WATCH this before buying the InkTense Blocks - Are they worth it?

Hey! In this video I share my impression of the InkTense blocks, I must admit that this isn't the video I thought I would be making as I thought that I would love them... but not everything is for everyone. They are not cheap, so I recommend watching this and a number of other reviews before buying! x
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[@SketchesnScrubs]

They are not cheap, so I recommend watching this and a number of other reviews before buying! x 💫 InkTense Blocks: amzn.to/46k6IXB 💫 🎨 Jackson's 10% discount: bit.ly/3rst4Uc and use the discount code SCRUBS10 (foe new and existing customers, one use only!)

[@windywednesday4166]

Exactly. I keep looking at these and not getting them... they look so fun but I think I'll stick with watercolors. Thanks for the great review.

[@diannedupuis2960]

I have the entire range of blocks and I love them. They are INK so will not perform like a watercolor. I like these best grated and activated with water or just mixed with water. Also, I am finding that using the actual INKTENSE paper seems to be greatly beneficial as well. Please don’t give up on them, they are beautifully versatile and a great value too.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you Dianne x

[@TheFatherpaul1]

If you found the inktense blocks difficult you should try the inktense pencils. I find them a lot easier to handle especially if you use a water brush and control the flow of water.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you Paul! 💛

[@Tonisfarm2024]

Oh goodness, I really enjoy inktense. I strongly feel that you would be happier with them.on a higher quality surface such as a watercolor paper. I have uses them on natural stone tiles which was super fun as well as using them on wood. They truly are a very versatile medium and I suppose not for everyone. But think outside the box a little bit and see if you find more enjoyment. Thanks for your video, the painting demo did turn out really lovely. ❤

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you so much for watching and your suggestions! I still have them and will continue to explore with them in the hopes of finding a way that works for me - so I really appreciate your tips! x

[@suziejane4345]

I turned the sticks over, so I'm not washing the numbers off when I'm using them with the brush.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Very good point Suzie lol! xx

[@gillinacook1477]

It’s all about the Surface you’re using. You need to use water colour paper, 100% if you can.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thanks for watching and sharing Gillian - it is watercolour paper, do you use 100% cotton with them ? xx

[@lynnrush7166]

You might want to not use so much pigment straight off the blocks. Try mixing some of the colour in the little wells on the side or in a separate mixing palette. If you want more intense colour come back and glaze after the first layer dries. I’m using mine very lightly for backgrounds at the moment as I start to get more familiar with how they react.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you for the tips Lynn x

[@karin7765]

Agreed.That's what I do and get excellent wanted results..

[@iritlandgraf]

Thanks for the video! I've had the big set for years. Love the idea of them but never fell in love with them. Everytime I take them out, same experience. They are interesting, definitely intense when water added and still...

[@SketchesnScrubs]

You are so welcome! Thank you so much for watching Irit! I love your channel & your beautiful bright art :D I feel the same, I will try them from time to time but suspect they may just not be for me xx

[@gabriellaritaart]

Hi, I'm sorry you had a bad time using these blocks. They were difficult for me as well when I first started using them. In my experience they look a ton better on high quality watercolour paper than a cheaper sketchbook paper. Also, I wouldn't recommend using smooth paper. If you happen to have 100% cotton cold press (any brand) or even Hahnemuhle Bamboo mixed media paper, these blocks will look much better on those. They are always going to look opaque, but the graininess and streakiness will be much less of an issue on a good paper. Anyways, that's just my two cents. I appreciate your video and your channel.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you so much for sharing your tips Gabriella 💛

[@Makachopping]

Hahnemuhle 100% cotton watercolor sketchbook is SO OVERRATED. That's my one "not a fan, ,do not buy" warning type of thing :) I never had interest in the inktense blocks but I know a lot of people love them. Love that you published this, I think it's helpful to have multiple perspectives

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Ohh! Thank you for sharing xx

[@mjpete27]

I have used Inktense blocks and pencils and they are NOT watercolors! You might get better results if you use a surface with sizing! You can use cotton paper too, but if you don’t have a way to add gum Arabic or Ox gall you simply cannot get that smooth texture it looks like your trying for! Schminke has both if your looking for a recommendation. You can get smoother results with watercolor paper and choosing hot press over cold or rough press is easier too. I have found that if you dissolve all of the color you put down it does not re-activate. It is harder to get that intense color payoff doing this, so just keep working with the supply. I found Lindsay Weirich (The Frugal Crafter) to have amazing Inktense videos and spectacular artwork as well! Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

