Disappointed in Inktense Pencils

[Luna08]

Hi everyone
A short while ago I bought 12 Derwent Inktense watercolour pencils, but have to say that I haven't had much luck with them. I find the colours dull and they don't blend very well. But I've been reading all these reviews raving about how "intense" the colours are.

Maybe I'm not using them correctly, but I just don't find they perform as well as I'd like and want to buy Supracolor pencils instead.

Is anyone else disappointed by Inktense pencils or am I the only one?

[KreativeK]

I have not used them at all Colleen, so don't know, but the other forums I'm familiar with here the artists like them a lot.

[Luna08]

Originally Posted by KreativeK

I have not used them at all Colleen, so don't know, but the other forums I'm familiar with here the artists like them a lot.

Yes, like the reviews I've read, they all really like them. But I should also add that I'm new to watercolour pencils and perhaps I just need to get the hang of them.

But after learning more about the pencils, I layered the dry colours, added more for shadows and kept the light areas light but am underwhelmed when I add water.

I must be missing something though...

[JayJay365UK]

I love inktense pencils! They should have a very rich colour when water is added - are you putting enough colour on in the first place? I had trouble with mine at first trying to get lighter colours, but I'm heavy-handed.

If the color isn't intense enough, just leave to dry and then add more inktense over the top, until you get a good rich color.

What paper are you using them on? The color will differ depending on the type of paper used. They are not good on cartridge or drawing paper, watercolour type paper is better.

[Luna08]

Originally Posted by JayJay365UK

I love inktense pencils! They should have a very rich colour when water is added - are you putting enough colour on in the first place? I had trouble with mine at first trying to get lighter colours, but I'm heavy-handed.

If the color isn't intense enough, just leave to dry and then add more inktense over the top, until you get a good rich color.

What paper are you using them on? The color will differ depending on the type of paper used. They are not good on cartridge or drawing paper, watercolour type paper is better.

Hi JayJay! I've been adding lots of dry layers and then wetting, but I will try the way you suggested. As for paper, I'm using Strathmore Wet Media watercolour paper.

[JayJay365UK]

Well, that should be ok. I much prefer them to any other kind of pencil because they are so inky! I wonder why yours are refusing to behave???

[Studio-1-F]

Originally Posted by Luna08

Is anyone else disappointed by Inktense pencils or am I the only one?

It's not so much that I was "disappointed" with the Inktense. They seem okay. But I totally loved the Supracolors. Not that Inktense are bad, but Supras feel so much better in my hand.

It's all about whatever suits you best. I don't worry if I don't much take to a tool (or a material or a technique or whatever) that everyone raves about. I use what I enjoy.
Jan

[RainySea]

I am not a huge fan of the Inktense pencils either. I don't hate them, but really don't find myself reaching for them much at all.

[Rob't Emmet]

See my recent thread in this forum , a portrait of Einstein on Yupo...I used multiple moistened q-tips to wet down individual areas..the colors do become more intense when wetted. º¿º

[LakeSailor]

does yours look like hers?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGjMZgd3GBA

she gesso's the paper before putting the inktense down

[cat1lady]

The paper makes a difference. In my Handbook journal they look dull and I think it's because the paper doesn't take enough pigment. But when I tried them in other journals, the very same pencils were really intense.

When I used them on muslin fabric, I put the color down, wet it with a brush and then while it was damp, used the pencil again. You might want to try that on paper as well.

[vhere]

I agree that paper makes a difference.

I love them! They re incredibly vibrant but can also be subtle.



This one is in a Stillman and Birn Beta sketchbook - superb 180lb paper that enhances the glow of washes of anything.



and this one is a different version in their Alpha series book 100lb paper







This one is one Derwent A2 120lb paper.



and this one is on lighter weight paper

the colours were rich in all of them.

Some people have tried them on canvas and I fancy having a go with that next


Persevere and I'm sure you'll love them

[lumiere33]

I tried the inktense pencils once, it was so messy that I threw the work and never opened the pencils' box again. I think I didn't master the quantity of water I added.

[vhere]

messy??? I think you were using too much water maybe - I particularly like them for when I don't want to get messy! and they work well with the Derwent waterbrushes for even less mess

[pjartwc]

I've tried them - and not overly impressed. Maybe it's because I usually paint juicy. I think that the Inktense Pencils are better for a sketchy type painting.