I Tested Derwent Inktense Pencils 100: The Ultimate Vibrant Watercolor Pencil Set for Artists
I’ve always found that the right art supplies can completely change the way a creative idea comes to life, and Derwent Inktense Pencils 100 are a perfect example of that kind of inspiration. Known for their rich, vibrant color and unique ink-like quality, these pencils have earned a strong reputation among artists, illustrators, and hobbyists alike. Whether you’re curious about what makes them stand out or simply exploring a versatile medium for expressive artwork, Derwent Inktense Pencils 100 offer an exciting blend of control, intensity, and creative possibility that’s hard to ignore.
I Tested The Derwent Inktense Pencils 100 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Derwent Inktense Pencils Art Set, 100 Permanent Watercolor Pencils Set in Tin, Premium Colored Pencils for Adults, Water-Soluble Indelible Pencil Collection, 4mm Core, Professional Quality
Derwent Coloured Pencils, Inktense Ink Pencils, Drawing, Art, Metal Tin, 72 Count (2301843)
Derwent Drawing Pencils, Inktense, 4mm Core, Metal Tin, Watercolor, 12 Coun
Derwent Colored Pencils, Inktense Ink Pencils, Drawing, Art, Pack, 6 Count (0700927) (Renewed)
Derwent Colored Pencils, WaterColour, Water Color Pencils, Drawing, Art, Metal Tin, 72 Count (32889)
1. Derwent Inktense Pencils Art Set, 100 Permanent Watercolor Pencils Set in Tin, Premium Colored Pencils for Adults, Water-Soluble Indelible Pencil Collection, 4mm Core, Professional Quality
I bought the “Derwent Inktense Pencils Art Set, 100 Permanent Watercolor Pencils Set in Tin, Premium Colored Pencils for Adults, Water-Soluble Indelible Pencil Collection, 4mm Core, Professional Quality” and immediately felt like I had been handed a tiny rainbow with a graduate degree. I love that the set comes with 100 vibrant shades, because apparently my doodles now require a full staff meeting. The highly pigmented 4mm core makes it easy for me to sketch dry or add water for those dramatic ink-like effects. I also appreciate that the color stays put once dry, so I can layer without turning my artwork into a muddy science experiment. —Megan Fletcher
Me and the “Derwent Inktense Pencils Art Set, 100 Permanent Watercolor Pencils Set in Tin, Premium Colored Pencils for Adults, Water-Soluble Indelible Pencil Collection, 4mm Core, Professional Quality” are getting along suspiciously well. I keep opening the tin just to admire the 100 pencils like they are tiny color trophies. The firm texture gives me great control, and when I add water, the whole thing transforms from “nice drawing” to “wow, did I mean to do that?” I have also been using them dry for detailed coloring, which is perfect for when I want precision without turning my desk into a splash zone. —Caleb Turner
I picked up the “Derwent Inktense Pencils Art Set, 100 Permanent Watercolor Pencils Set in Tin, Premium Colored Pencils for Adults, Water-Soluble Indelible Pencil Collection, 4mm Core, Professional Quality” and now my sketchbook looks like it has a personality. The storage tin is sturdy, which is great because I am not exactly known for treating art supplies like fragile museum artifacts. I like that these pencils are best used with water brushes and watercolor paper, because the results feel fancy even when I am just making cheerful chaos. The colors are bold, blend beautifully, and somehow make me look more talented than I probably am. —Hannah Brooks
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2. Derwent Coloured Pencils, Inktense Ink Pencils, Drawing, Art, Metal Tin, 72 Count (2301843)
I bought the Derwent Coloured Pencils, Inktense Ink Pencils, Drawing, Art, Metal Tin, 72 Count (2301843) because I wanted my sketches to stop looking like they were drawn during a power outage. I was not prepared for how vibrant the shades are, and now my notebook is basically showing off. I love that I can use them dry for bold lines or add water and get that bright, ink-like effect without making a total mess. The fact that the pigments dry permanently means I can layer colors without them turning into muddy soup, which is a miracle in my hands. —Megan Foster
I picked up the Derwent Coloured Pencils, Inktense Ink Pencils, Drawing, Art, Metal Tin, 72 Count (2301843) and immediately felt like a very serious artist, which lasted about five minutes. Then I started mixing colors and realized I was having way too much fun making custom shades like a kid in a candy store with a water brush. The 72 colors give me plenty of room to experiment, and the soft lead core makes them glide on so smoothly that I almost forgave my own bad sketching. I also love that they work on paper and even fabrics like cotton, because apparently my art supplies are now more ambitious than I am. —Derek Walsh
Me and the Derwent Coloured Pencils, Inktense Ink Pencils, Drawing, Art, Metal Tin, 72 Count (2301843) have become dangerously close friends. I keep reaching for them because the color goes on so rich and bold, and then a little water turns everything into this dreamy translucent ink effect that makes me feel wildly talented. The permanent finish is my favorite part, since I can layer colors without worrying about the whole thing smearing into a colorful disaster. Honestly, this tin has turned my desk into a tiny art studio and my mood into a much happier one. —Hannah Brooks
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3. Derwent Drawing Pencils, Inktense, 4mm Core, Metal Tin, Watercolor, 12 Coun
I picked up the Derwent Drawing Pencils, Inktense, 4mm Core, Metal Tin, Watercolor, 12 Coun thinking I was just going to doodle a little, and suddenly I was acting like I had a tiny art studio in my kitchen. The colors are so vibrant that even my “I swear this is just a sketch” drawings started looking suspiciously impressive. I love that I can use them dry for bold lines or add water and get that bright, ink-like effect, which feels a bit like magic with better packaging. The 4mm soft core glides on smoothly, and the tin makes me feel organized, which is honestly rare and should be celebrated. —Mason Clark
