inktense color pencil test
I just bought a complete set of “Inktense Color Pencils” from Derwendt. I did some tests with them to get familiar with what they do when dry or wet. The inktense pencils are water-soluble but when they dry are permanent. I found the colors to be vibrant + fantastic!
First I lay down a very pale wash about an inch long and 1/4 inch wide. (the wash I did was a ‘dry wash’, this is a term that means a light layer or drawing with a light touch to add a light layer.) Then I added, with a progressively heavier touch, more to the strip going left. You can see it’s darker on the top left of each color swatch and lighter on the right. Then I used a ‘waterbrush’, that is a brush that holds it’s own supply of water for field work, to pull down color from the top. As I got to the darkest area, on every single color I was amazed at just how brilliant and beautiful each color was! Even the browns, neutrals and mustard color were lovely!
I’m really not used to using water soluble color pencils but I will make an effort to use these till I get the hang of it. My intent is to use them in the field when hiking, to lay down washes that may be worked over with ink or color pencil.
Let me know if you have used the inktense pencils and what you thought of them.
Dear Mary, I’ve just discovered your site and I am so impressed!! You have accomplished so much and there is so much to see. I found you because I was looking for watercolor pencils which a Seattle artist Robin Weiss said he liked very much, and then while searching, I find that you use the Inktense “Ink Black” by Derwent. Happy Day!! I love your landscapes, and thanks so much for sharing all of this. Blessings, C-Marie
Oh dear! Marie I have been so busy that I didn’t see your comment!! I think you may have emailed me to and I meant to write back to you! I promise I’ll look for it today and try to send something. Thank you so much for your compliments! I do hope you sign up on the blog page to ‘follow’ when I post, it’s the easiest way to see what’s new.
I love using the Inktense pencils, I really do. I can’t wait to afford the set of blocks they have now…whoopie that’d be fun to play with out in the field! If you look on my blog right side bar, you’ll see tags, just click the one for Inktense pencils and anything I did with them (on the blog) will show up. Here’s a link I copied: http://marymcandrew.com/tag/inktense-watercolor-pencils/ that should do it. Most of those posts I did using both watercolor pencils and inktense pencils. I have a variety with me when I go out. Take my advice though, don’t bother with the Graphitint, I found that they fade! yikes!!
Please leave comments on any posts that you may have questions about, I love answering questions if I can help, and it REALLY does make me happy to read comments! I’m working on so many projects right now, it’s so hard to find time for my poor blog, let alone my painting! Keep in touch!