used another time. Also, the Inktense are a transparent medium. The Derwent Graphitint are a little more opaque, as they contain graphite. (You did say pencils are lead, which is incorrect. That is a common error. Pencils never had lead, only graphite and clay.)

[@karenstead8259]

Thank you Colin. That was a very interesting video. I especially liked how you blended the colours, but also how you left the pencil lines in to create texture and interest. I have been procrastinating over getting a set of these pencils. Your video just convinced me that I really do need them. 😊 Liked and Subscribed.

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

That’s so good to hear! Thank you Karen

[@tanysthoms8396]

Hi. My name is Tanys. I’ve only tried watercolor pencils once, but now that I’ve seen a tutorial, I will try them again. Thank you!

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Ah that’s so good! Thanks for watching

[@JMPaglio]

I thoroughly enjoy working with Derwent products, though, I admit ink-tense is my favorite. Wonderful video.

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Thank you!

[@surendradeshmukh3377]

Very nice

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Thanks

[@patwagner3694]

Your excitement says it all. Can't wait to try out ! My name is Patricia W.

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Hi Patricia !! Thanks for watching and commenting

[@along9971]

I like these pencils out and about with a water brush for doing quick sketches, not a lot to carry either

[@susankelly4911]

Hi Colin I love your enthusiasm for these pencils and when I szw you paint with them I could understand the love you have for them. They're beautiful. I haven't tried them before but they look very enticing. I'm dying to get hold of them. I' ve tried the Stabillo watercolour pencils which I have to say are very good. I love them. There's some gorgeous colours and they are very reasonably priced as well if you go to THE RANGE. to thecart dept. Someone gifted them to me first and I loved them so much I went and got another set. They are one of my prized possessions so far. But I do love what these can do. Thank you for the tutorial and I like that painting. Keep up the good work. God bless Susan.

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

Thank you Susan, I really think they are brilliant. So glad to hear you enjoy making art with the stabilo brand of watercolour pencil too

[@geraldinenagle1756]

Thank you

[@Woodwardswatercolours]

You’re welcome!