Derwent Demo...



Carol Lee Beckx and Dr. Manny

The Art Shed Brisbane hosted a Derwent product demo on Saturday with the very talented Carol Lee Beckx. While I am not a extensive pencil or crayon user, I've since been inspired to plan to purchase some of the products! I was asked to share what I learnt, so here goes, and please excuse the short and sharp sentences (I took copious amounts of notes that I'm working from here):

Derwent Watersoluble Sketching Pencils - made out of graphite and very good for adding outline to canvas. Rub over with water on a brush to remove line. Comes in three ypes. Carol did a sketch of Picasso and started using the lightest wash (HB) then moved to medium to add depth. She varied her pencil grip for rough sketching, definite lines, etc. It's best to sharpen pencils with a stanley knife for longer lead. More information on the pencils can be found here.

Tinted Charcoal Pencils - an easy to use charcoal without the mess. Colour on paper is different to what is in the pencil. Has a gritty feel. Not for precise drawing when wet but only when dry. Comes in earthy colours. Comes in a tin of 12. More information on the pencils can be found here.

Graphitint Pencils - tinted graphite pencils. More manageable than charcoal and comes in more "normal" colour range. Softer than charcoal. Light water marks will retain pencil lines, but more wash will dissolve lines. Comes in tins of 12 and 24. More information on the pencils can be found here.

Inktense Pencils - I've been wanting to see a demo on Inktense pencils for a long time, so I was delighted that these were included! Inktense Pencils are intense ink based pencils that provide a vivid colour. Carol did a sketch while talking about the pencils, which was beautiful to watch. Pencils are used dry then water is added via brush or watercolour pen. Carol recommended that most of the sketch is put down before adding water. The pencils can be used on all-natural fabric, especially silk. Textile medium will help to retain vibrancy. Can put textile medium on fabric first and the add Inktense, or vice versa. Inktense can also be used on canvas. Put down a layer of gesso. Watercolour canvase is the best type of Inktense. Good for drawing blocks of colour, wetting it and then using as a watercolour on another sheet. Comes in tins on 12, 24, 36 and 72, and as you can tell from the amount of notes I took my most favourite product next to the Artbar, which is coming up! More information on the pencils can be found here.

Coloursoft Pencils - I didn't take any notes for this one, outside of the fact that they can be used for colouring in. Comes in tins of 12, 24, 36 and 72. More information on the pencils can be found here.

Inktense Blocks - the same as the pencils, but designed for larger work and no pencil lines. A lot of pigment for the money. More information on the blocks can be found here on the Derwent web-site.

Artbar - a water soluble wax, which has an additive that allows it to be soluble. I think I fell in love with these, in addition to the Inktense Pencils! The bars are triangular, which I love, and come in four colour groups of Brights, Pales, Earths and Darks. The bars are opaque and colours can be layered one on top of the other and a smudge stick, or finger, used to blend. Not good for use on textured paper as too much of the bar will be used up. A Shave & Save can be used to ensure that there is no wastage. Carol also used a water spray and a squirrel mop brush. The Artbar is available in a larger tin if using a lot. It can get sticky, especially in the heat. Carol advised that it's best to know what your composition piece will be before starting. More information on the bars can be found here on the Derwent web-site.

Carol will be holding a workshop on Sunday, 18 November from 9:30am until 2:30pm at the Art Shed where you can either try out her Derwent product range, or bring your own, and have a delightful day of art and colour. Please contact the Art Shed on 07 3846 1330 for details.

I thoroughly enjoyed learning about these products, and also watching Carol at work creating. One tip she did give the group was to spend 20 minutes a day sketching, whether inside or outside. I started last night, and plan to do a little each day to expand my scope and ideas for both my paintings and drawings.