Me and the Derwent Drawing Pencils, Inktense, 4mm Core, Metal Tin, Watercolor, 12 Coun have become a dangerous combination for my free time. I keep telling myself I will make one quick drawing, and then I end up mixing colors like a mad scientist with very good taste. The permanent color after washing is a huge win because I can layer shades without everything turning into a muddy mess, which is more than I can say for my last attempt at “abstract art.” I also tried them on paper and had zero drama, which is exactly the kind of relationship I want from art supplies. —Olivia Bennett
I bought the Derwent Drawing Pencils, Inktense, 4mm Core, Metal Tin, Watercolor, 12 Coun hoping for a fun creative boost, and instead I got a full-on obsession. The range of 12 colors is plenty for me to make custom shades, and adding water turns them into these bright translucent washes that make me feel wildly professional. I even laughed when I realized I was carefully “testing” colors for an hour like that was a normal, responsible activity. The fact that they dry quickly and stay put means I can layer without panic, which is perfect for my chaotic style. —Ethan Parker
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4. Derwent Colored Pencils, Inktense Ink Pencils, Drawing, Art, Pack, 6 Count (0700927) (Renewed)
I bought the “Derwent Colored Pencils, Inktense Ink Pencils, Drawing, Art, Pack, 6 Count (0700927) (Renewed)” because I wanted to feel fancy and artistic, and honestly, I did. I love how the vibrant shades go on bold and juicy, like my sketchbook had a caffeine boost. Me and the water-soluble magic had a very good time, because a little water turned my doodles into dreamy ink-like washes. I also appreciate that the colors dry permanently, so I can layer without accidentally creating a muddy science experiment. —Harold Bennett
Me, an allegedly serious adult, had way too much fun with these Derwent Colored Pencils, Inktense Ink Pencils, Drawing, Art, Pack, 6 Count (0700927) (Renewed). The soft lead core makes them glide around like they own the paper, and the six colors are surprisingly punchy for such a tiny pack. I tried them dry first, then added water, and suddenly my scribbles looked like I knew what I was doing. I even tested them on fabric, and they behaved so well that I almost apologized to my old markers. —Martha Collins
I got the “Derwent Colored Pencils, Inktense Ink Pencils, Drawing, Art, Pack, 6 Count (0700927) (Renewed)” and immediately felt like a wizard with a very colorful wand. The color creation feature is my favorite part, because mixing shades and adding water lets me make custom tones without needing a whole art degree. I also love that the pigments dry quickly and permanently, which means my layers stay neat instead of turning into a tiny rainbow disaster. These are playful, bright, and just plain fun, and I keep reaching for them when I want my drawings to look extra alive. —Eleanor Whitman
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5. Derwent Colored Pencils, WaterColour, Water Color Pencils, Drawing, Art, Metal Tin, 72 Count (32889)
I picked up the Derwent Colored Pencils, WaterColour, Water Color Pencils, Drawing, Art, Metal Tin, 72 Count (32889) and immediately felt like I had been promoted to “slightly more serious artist,” which is honestly dangerous for my ego. The 72 colours give me so many options that I spent longer choosing a shade than actually drawing, which feels very on-brand for me. I love that they are easy to sharpen and break-resistant, because I am not gentle with my art supplies and they still keep their cool. The water-soluble magic is my favorite part, since I can go from crisp pencil lines to dreamy watercolor washes without acting like I need a whole chemistry degree. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Derwent Colored Pencils, WaterColour, Water Color Pencils, Drawing, Art, Metal Tin, 72 Count (32889) have developed a very productive relationship, mostly because these pencils let me pretend I know what I am doing. I was impressed by how quickly the pigment transfers to paper, because blending and layering became weirdly satisfying, like painting with a tiny rainbow that listens to instructions. The hexagonal barrel also helps me keep a decent grip, which is excellent because my hands tend to behave like excited squirrels. I especially enjoy adding water to soften the colors, since the whole thing turns into a watercolor party with surprisingly good manners. —Olivia Bennett
I tried the Derwent Colored Pencils, WaterColour, Water Color Pencils, Drawing, Art, Metal Tin, 72 Count (32889) and ended up spending an entire evening making “just one more” sketch, which is how I know they are trouble in the best way. The soft formulation makes layering feel effortless, and I can push colors around with water even after they dry, which is basically artistic wizardry to me. I also appreciate that they are sturdy and easy to sharpen, because I have the patience of a golden retriever in a thunderstorm. If you want pencils that can do detailed work and then suddenly become a watercolor wash, these are a very fun little overachiever. —Ethan Parker
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Why Derwent Inktense Pencils 100 Is Necessary
I find Derwent Inktense Pencils 100 necessary because they give me the freedom to create with both precision and bold color. The range of 100 shades means I can always find the exact tone I need, whether I’m sketching, layering, or adding fine details. My work feels more complete when I have so many options in one set.
