Derwent Watercolour Pencils 12 Count Pack - Smooth Blendable Color

In this review of the Derwent Watercolour Pencils (12 count, metal tin), the bottom line is simple: these pencils are best for sketchers, hobby artists and students who want the control of a pencil with easy watercolour effects. The set delivers vibrant, blendable pigment and a satisfying, soft core that layers quickly, making it straightforward to create both bold dry marks and delicate wet washes. While some users report occasional breakage when sharpening, the 3.4mm cores and hexagonal barrels give reliable precision for detail work and extended drawing sessions.

Key Features

• Sturdy precision: The 3.4mm core and hexagonal barrel provide precise control for detailed drawings and comfortable long sessions.
• Water soluble: The pencils dissolve with water to produce soft edges and bright washes while retaining pencil-like control for lines.
• Colour layering: A softer pigment formulation transfers quickly to paper, making blending and layering easier for richer tones.
• Artistic flexibility: Colors can be moved and adjusted with water even after drying, enabling corrections and subtle shifts in tone.
• Portable metal tin: The included metal tin keeps all 12 colours organized and protected for travel and storage.

Who It's For

These pencils suit artists who want both dry drawing and watercolor effects without switching tools; they are ideal for urban sketchers, illustrators doing mixed-media work, and students learning layering and wash techniques. The set's balance of control and solubility makes it a practical choice for quick studies and finished pieces that need precise marks that can be softened with water.

Those who require extremely hard, break-proof cores for heavy-handed sharpening or professional pigment permanence should look elsewhere; the formulation is intentionally softer for transfer and blending, which can make the leads more prone to breakage if handled aggressively during sharpening.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Vibrant, well-pigmented colours that blend nicely both wet and dry for versatile effects.
• 3.4mm cores offer precise lines and good coverage for layering and detailed work.
• Works well with water brushes and dampened paper to produce soft, painterly washes.

Cons

• Some users report occasional breakage when sharpening, reflecting the softer core formulation.

Specifications

Brand	Derwent
Count	12 colours per pack
Core diameter	3.4mm
Barrel shape	Hexagonal
Solubility	Water soluble (watercolour effect)
Packaging	Metal tin

Our Verdict

The Derwent Watercolour Pencils 12-count set is a solid, budget-friendly option for artists who want pencil control plus watercolor versatility. With rich pigment, easy layering and a durable metal tin, it offers good value for sketching, mixed media and student work despite the occasional sharpening breakage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these pencils water soluble?
Yes. The cores dissolve with water to create watercolor washes and softened edges.

How durable are the cores?
The 3.4mm cores are designed for precision and are relatively break-resistant, but some users report occasional breakage when sharpening due to the softer formulation.

Is the set good for beginners?
Yes. The set is well suited to beginners and students learning blending and watercolour pencil techniques because of its forgiving pigment and ease of use.