[@maggiechong2915]

Love your energy and art. 😁 Just an fYI because you mentioned you liked the art on the front of the tin. It was created by Lachri Fine Art. She also has a KZbin channel with tutorials. Sorry for being repetitive if you already knew this. 😌An art supply I don’t care for are oil paints. Love the painting experience, but takes too long to dry in a home with pets. My artwork always became furry. Also don’t like the clean up. 😖

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you so much for watching and your lovely comment Maggie! And for letting me know about Lachri lol no need to apologise at all :) Lol oils are the one painting medium I am yet to try for that very reason ... I reckon I would be too impatient to wait for it to dry properly :P Thank you for sharing! I hope you are having a lovely weekend. xx

[@Chidera.m]

It's definitely very helpful hearing about cons! Thank you for this video, very insightful and informative!

[@SketchesnScrubs]

You're so welcome! Glad you enjoyed it 💛💛

[@ladyamalthea85]

I love the blocks, I've been using them for years. I want to get the full set one day. It's hard with art supplies because until you test them out, you can't really know what you think. As much as they are wonderful to use, I don't think the Faber Castell Pitt artist brush pens have the best quality tips, and I don't see the appeal of Tombow dual tips either!

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you for watching and for sharing! 😂😂 we’re opposites - I don’t like the blocks but love the Pitt pens xx

[@veystone2580]

I agree 100% with your opinion. Wish this video was available a couple of years ago! I REALLY REGRET BUYING THESE!

[@SketchesnScrubs]

They are far from my favourites too, I'm still holding on to them in the hopes I will find a way to use them ... if I do, I'll share xx

[@tealteatrees4899]

Thank you for your video! You may want to try acrylic inks (by liquitex for example). You can use them like watercolors and they don't reactivate at all. Downside is like acryla gouache they dry fast in the palette and cleaning the brush quickly is essential!

[@SketchesnScrubs]

I have a few acrylic inks and oddly enough haven’t used them like watercolour - that is a great suggestion! Thank you 💛💛

[@lucrezca]

Great video. Really appreciate your honesty. Lovely work even through the difficulties. Thanks for sharing!

[@SketchesnScrubs]

You are so welcome! Thank you so much for watching and your kind comment Elijah! 💛

[@ChantelleArts]

This is such a good watch, such useful information 💜

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you 💛💛

[@YourMessenger]

Hi. Loved your video and good on you for trying something new! Inktense blocks are Ink, not water colors. So they don't really behave like traditional water colors. Maybe try watching some videos on using inks? They make them into blocks to make it easier (and less messy) to transport them. Don't give up on them! I use them on fabric (quilts, fabric or canvas bags and such) and they work great...very vibrant colors. : 0 )

[@SketchesnScrubs]

I'll keep experimenting with them, I know they are quite popular, just couldn't make them work for me.Thank you for sharing! Are they okay when you wash the fabrics? x

[@YourMessenger]

@SketchesnScrubs yes, if I heat set them first with my iron, they launder without bleeding.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

@@YourMessenger Thank you x x

[@Chidera.m]

Love the piece you created as well!

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you so much! Xx

[@mrs.z605]

Super helpful!! Thank you! I know you weren't over happy with it, but I think the piece turned out lovely!! I just bought (yesterday ) the 12 pencil set that corresponds to the block colors you have. I hope you find joy in using your blocks. You always create such awesome work. I bet once you get used to them, you will decide you love them😂😂😂❣️ 🤟❤❤❤

[@SketchesnScrubs]

You are so welcome! 💛

[@jesswoodhere]

Thank you for the video. I’ve been thinking about trying them and have wondered about all the hype.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

You’re welcome! Hope it helped 💛

[@attorneycarissa]

I struggled with the inktense pencils and have them in a box in my closet for now.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thanks for sharing Carissa 💛

[@pokey3010]

Thank you for this, i was thinking about buying these yesterday but decided to wait, glad I did because you saved me $$$$ and I wasn't looking for this video it found me!! LOL .Oh I love your little painting.. Again thank you so much for this.. 😀