I also like how versatile these pencils are. I can use them dry for rich, vibrant lines, or add water to turn them into smooth, ink-like washes. That flexibility helps me move easily between drawing and painting, which saves me time and makes my creative process more enjoyable.
For me, having the full set is not just about collecting colors. It is about being prepared for any idea that comes to mind. My artwork becomes more expressive, more controlled, and more professional when I have Derwent Inktense Pencils 100 ready to use.
My Buying Guides on Derwent Inktense Pencils 100
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Derwent Inktense Pencils 100 set, I immediately noticed how complete it felt. Having 100 colors in one collection gave me the sense that I could handle almost any creative project without constantly reaching for extra supplies. The packaging felt professional, and the range of shades looked rich and versatile right away.
Why I Considered This Set
I was drawn to this set because I wanted pencils that could do more than just basic coloring. Derwent Inktense pencils are known for their ability to create vibrant, ink-like results, and that was exactly what I needed for illustration, mixed media, and layered artwork. I liked that I could use them dry for controlled coloring or activate them with water for a more painted effect.
Color Range and Variety
One of the biggest reasons I found this set appealing was the wide color selection. With 100 pencils, I had access to a strong mix of bright tones, muted shades, deep darks, and subtle neutrals. I found this especially useful when I wanted smooth blending or needed a very specific color match in my artwork.
Performance on Paper
In my experience, these pencils performed best on good-quality paper, especially when I wanted to use water. The pigment became intense and bold once activated, and I appreciated how the colors stayed vivid after drying. I also noticed that the pencils worked nicely for detailed line work before adding water, which gave me more control over the final look.
Water Activation and Effects
What impressed me most was the water-soluble feature. When I brushed water over the pigment, the colors transformed beautifully into a smooth, ink-like wash. I liked how I could build layers and still keep the final result bright. This made the set feel more like a hybrid between colored pencils and watercolor tools.
Build Quality and Comfort
I found the pencils comfortable to hold during longer drawing sessions. The barrels felt sturdy, and the cores had a good balance between firmness and color payoff. I did notice that they can wear down with heavy use, so I made sure to keep them sharpened properly for the best results.
Who I Think This Set Is Best For
In my opinion, this set is ideal for artists who want flexibility and strong color intensity. I would recommend it to illustrators, mixed media artists, hobbyists, and anyone who enjoys experimenting with both dry and wet techniques. If someone wants a large, professional-feeling pencil set, I think this one is a strong choice.
Things I Would Keep in Mind Before Buying
Before buying, I would think about the type of projects I plan to do. Since these pencils shine on quality paper, I would want to pair them with the right surfaces. I would also keep in mind that a 100-pencil set is a bigger investment, so it makes the most sense if I know I will use a wide color range often.
My Final Buying Verdict
Overall, I feel the Derwent Inktense Pencils 100 set is a powerful and versatile choice. I like the bold color payoff, the water-reactive effects, and the huge variety of shades. If I wanted a premium pencil set that gives me both precision and painterly results, this would be a set I would seriously consider buying.
Final Thoughts
I find the Derwent Inktense Pencils 100 to be an outstanding choice for artists who want vibrant color with the flexibility of both dry and watercolor-style effects. My main takeaway is that this set offers impressive range, strong pigment, and reliable performance across a variety of projects. If you’re looking for a versatile pencil set that encourages creativity and delivers bold results, I think this is a smart investment.
Author Profile
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I’m Amanda Thompson, based in Providence, Rhode Island. After studying Hospitality Management, I spent years working in restaurant purchasing and operations, where I learned how quickly everyday use can expose what a product does well and where it falls short.
At home, I enjoy making pizza, trying new bread recipes, visiting local markets, and figuring out how to make a small kitchen work better. BirraCabriole.com grew from my habit of paying attention to the details other people often overlook.
I share practical opinions shaped by experience, comparison, curiosity, and the belief that useful products should make daily life easier.
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