Worth the money? Arteza Watercolor Pencil Review

Arteza Watercolor Pencil Review
Pros:
Price-$35 for a set of 72 in a reusable tin
Quality- Vivid colors that layer well
Lightfast info provided
Leads are strong and seemed well centered- sharpens well
Cons:
You cant buy individual colors so if you use one up you will need to replace it with another brand or buy a new set
Supplies: Affiliate links used
Watercolor pencils and paper from Arteza *Use coupon code FRUGAL10 for 10% off if shopping on the Arteza Website: shrsl.com/1a617
Watercolor pencils: shrsl.com/19er5
Watercolor sketchbook: shrsl.com/1a61j
Waterbrushes: shrsl.com/1a61s *I prefer this type to the other ones they sell as the push button on the side is handy:)
BTW here are the swathing stamps I used to make the mixing chart: shrsl.com/15rqd (many other options to pick from)
Photo credit: thescranline: / thescranline they don't know me from Adam but they create art from sugar and flour, their food is almost too pretty to eat. If you like baking check them out. Their Instagram account is fabulous too: thescranlin... (I don't bake so I follow their IG account for the pretty photos and they encourage fan art!)
Also on Amazon
Watercolor pencils: amzn.to/2qLXKA8
Watercolor sketchbook: amzn.to/2qLpm8N
Waterbrush: amzn.to/2PWPE5X
Arteza Watercolor Pencil Review
#thefrugalcrafter #watercolor #art
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[@created2bless322]

Thank you, Lindsay! It helps to know from your reviews what is worth our money and frugal ways around the expensive versions of other supplies!

[@brianconrad6543]

Thank you for reviewing these. I have used them for years and have never been disappointed by the product.

[@tiasmom6225]

Another great review, Lindsay. Very informative regarding the product, but the lessons you teach are just as informative. I always appreciate learning from your experience. Thank you!

[@FayeWulf]

I've been craving these pencils from Arteza and they keep coming out with new sets all the time!!

[@jillwiswall5386]

I have a collection of Faber Castle Albrecht Durer and Caran D’ache Supracolor II’s and I used this set to fill in some of the holes in that collection. I find these don’t blend out quite as cleanly as either of the above, but I don’t mind that. I love that they’re vibrant and soft enough that I don’t notice a big difference when switching between the brands!

[@anaserratails4892]

A caran d'ache supracolor soft II's user! I'm so glad I'm not the only one

[@MDCampbell]

I've been considering a review of my set, but haven't felt the yearning to break them out. I'm glad to see your results with these. I get confused by their "Expert" vs. "Premium" products, as there's typically very little difference except in packaging (that I've noticed). This really inspires me to check these out. As with all the Arteza products, I'll try them and review them, but end up donating them to public school students who use them like crazy! Great work, as always, Lindsay! :)

[@anitaholmes6824]

I have the colored pencils and love them and now I am convinced I need these! Thanks for the tip on color fastness, really love these reviews. TFS

[@serjerin]

Excellent thorough review. Thank you. I will definitely try them.

[@craftergin]

Thanks for this review! I’ve added this set to my amazon wish list!

[@marjimiller3985]

Great idea about switching the pencils in the trays! Thanks for the review Lindsey! I really like these pencils. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@bamagirlinozshannony5535]

Thank you Lindsay! I was wondering about these. They look like a great option that I can share with my six year old! ❤️

[@jneigler]

You’re the best, Lindsey, thanks for checking these out.

[@cathymikequimbyquimby7315]

Thanks for doing this. I bought this set a few months back and I like them. I found their arrangement of colors confusing so have reorganized mine too.

[@cindymatthewsarrowdalearts6449]

The only Arteza product I've got so far are the real brush pens, which I quite like. I have been considering these, so appreciate the review!

[@poodlebone]

I watched this video on Sunday afternoon. I decided to buy these but I went through Amazon. Ordered them Sunday afternoon, they arrived the next day! Now I've decided I want to buy the regular colored pencils for my niece for Christmas so I used your link & code to get those from the Arteza site. I bought the real brush pens for her last Christmas and she loved them.

[@BrOoKlYn-sq2bi]

Im actually very pleased with these pencils, i bought the set of 48 the other day and they came in the post today AMAZING! They are alot smoother them prisma colours

[@sharonmiller7545]

Thank you Lindsey! I've been looking at Arteza's Watercolor line and have been wondering about these pencils. May consider getting these.

[@christinacunningham4493]

Same. I was just on Amazon trying to figure out which ones to get as some ppl complain about pencil lines. Do these leave behind the lines? Also, can u take your pencil, mark on a piece of paper (or plastic card) and pick it up with a brush to get a very pale color or wash?