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Glad I could help! Xx

[@ritawilbur6128]

Inktense is such a weird thing. I just can't figure it out! I played around with it on black paper, and it actually really reminded me of gouache, except -- not. It drives me crazy when people say, "It's ink!" because seriously, what ink behaves like this???? It's very chalky. Kind of opaque. Sort of permanent. But it also reactivates. I just think it's its own unique thing. There's nothing else quite like it. I don't hate it, but I haven't figured out how to like it, either.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

I like your description Rita 😂 thank you for sharing ! Xx

[@thewanderess]

This is exactly how I feel about it. I got it towards the end of 2020. I was just a beginner back then and I thought it could probably be me. But over the years, I've tried it in many ways . I can get it working, but it's not a pleasant experience. So yeah, not something I'd pick up and use on an everyday basis.

[@Kelly1-KAM]

I have all of the inktense range, I love the pencils and I really love the paint pans because the colours are so vibrant and easy to use. However I have always found the blocks give a weird texture, I always wondered if I had a faulty batch. I do use the blocks now and again if I do want some texture because I do kind of like how when you blend different colours together, they separate in an interesting way.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you so much for sharing! I had wondered the same thing as you whether my batch was faulty 🤣😂🤣

[@IsabelSydowArt]

Thank you for recording and sharing your video, it actually made me buy them! I am a true beginner and I am expecting many blotches, personally, as I need to learn how to find the right paper and water/ink ratios. I will try to find ways how to make such blotches and streaks part of the art itself, as I hope I will eventually learn how to have them happen less and less. Art has saved me in more ways than one, and it is so medicinal. Thank you, again!!!

[@SketchesnScrubs]

I’m so happy you found it useful and I hope you enjoy them! ❤️

[@derwood206]

Thanks for the demo! My instincts told me to avoid these and i am glad I did. I AM enjoying the Daniel Smith watercolor sticks and I have enjoyed using the Derwent Inktense pencils for drawing with occasional use of water to activate. Rejected art supply list: Grabie watercolor set; Canson cellulose watercolor pad; a ceramic brush rest that tilts brushes at an angle; most versions of PG23 watercolor; a sale tube of Rembrandt's Gold Ochre watercolor that was just a tube of gummy binder mess, and Qor's dull greyish "Naples Yellow".

[@SketchesnScrubs]

You are more than welcome Derwood! Gouache and watercolour continue to hold my heart xx

[@derwood206]

@@SketchesnScrubs gosh I read my rejected art supply response and I must have been having a bad day ha. I do stand by my list though ;)

[@E4Alabbasy]

I really wonder if the pans differ from the blocks, I'm so tempted- being that I love inks and painting with acrylic ink, to buy both blocks and pans to figure out this supply, I don't know I've seen many reviews but it feels like it's the kind of supply that I need to try to actually understand it better 😅 yet of course I can't justify buying them just for the sake of testing. Thank you for sharing your opinion, I like even though you didn't enjoy them you still shared your honest opinion, it helps us to get to know you better as an artist 😊

[@SketchesnScrubs]

You are more than welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it. It may be worth asking people in the comments- quite a few have both our have recommended trying the pans instead 😂😅 I understand the urge to want to buy and test them yourself though lol I think that unless I drastically change my mind, I’ll probably avoid getting any more blocks or trying out the pans lol I have enough supplies that I love to keep me busy xx

[@ImeldaFagin]

I’m struggling with these blocks but they are pretty permanent, in the sense of putting a color over them. But they need time to dry..5 minutes or maybe less, depending on how humid it is. To me, they come across more like acrylic gouache, a bit flat and not mixable unless you mix them right when are wet. Have you seen the technique of using the Caran d’arche watercolor pencil palette? Just buy a cheap plastic cutting board because that also has a slightly rough texture.

[@nancysayers143]

I have just been given the large tin of the sticks, and have used then for the first time today. I have completed a painting of an old gum tree, with peeling bark, and have found that they work beautifully.....the under layers staying in place, and the top layers are just glowing. I am so happy with them. I am glad that I didn't see your video beforehand, as I would have been very concerned, but they worked exactly as I had been told that they were meant to....possibly you are using the wrong type of paper?

