Watercolor pencils and Inktense pencils are two captivating instruments in an artist's toolkit, yet many people struggle to distinguish between them. If you're one of those puzzled artists or art enthusiasts, you're in the right place.
Shall we demystify the world of watercolor and Inktense pencils together?
Let's understand their similarities, and differences, and whether or not Inktense pencils are the same as professional-grade watercolor pencils.
The Common Ground: Watercolor and Inktense Pencils
Both watercolor pencils and Inktense pencils are dynamic tools that offer a unique blend of drawing and painting. They can be used dry, just like regular pencils, but their true charm comes alive when you add water.
This water-solubility turns your pencil strokes into beautiful, blendable, brush-like washes. These tools are fantastic for mixed media work, allowing for a combination of detailed pencil work and sweeping watercolor effects.
Introducing Inktense Pencils
Inktense pencils, like the ones produced by Derwent, are a special type of water-soluble pencil. What sets them apart is their ink-like pigments.
When you add water to Inktense pencil work, the pigments dissolve to create an intense, vibrant ink. Once this ink dries, it's permanent, meaning it won't smudge, bleed, or dissolve if you work over it again with water.
This property of permanence makes Inktense pencils a favorite amongst artists working on fabrics such as silk or cotton, as the colors won't wash out. It also allows artists to layer colors without the fear of colors blending and bleeding into each other.
Are Inktense Pencils Professional Watercolor Pencils?
Technically, Inktense pencils are not classified as 'watercolor' pencils because they function using a different pigment base. However, their high-quality pigmentation, versatility, and permanence align them with professional standards.
Inktense watercolor pencils offer vibrant, ink-like colors that stay put when dry, resembling the properties of professional-grade watercolor pencils. So, while they may not fit the traditional 'watercolor' label, they're certainly a professional tool offering unique qualities that set them apart.
The Key Differences
Despite their similarities, there are some important differences between watercolor and Inktense pencils:
1. Pigment Quality: Watercolor pencils offer softer, subtler hues, while Inktense pencils provide bold, vibrant, ink-like colors.
2. Permanence: Watercolor pencils are not permanent, which allows colors to blend and bleed into each other, even after drying. In contrast, Inktense pencils become permanent once dry, preventing further blending or bleeding.
3. Fabric Use: The permanence of Inktense pencils makes them ideal for use on fabrics like silk or cotton, while traditional watercolor pencils are more suited to paper-based work.
Final Thoughts
Watercolor pencils and Inktense pencils each have their charm and function. Choosing between them depends on your artistic vision and the project at hand.
If you want bold, permanent colors, go for Inktense pencils. If you prefer soft, blendable shades that you can work over multiple times, watercolor pencils are your best bet. Understanding these tools' properties will help you harness their potential, elevating your art to new heights.
Remember, in art, there are no strict rules. Feel free to experiment, mix, and match to create your unique masterpiece!
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Image Credit: Derwent Inktense Pencils