[@anselmofortnite1ok993]

@@christinacunningham4493 yes

[@yanboc7986]

The tape tip is very helpful, thanks!

[@gwensimmons_gigi1629]

Loved your review, and TFS, Lindsay! 😘🦃🎈🌽🍁👍🏾 Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!!

[@stamplifter1]

Can you share your template for the color swatch you made? I'd like to make one like yours. Thanks for all the info I'm going to purchase this product!

[@user-nu5nv1yg5r]

Thank you for the tab tip, it's really useful

[@TheGuitargurl37]

hi lindsay i have a question ? would you say less is more ie if someone had option to get 24 set or 72 of these pencils which would you advise, just curious as i know when you mention watercolour sets i pans, no so many colours are needed. good reveiw too :)

[@monica-NJ-123]

Thank you for the review , I just purchased these and , like you , I had to rearrange them according to their chart , not sure what your numbers stand for but I labeled mine by name , love your cupcake examples and can’t wait to try them xoxo 😘

[@lynetteclarke8059]

Thankyou for doing this I love it!!

[@rose-mariemeadows7472]

I was just wondering as I live in England I can't get Lava soap, is the an English alternative, thank you in advance x

[@taylorjudi]

I have noticed when you swatch out colors, and use your stamp, it really takes away from the colors as we can see them on screen. I wonder if using a lighter color to stamp the boxes would work better for me. Do you know a colorfast lighter color ink I could use? Thanks.

[@mmp1346]

Oh, i remember you doing that waterdrop picture! Teaches me to listen carefully, I wasn't aware that you did them with the azera watercolour pencils xD and you are right, the joy of watercolour pencils is you can use them either way (watercolour style or pencil style, or 'fake' mixed media). I cant understand people who are bothered by lines or such showing. I feel it gives pictures a lot more texture and can give something interesting to look at. :) Very good about mentioning the different lightfast ratings and pigment info! Your reviews and swatches have inspired me to improve my own swatching habits and to look out for things like pigment numbers.(something you mentioned in another video for example to go for similar pigment numbers if you mix brands had never even occured to me, but it made so much sense to use the numbers for that, duh)

[@jacquelinebudd1277]

Hi. On the back of your review, I purchased a set of the Arteza 120 watercolour pencils. I normally work initially with a watercolour pencil layer then hone in tone and detail with dry pencil. Only having the watercolour set, for my first work, I used the watercolour set for both watercolour layers and dry layers. Dry, they appear to blend and layer well. Is there any advantage to having the normal set? I do some pet portrait commission work so Lightfastness could be an issue but I have more expensive sets I can use for that.

[@kathleentownsend1404]

Thanks for the review, Lindsay! How would you say these pencils compare to the Faber Castell Albrecht Durer watercolor pencils? I’m trying to decide if I want to spend the money on filling out my Faber Castell set or buy a full set of 72 of these Arteza pencils, which are obviously less expensive. Your thoughts?

[@Skinnychelle48]

I bought the Arteza Woodless ones and they are nice to, costing like 16.00 for 24 with free shipping and 2 Day Delivery from Walmart. Gonna grab this set too! Nice review.

[@marlisetp]

They just now arrived, so duct tape lifties are the first task. Will swatch, but then sharpen(!!!) and play with a water brush in Johanna Basford's Artist's Edition (WC paper) of "Secret Garden" for brush practice (octogenarian version). Am falling more in love with Arteza with each and every product delivery. Thanks for being my mentor in so many arts and crafts. Have decided to adopt you, but you'll need a large van after probate for my various stashes. Thanks AGAIN!

[@rose-mariemeadows7472]

Love your video Lindz as always x

[@TerrieJohnson731]

I finally ordered these! My Amazerock just do not seem to satisfy with enough color choices (36) and seem less pigmented than I am hoping these will be. Looks like a good range and I am excited to try them soon. Good to see you, Lyndsay. It's been awhile but I am creating again and hope to spend more time on YT vids again! Waves!

[@moonram2569]

Very pretty cupcakes !! do u know how these compare to the prismacolor watercolor pencils. Thanks.

[@Penhampets]

Could you or have you done a review of arteza watercolour pens?

[@Skinnychelle48]

Would u prefer theses over Mondulez? I have the Mondulez set and I love them.