[@JohnSmith-xb4ux]

I've seen somebody break the leads of the fc polychromos and use mineral spirits to blend them, it worked really nice as watercolor. Thank you for review, pretty hair lady 😊😊

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you for watching and sharing John! Xx

[@doloresparra4604]

Thank you for your perspective

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you for watching Dolores ❤️

[@ladyinblack3398]

I tried them but I seem to come back to the traditional watercolors and gouache all the time. I find that for most blocks and watercolor pencils don't dissolve fully if used directly on paper, therefore I had to use it on the Caran d'Ache rough palette first to get it fully dissolved. Or with a wet brush to the tip of the pencil or block. And if I have to go round about I can just go straight to WC or guache.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you for watching and sharing! Xx

[@floramew]

Interesting thoughts! I don't think I'd even heard of inktense before -- I'm not the target demographic for specialized art products, lol. But it was still interesting and informative to listen to your thoughts, even if I never had any intention of trying the product myself 👍

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank You for watching Flora x

[@betsybirge7934]

Since I owned the Inktense Pencils and liked them, I purchased the set of 100 sticks. I used them once and then ended up giving them away. They dried so chalky that I couldn't deal with it. :(

[@SketchesnScrubs]

I'm sorry to hear that Betsy! Thank you for sharing x x

[@blueviolets2022]

This has baffled me. You can't re-wet them after you've painted them, they're permanent, but you can wet them and paint....my brain hits a brick wall with this. 🤔😵‍💫

[@LCNazarene]

In my experience, using quality cotton watercolor paper is very important. I solved the streaking / blobs by applying my first wash onto wet(damp) paper. This allows for more even distribution and a smoother finish. It also takes longer than you might think for this product to fully dry so as to become almost permanent. I haven't had a lifting issue when the first layer is totally dry and I'm not too aggressive with subsequent layers.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Great tips Nazarene! Thank you for sharing x

[@andreapalma7570]

I hated mine and donated them to fundraiser for a fine arts center. I had a big set of them, too. My original intent was to be able to grind them up and use as pigments. But it’s too humid where I live and they just didn’t make a powder. I DO use the Inktense Pencils occasionally and prefer those. But for actual watercolors, I just like artist grade watercolors.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you for sharing Andrea! Xx

[@jodiebuell6982]

I'm not a fan of the inktense blocks. I had the same experience with the 4 I purchased, was going to maybe try others, but seeing that they all do that, I'll pass now. Thank you for the video, it helped me.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

You are more than welcome Jodie! I'm glad it was helpful xx

[@sandrarahimi5688]

It is a shame they didn’t work out for you but I appreciate you sharing how you struggled with the materials. Btw you I really like your final piece despite, or maybe because of the challenges

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you so much Sandra! xx

[@After40Art]

I have the full range of these. I have had them since they came out. They definitely do not work like watercolor. I find it easier to get a smoother finish if I water them down into a well first like a larger puddle than you'd think you need. The good thing is in a well they will be rewettable like watercolors. These work best in very thin repeated layers where they are allowed to dry between each layer. When you have thicker blotchy layers they reactivate more easily. They are also great to just dust over things and spray with water to finish off pieces. I use them on watercolor paper, ink paper, and fabric. It took me a long time to figure out how to use them best, I have the pencils too loads of fun :)

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you for sharing your helpful insights ! Xx

[@thewanderess]

My most disappointing art supply was Derwent Watercolour pencils, ended up returning them, then inktense blocks and art philosophy water soluble oil pastels. Kept the blocks, thinking one day it might grew on me. But nah, not yet.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thanks for sharing! I had a similar dissatisfying experience with the art philosophy pastels and the blocks as you saw 😂😅

[@thewanderess]

Oh yes!. After commenting on your inktense block video it did cross my mind to give Art Philosophy water soluble pastels another go. Went to Amazon and even checked the price(it has almost doubled).Then your art philosophy video was on my feed just now. And I came back to this comment 😆😆. But yeah that video reminded me why I hated it in the first place and it's not for me. Thanks 😁

[@SketchesnScrubs]

@@thewanderess If you are considering the art philosophy pastels - I highly recommend checking the video first as I ended up being quite disappointed and returning them. Their colour selection was beautiful, but their performance for the price was poor, to get them in the UK they were almost the same price as the neocolour IIs and significantly different x x

[@aizlynnjohnston9698]