[@jesseb5112]

I haven't used their watercolor pencils, but I love the colored pencils. I would DEFINITELY say haphazardly for their arrangement!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

LOL! I wondered if they put them in that way so if you were teaching school you could let 3 kids share a set by giving them each a tray and they would each have a variety or maybe one tray would be what a 24 set would be and 2 would be the 48 set. who knows, it doesn't really matter I am glad they offer high quality affordable supplies!

[@jesseb5112]

@@thefrugalcrafter That is an explanation that makes sense

[@wandrews4123]

Hi - I love your videos with closed captions, but this video doesn’t have closed captions. Been hoping to see it with closed captions in few days after it was released. Wonder if you’re going to add it soon? Thanks.

[@wendybrooks6154]

I have never heard of this brand. They look lovely and useable. I think I will order some for my sons holiday. I use tubes for color because I am an artist by trade, but he just wants to dabble. I think this would be prefect for him.

[@jimflack9462]

I will be checking these out. Maybe a smaller set. I purchased some "off brand" water color pencils at one of the "big box stores" and have found that they don't sharpen well, and are hard, so don't lay down color well. Not a bargain! I'm learning rapidly that when it comes to art supplies, one gets what they pay for. Thanks for the review. Your word is "golden."

[@anitaholmes6824]

I am so impressed with Arteza….I ordered late Sat and received it today in perfect condition and that's with free shipping and your discount code...$ 32. and change! Am so excited to use them...thank you again Lindsay!

[@christinacunningham4493]

How do u like the? I'm always worried about them leaving behind pencil marks. Do these? Are they chalky at all?

[@makerbroyeah5369]

Anita Holmes they leave any pencil mark or they watercolor at all???

[@w4mkh]

Do you have a link to the lightfastness information?

[@Skinnychelle48]

What type of pencils do you sketch with, brand and type?

[@pattravis2434]

Great review ,thanks

[@CraftyGrower]

I enjoy your videos, always helpful

[@thefrugalcrafter]

thanks!

[@tazholden4121]

wow... very awesome painting

[@bharusiva477]

Lindsay, among Albert Durer watercolour pencils and this Arteza w/c pencils, which is the best. Pls advice.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Albright druer are better but more expensive

[@cupcake3743]

The frugal 10 coupon code for 10% off is expired do you have an updated one

[@taniaohman9030]

So thorough! ❤️🌞

[@beckywebster90]

I got them during the prime day on lightning deal for $15. Im used top albeit surer and museum aquarelle. But they are great for practice. Not too many highly lightfast pencils. A whole slug of the pinks/purples/ are not lightfast (plain fugitive)

[@olderendirt]

Nice review and they have a good vibrancy in the swatches. Is there a trick to getting a blunt point or do you just not sharpen them down as much? My dad used to hand whittle his carpentry pencils so they'd be blunt. Thanks.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Yes, just don't sharpen them the whole way. If you use an electric sharpener take out the pencil before it stops

[@Kitchensurprise]

Great tutorial

[@jessinvasion]

2:58 I do the same thing. XD Also........Loving the cupcake drawings. ^--^

[@imlostnblue]

How do these compare to Derwent Inktense?

[@jackbrown2836]

Thank you Lindsay, I already have the 48 set so would it be worth it for me to get the 72 set???

[@tabbylynn4130]

I am wondering the same

[@VioletGlitterworks]

Frugalcrafterlindsey: "then you have my blessing" Me: *furiously adds to amazon Christmas wishlist!* 😂👌🎨💓 Enabled ×100

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Lol:)

[@hannahrose4266]

Same

[@essenceofherbal4125]

Shut up and take my money! -Philip. J Fry

[@Marykk1448]

You used watercolor pencils on two toned paper?? Did you use water??

[@joannecarroll5504]

I've been just dying for them to start shipping to Australia, they tell me that they're working on it, but I'm not v good at being patient. lol

[@koolkutz7]

Great review Lindsay, those cupcakes look delicious! I may buy the Arteza watercolor pencils and give them a try. Have you ever used the Arteza Pemium 48 tub watercolor pencils? If, so are they good too?

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I haven't. Expert is their top line them premium is the step down. Often the ones in the canisters are for kids but I used their 48 etasable pencils and I liked them better than. Col-erase pencils!

[@TerrieJohnson731]

Beautiful array of colors! I will be watching for a sale!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

good idea! and check between the Arteza website and amazon because sometimes the price is different.

[@TerrieJohnson731]

@@thefrugalcrafter Always do! ;-)

[@janetshaffer423]

So it sounds like a thumbs up. Do the Expert Arteeza watercolor pencils have alot of reds and purples?

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You can see a swatch on their website. I think they have a good selection.

[@momma8487]

I know you have updated videos of this product. I just couldn’t find the answer to my question anywhere online. Did Arteza rebrand the expert watercolor pencils as Pro series? Or the other way around? I know premium is student grade but after that many I’m lost. Thanks

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I'm nor sure. They have changed the regular pencils 3 times and are no longer offering open stock. I dontbknow if anything is the same.

[@momma8487]

@@thefrugalcrafter I emailed them and asked since I was confounded with confusion. Just posting their reply in case anyone cares or is curious of the same. thanks Hi Jolene, Thank you for reaching out with your query about our watercolor pencils. I understand that the different labels can be a bit confusing, and I'm happy to clarify this for you. We categorize our products based on the skill levels and needs of our users: Classic Series (Beginner Level): These products are designed for beginners who are just starting out. They offer good quality at an affordable price, perfect for learning the basics. Premium Series (Intermediate and Hobbyist Level): Our Premium series is aimed at intermediate artists and hobbyists. These products provide higher quality and better performance than the Classic series, making them ideal for those who have some experience and are looking to improve their skills. Pro Series Expert (Professional Level): The Pro Series Expert line is tailored for professional artists who require the highest quality materials for their work. These products offer superior performance, durability, and a broader range of features to meet professional standards. To address your specific question about the watercolor pencils: Pro Series: This is part of our Professional level, designed for artists who need top-tier materials. Expert: This label also indicates a Professional level product, ensuring it meets the high standards required by expert artists. Premium: While high quality, this line is geared towards intermediate users and hobbyists who want excellent performance but may not need the extensive features of the Pro Series. So, the main difference lies in the intended user experience and performance levels. The Pro Series and Expert labels both denote our highest quality, suitable for professional use, while Premium is a step below, ideal for enthusiastic hobbyists and those progressing to more advanced techniques. I hope this clears up any confusion. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Happy painting! Warm regards, Laurena G Customer Service Manager | ARTEZA | www.arteza.com

[@streamcasthorrorreview6803]

I got a set of these with a 60% off coupon today for $16 at Joann! I couldn't believe I found them at that price!! I didn't know Joann stocked their products until I went there today.

[@manuelaherr9027]

Dear Lindsey,thank you for your video on these watercolor pencils! It is always helpful to have an experts opinion on something before buying it,especially if you have a very limited budget like I have! Thank you! Lindsey,I have a problem and hope you can help me! I love working with derwent inktense,I have the full block set and the 24 set of pencils which I will as soon as I can grade up to the full set,too. I love to give my inktense paintings a special note with some geourgeous stencils,but I always get this ugly bleeding! That is frustrating and I am asking myself over and over again,what am I doing wrong and cannot find the answer dear Lindsey! Have you ever used reusable plastic stencils with inktense? How can I avoid this ugly bleeding that ruined some of my beautiful paintings cause of that? What would you suggest me on how to use a stencil with derwent inktense blocks and pencils to avoid that bleeding? Already thank you,dear Lindsey,this answer would help me a lot to not give up! Be blessed! Lots of Love from me, Manuela from Germany,to you dearest Lindsey!!! You are great!!!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Use a damp makeup sponge to pick up color from the block and sponge it over the stencils. Make sure there is no excess water in the sponge and practise on a scrap first.

[@manuelaherr9027]

@@thefrugalcrafter Thank you very much dear Lindsey! I will try that out of course! I always used different tools like stencil brushes,or pouncers and used them with the premixed color that was way too much runny I guess,although I taped the stencil and fixed it with my other hand where I was stenciling and had my project always flat on the table! Thank you so much Lindsey for that advice! I highly appreciate your time,to answer and help me out! Be blessed and take care! Love from Manuela to you

[@dylanblack8487]

thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich do 2 colours blend together well? Also how do these compare to the professional range?

[@TerrieJohnson731]

I bought Amazerock and Arteza Woodless. Do you like them as well or better?

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Honestly, if you have those you don't need these but I will say the color range is broader because there are 72 vs 36 and I feel the colors are a bit crisper and more vivid but I'd hold off until you have used up some of the Amazrock ones so you don't duplicate.

[@TerrieJohnson731]

@@thefrugalcrafter Thanks Lindsay!

[@beachballssideaccount]

I'm getting these 'cause they're on sale!

[@brianconrad6543]

I have to say that I have never used the layout trays. I always just let they lay loose in the tin. My colored pencils are actually in a cigar box. The cigar shop guy that my husband buys his cigars at, saves them for me. I use them for sewing too. I have found that I am more creative if they are all laying there free.