There IS an art supply that I really really did not get on with. So much so that I gave them away. They are called Brusho. My husband refers to them as blobo! When I was just starting out and had no idea about anything I saw this one artist using it then shortly after saw them in an art shop and impulsively bought them. Big mistake. As it turned out there were no other artists using Brusho that I could find. I did try it several times with no real success. I didn't seem to be able to control them and just made a big mess. Watercolour is my thing and I have improved over the years. Looking back I realise it was the art supply, not me that was the reason I was not getting the results I wanted. PS. I've tried the Inktense blocks and have had the same results you have. Don't beat yourself up about it. Enjoy what does give you pleasure!

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you so much for watching and sharing Aizlynn! I really appreciate your kind words, and I’m glad that you didn’t let Brusho discourage you from creating art xx

[@sallyw8684]

It might be worth trying them like a traditional dry ink. Meaning, shave off some powder from the blocks into a mixing well, and activate that with water. The particles might dissolve better that way

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you Sally! I may try that x

[@vilvile]

@@SketchesnScrubsI was going to suggest something similar, using those Caran D’ache rugged palettes. The intensity of the colors will diminish but if the purpose is to do a wash, the extra time to disolve in water may help. Watercolor sometimes also gets streaky on me when I pick directly from the pan.

[@ralphanderson2603]

AGREE, TNX

[@marijohansson5521]

Thank you for your review. I have a few pencil but I dont like them so much, the look so flat. Glad that you have done this video. :-)

[@SketchesnScrubs]

You are so welcome! Glad it was helpful x

[@FaithAnnNB]

I am not a fan of Royal Talens / Art Creations sketchbooks. Everyone seems to love them because they’re inexpensive, but they make the experience of creating art a bit miserable for me. Fortunately, I only have one and I’ll just use it for sketches and no wet media. I have never been drawn into the InkTense pans of paint or the blocks. I just think I’d be better off using watercolour or gouache, instead of an additional type of product. I love Derwent drawing pencils, so I’m definitely not against the brand and I even enjoy the Derwent Inktense pencils… but I haven’t seen any videos about the blocks/paint that suck me in.

[@katalinelo8011]

These were my first try in watercolour (I got a small selection in a subscription box) and I never could make them not patchy. I always thought it was just my inexperience. Since I got proper watercolour (nothing fancy just student grade), I never touched them again.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thanks for sharing Katalinelo! x

[@samsig5605]

this was very useful to know! I had them on my list to maybe try one day but I don't think I would enjoy them

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thanks for watching Sam! I’m glad you found it helpful ❤️ May be worth checking other reviews too as they are quite popular but I personally wouldn’t recommend them xx

[@willemijnkamerling4011]

Have you tried these in your abstract paintings? I like the texture they give. I also like the intense colours and using the blocks to sketch with but also wetting them with the brush, like neocolors 2.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Ahh! Thank you Willemijn! In honesty, I haven't used them much since but I do think that is an excellent idea! Thank you x

[@vupps]

I have the 1/2 pan inktense paints. They are really vibrant like the blocks and it didn’t make any streaks like it showed up on your painting. It was not reactivating either and so if there was a mistake i made on the painting, it stayed for good. So is there a difference in the blocks and paints itself? I wonder!

[@sunnycharacter]

Same here, the pans are amazing. But you really can’t think of them as watercolor. Different animal.

[@windykellems2374]

In my observation after watching countless Inktense demos of styles different from my own, it looks to me like the struggle here is just unfamiliarity with the medium. I think you're expecting it to consistently behave like watercolor, or like ink, and it won't because it isn't either of those. What I have seen over the course of watching hours and hours of demos from others using it, along with my own approach and style, is that it's best thought of as a sort of chameleon. It can behave like ink under certain conditions, like watercolor under other conditions, like gouache or oil pastel or colored pencil under still other conditions. It's a great medium for people who like mixed media work and are comfortable with a variety of mediums and know how to apply each. I think at the beginning when you're experiencing streaks, it's because you're just grabbing it from the block without mixing it first. You absolutely can do that, but not for a thin glaze that you expect to be waterproof. You are not giving the pigment particles the chance to fully dissolve into the water, which is both why it is streaky and why it is not waterproof. If you want it to behave like ink or watercolor, I would suggest mixing in a palette first, making sure it dissolves thoroughly. You will get a much more smooth and consistent application, and you can still adjust opacity based on how much is dissolved into the water. When you take it directly from the block, use less water and expect it to behave more like gouache. It will not be waterproof if you do that because there will be a lot of undissolved pigment. You can also use the block wet directly on paper for more of an oil pastel consistency, or dry on paper for more of a colored pencil consistency. Neither of those will be waterproof, either. Paper also matters, but I think understanding how the pigments dissolve is the most important thing.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you so much for your insights! This is super helpful and I’ll keep it in mind when trying them again ❤️ I hope the hours and hours of research have paid off and you’re enjoying them x

[@windykellems2374]

Of course. It’s also okay if you don’t like them, that’s valid too. :) I just hate to see someone spend a bunch of money on something and then never get the best out of it. I got them for a similar reason to yours, I wanted it to be waterproof, and then I did my thing I always do where I watched demos for days and days before I opened the tin. I don’t know why I am like this but here I am. 😅

[@artiskalai1970]

This is so helpful - thank you. I have the intense pencils and love the brightness of them and was wondering if I wanted to get these as well. After seeing this, I will save my money. As for my least favourite art supply, or rather my most disappointing art supply purchase was when I bought some acrylic markers made by Royal Talens (Amsterdam all acrylics) after having tried a couple of Posca pens. I thought all acrylic markers are the same and these were cheaper so why not? Well, it turned out that all acrylic markers are NOT the same and while I like some of the other products that Royal Talens makes, this was a real disappointment. And it was a waste of money in the end since I threw them out.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you so much for watching and sharing! Good to know xx

[@slateportraichu5416]

I have them and I struggle. But I think I am doing something wrong. Need to find out more about how to use these blocks=) Thank you for the video. it was interesting to listen to you=3

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you for sharing! I will keep trying and keep people posted x

[@SquishyChameleon]

I don't have these blocks, but I bought the crayons and pencils years ago. I had the same issues you are having. I thought it was my lack of understanding, so I would bring them out every so often as I learned more about watercolor. I think my expectations of using them like watercolors is why I don't like these. I haven't tried them on cotton paper, so I might try that the next time I drag them out. If I still dislike them at that point, I need to let them go. EDIT: Come to think of it, that's probably why I struggle with the Derwent Graphitint pans as well. I am expecting them to do something they aren't meant for.

[@aprill551]

My least favourite art supply is arteza's real brush pens (or are they markers? Regardless....). They are real brush tip with bristles, but they're too soft to lay down any colour. So frustrating. They weren't cheap!

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you for sharing April x x

[@sunnycharacter]

I have some of the Inktense Pencils and a pan set, and love them, but yeah, they are vibrant and can even be used on fabric. I do have some blocks in my wish list, but with the intent of breaking them down into pans like my Inktense pan set (which don’t have many shades available).

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thanks for sharing Lori! 💛 A few of the comments have mentioned that the blocks and pans are quite different (with the pans being better ) xx

[@sunnycharacter]

@@SketchesnScrubs Indeed! I hope you can try the pan set sometime.

[@Chris-wn6sc]

I can't say which art supply I don't like because of current budget I'm working with dupes 🤣 Just bought the Sunny water soluble crayons which are dupes of Neocolor II, I have no experience with Neocolor II but so far I am actually impressed with what they do. And going off of how other artists work with water soluble crayons, they will last forever (usage, not light fastness). Thanks for the video, I was curious about inktense blocks, I'm guessing the granulation (particles) is because it's a form of graphite?

[@Emily_Linka]

I love them but i use them quite differently to this. For me I like them to lay down big bold colour by using the blocks wet and directly putting them on the paper - they go so creamy and vibrant. I also like using them on my Neocolour palette which has one rough side that helps to grate them so when you add water they activate so well. I tend to rub them on the palette, add water and then rub the stick in the water as well if I want a deeper colour. I think of them as being a material for working loose and free more than doing right detail work.