[@charmsm1691]

Just watching some of your back videos. Great idea for the tabs. The trays are pathetic but the tins are pretty...I am also dreading this...I swatched the pencils dry when I purchased the 120 set earlier this year, but tried a couple today with water...yuk.

[@oh_k8]

Yuk? These no good?

[@alucardxx142]

just got these today and did my own color chart, I will paint something later this week

[@pamsnider1930]

Thank you!

[@laurakenney100]

Great review. Now I want cupcakes! Pavlov's dog here. Hope you feel better.

[@loveletter9071]

I might get the pencil bag ;3. Btw thanks for viewing and rating!

[@janetjackson7118]

Can you use the pencils as normal pencils or do you need to add water x

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You can but you will get more robust color with water. You can also do s watered layer and go over dry. That said the effect will be different than wax or oil pencils.

[@amiralovato]

Can you actually use it as just color pencils sometimes?

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Sure

[@amiralovato]

But is it like good as the regular color pencils? I just need the color pencils but I thought same price Let's get the best of both worlds.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Personally I prefer to use regular wax or oil pencils dry. They will layer better. You can dissolve the regular pencils with odorless mineral spirits if you decide you want that look so I'd day if you primarily work dry for with regular ones.

[@racena2034]

Sold!

[@montythematch8867]

Another tip, when making a water splash or blood stain, don’t just draw it, what I do is dip a lot of water on my pencil and then make a a blob of coloured water that u got from ur pencil and then just blood on the way u want the blood/water to go! 😋😇

[@night_owl365]

What do you (anyone) think of these vs their woodless watercolor pencils? I purchased those and am pleased with them. Just wondering if I should upgrade as I have to replace.

[@nadinesawtell3267]

Lisa Marie hi wordless watercolour pencils are a better value because up get more colour I’ve artist friends that prefer woodless pencils because of the versatility

[@night_owl365]

@@nadinesawtell3267 thank you! 😁

[@nadinesawtell3267]

Lisa Marie you are welcome. Good luck in your Artistic journey

[@alistewart3451]

I've never tried the Arteza woodcase watercolor pencils, but I have a set of 24 of the woodless ones, and I think they're great. I use them alongside Cretacolor Aqua Monolith WCP, which are waaaay more expensive.

[@elizabethmacchi509]

Ever think of stamping out the mixing charts on watercolor paper and sell? I'd buy some, as I don't want to buy the stamps.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I think the company who makes these has printable on their site. Link below.

[@Peeachez]

You could do some giveaways to dedicated subscribers. If I can’t use the supplies.

[@alexserra9605]

Too many greens .... you can mix greens I would prefer more warmer reds and maybe blues

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I thought it was a pretty well balanced set (the biggest complaint I hear about sets is too many reads LOL!) In your case you might be better off buying colors you want individually from a company that sells open stock (these are most similar to Koh-i-noor Mondulez, Caran'Dache Supracolor or Faber Castell Albrect Druer for color and softness) so you can pick what you need. It is more expensive that way but you will be sure to use what you chose.

[@alexserra9605]

@@thefrugalcrafter yes I agree because the set has... I don't know maybe 20 greens I didn't count I may be exaggerating LOL but there's hardly any warm reds at all.. they all looked pretty pink and they all looked the same shade pink also ..at least on computer screen they look the same.. and the blues mostly lean twords greeny it may be the computer screen though..

[@Mamaosa63]

The color labeled are very odd and different than the traditional names.

[@fetabrown]

Duct tape tabs. 👍 Thanks for another excellent review.

[@Skinnychelle48]

Walmart online carries them with a 2 day free pick up from Walmart.

[@ABIXWEEZY]

Lol i do that too with the tabs

[@hollyskelton1422]

I bought these pencils and am so disappointed with the quality! They’re streaky and the browns don’t have one dark colour, they’re all bull and don’t blend well at all - I can’t believe you recommended them…

[@thefrugalcrafter]

How long ago did you buy them? Their quality changed during the pandemic. Always check most recent reviews on amazon before purchasing because i have no controll over changes in quality and new/budget brands change sometimes. Hopefully you can return them. This review video is several years old.

[@junbug1029]

Amazon's prices are cheaper, even with the 10% discount.

[@joannecarroll5504]

yes, but inconsistent. however, they do have frequent specials on Amazon across their range where you benefit when buying multiple different products, which is good.

[@emmacamper5665]

:(

[@Lampinspace]

I don’t love these 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@thefrugalcrafter]

They might have changed the formula since I got mine

[@Lampinspace]

@@thefrugalcrafter I got mine last Christmas so probably

[@Lampinspace]

Like two years ago