[@smariegalski3641]

I use them on fabric and I love them.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you for sharing xx

[@kysq384]

For me, and how I use supplies, colored pencils, including watercolor pencils. I love the idea of them, and I buy them and then they just take up space.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thanks for sharing Kys! lol I’ve had to resist the urge of buying multiple sets 😅

[@margaretspringer9197]

Is there a good place to sell unloved art supplies? I've spent so much money on stuff I never use, including these. I just got out my huge collection of Copic and Ohuhu alcohol markers, for example, and quickly realized that the learning curve for creating something I'd really like with them would be too steep to justify the time taken. I think I'll just stick with more traditional and fun-to-use media like acrylic, oil, and watercolor paint. I experiment with mixed media too, and think the best waterproof underlayer is probably acrylic ink, fluid acrylic, or acrylic gouache.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you for sharing Margaret, at the moment EBay and Facebook market place are the places I see preloved art supplies but I’m looking for options too! I’ll keep you posted x

[@Kumarr15369]

It’s good to use WC paper ( 25 or 100% cotton). I love them on both hot and cold pressed paper and also deep texture. It’s good to use 300 gsm

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you for sharing! I’ll try 100% cotton x

[@dawnborchert772]

I'm having a tough time with them myself but I intend to use mine as well

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Good luck Dawn x

[@dawnborchert772]

@@SketchesnScrubs thanks

[@ForestKraken]

Similar issues. I love the inktense pans and the pencils seem quite nice too, but I just can't with the blocks, they always end up too patchy and they seem to transfer a lot?

[@SketchesnScrubs]

I enjoyed their pencils too, haven’t tried the pans but agree with the blotchyness. I haven’t noticed any transfer yet but haven’t been overly keen on using them 🤣🥲😅 thank you for sharing! Xx

[@shadowguard3578]

Your painting turned out very well! I have some inktense pencils. My issue with watercolor pencils and inktense pencils is the pigment/ink, respectively, does not fully dissolve and the pencil marks are visible. I only know how to achieve smooth seamless washes and blends with watercolors. Also, the artwork on the tin might have been done by a content creator who has a YT channel called Lachri Fine Art. I think she is also a Derwent brand ambassador. She might have some useful videos.

[@shadowguard3578]

PS The best usage I have found for my watercolor pencils is to use them to add small details and correct small errors in my watercolor paintings. I haven’t used my inktense pencils for art or even adult coloring books/PDFs for ages.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you so much for sharing Shadowguard xx

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thanks for the heads up xx

[@ladyinblack3398]

That is why i have not bought the full set after trying 12 pencils. I also felt that there was not a real bennefit them. There have been plenty of other videos and tests done by other artists on You Tube showing that they indeed are not permanent after getting in contact with water even after drying fully. That is also my experience. I feel however that modifying a painting before it is finished is easier with normal watercolor or even gouache before it is finished than with these . I think they are not bad but definitely for my use no need or desire to buy more of those.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

I agree, I doubt I’ll ever expand this set of blocks lol. But I’ll keep them and play with them from time to time, perhaps I’ll come to enjoy them more one day x

[@SotaliaTucuxi]

My art supply that greatly disappointed me is the Cretacolor Aqua Monolith pencils. I could NOT get these to activate with water. They're nice enough pencils but they're supposed to be watercolor. Thankfully I only purchased a few open stock but still.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

That is very disappointing, but the very nature that it’s even in the name! Thank you for sharing Sotalia x

[@lynnrush7166]

My set has #1100 which is deep indigo. The numbers are hard to read on the blocks. I turned mine over after creating a reference swatch card that I keep in the tin.

[@themightierpencil]

One supply I would not recommend as someone that loves watercolor sketchbooks is the Strathmore 500 series because the texture on either side of the paper is not the same at all and while I don't mind painting on one side, when I have to paint on the other side I get annoyed very quickly. I also wasn't a fan of the Moleskine but I also just prefer cotton paper, even if it's only 50% (hello Fabriano 5, my love)

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you for sharing! I have the 500 but haven't tried it yet, i don't like two textures so I suspect I won't get it again lol x

[@Flyingrabbit2222]

Have you tried using these under alcohol markers like copic and with prismacolors? I wonder if using gum arabic which is a carrier for watercolor to paint would work?

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Not yet! Thank you for the suggestion x

[@Flyingrabbit2222]

@@SketchesnScrubs I have also been looking into using Ox Gall. Adding a few drops to your water should help with clumping. it is a dispersant that retards clotting. It is also good to use as a wetting agent on very stiff paper. Unlike gum arabic it doesn't increase gloss. Read up on it!

[@karendirmish2696]

After watching this video I doubt I would purchase them. It seems like a lot of trouble when I have so many other paints in my office! Love your presentations always! For me it’s a No! Your Student, Karen Dirmish the OLD 12:42

[@maria.3649]

I don't like derwent inktense blocks. I have them but I rarely use them.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thanks for sharing, if I find a better way of using them, i will share x

[@MichelleJNorton]

These seem to be more of a Sume-i style ink. They are very different from watercolor.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you Michelle, I agree, quite different xx

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

An art supply I very much DO NOT enjoy would be chalk pastels. Bleck. Lol.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Yeah, just the thought gives me goosebumps 😂

[@MoonSpinners]

I’m so glad I’m not the only one who’s found these to be a disappointment. I’ve given my inktense blocks away. It doesn’t matter what paper I use them on, they reactivate when they’re dry. They’re not permanent at all and I really needed them to be. Why do people rate them so highly?

[@SketchesnScrubs]

You are certainly not alone! Lol I will keep them to play around some more (and because I've used too much to return them lol) but I was quite shocked by how much my experience differed from my expectations :) Thank you for sharing x

[@supme7558]

You must have done somthing wrong mine is permanent

[@MoonSpinners]

@@supme7558 …I wish I had done something wrong, unfortunately they just reactivate immediately with water. I thought it might be the set I had, I gave them away, and bought another set which are exactly the same. I wrote to Derwent and they sent me another set….which are exactly the same. I can paint a picture and leave it for a week, go back and get a wet paintbrush and the pigment reactivates immediately like ordinary watercolour. I’ve no idea how yours doesn’t, but believe me, as a professional artist, I’m not doing anything wrong.

[@TaraDreams]

I've not tried these before - they've never really appealed to me. If I want watercolour type effects, I'll use watercolours... if I want ink, I'll use ink. 😆 Art supplies I've not got on with are drawing nibs for an ink dip pens. 2 bought so far - 1 is kinda scratchy, so I brought another to try... It was 100x worse (nails on a blackboard bad 😬). Maybe just not my thing! At least they were cheap! The other is a watercolour tin I bought on ebay. Seller was great and tin as described, but it was one of the standard 12 half pan tins that did not have fully rolled edges. Sure enough, I promptly cut myself on it. 😂 It now (with the offending palette flap removed) holds my random extra neocolor 2s.😂

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Oh no! Glad you’re okay and you managed to find a use for them. Thank you for sharing Tara x

[@rebeccahesser8057]

I find that I like the way that they work on cotton paper. Cellulose they streak and rewet more than on cotton paper. Someone to check out would be lachri fine arts

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you so much for sharing Rebecca! 💛

[@vickilee6335]

I understand. It's hard to say what sounds negative if you didn't like the supply because you really like the company. I don't like to come off as petty. But, since you asked, I bought a few Gelatos by Faber Castell and really don't like them. I think that maybe I just haven't figured out how to use them properly. See what I mean? I can't do it! haha

[@SketchesnScrubs]

🤣🤣😂😂🤣🤣 I can’t do it either lol that’s soo interesting that you didn’t like the Gelatos Vicki! We were just talking about them in the livestream - I’ve never tried them but was looking for the discontinued translucent set in the past; 😂 May just stick with neocolours 💛💛 thank you for watching and sharing x

[@Bloomkyaaa]

I think the blocks kinda suck compared to the pencils themselves, which are WAY better. I also like the inktense pans, which are more like a watercolor.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Definitely hearing much more positive reviews in my comments about the pencils 💛

[@VolodymyrKelembet]

I would never recommend Caran d'Ache Prismalo Bicolor Colour Treasure 12 water-soluble pencils to anyone. As beautiful as they look, they are just as weak and hard.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you so much for sharing! 💛

[@franny3995]

Arteaza watercolours I don’t love those supplies I have.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you for sharing that Franny 💛

[@dorothysantini8735]

Watercolor and ink are different just saying. That’s why they are called different names.

[@proficyink2114]

The paper your using is not good for inktense. Its like watercolor and needs watercolor paper

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you for sharing! It was watercolour paper but others have advised cotton may be better than cellulose x

[@dorothysantini8735]

You must have a crappy batch. Send back