Top Derwent Pastel Pencils For Smooth Blending: Achieve Flawless Artwork

Pastel pencils, particularly from Derwent, offer vibrant colors and smooth blending, making them ideal for artists seeking control and detail in their artwork.

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Pastel pencils are a fantastic tool for artists looking to create smooth, vibrant artwork with a soft finish.

Unlike regular colored pencils, pastel pencils contain finely ground pigments mixed with a binder, making them ideal for blending and shading.

They offer the versatility of traditional pastels but come in a convenient pencil form, allowing for more control and detail in your work.

When you use pastel pencils, the unique texture of the pigments allows for seamless blending.

This feature is especially useful for achieving gradients or softer edges in your illustrations.

Among the many brands available, Derwent stands out for its quality and range.

Their pastel pencils are designed to deliver rich colors and a smooth application, making them a popular choice for both beginners and experienced artists alike.

Before purchasing pastel pencils, you should consider factors like pigment quality, blending capability, and the pencil’s hardness.

Softer pencils are easier to blend but may require more care when sharpening.

I’ve explored different Derwent pastel pencils to find those that not only perform well but also suit various artistic styles.

Whether you’re working on a detailed portrait or an abstract landscape, the right pastel pencils can make a significant difference in your creative process.

Top Derwent Pastel Pencils for Smooth Blending

I’m excited to share my favorite Derwent pastel pencils that make blending a breeze.

These selections have really stood out to me for their quality and ease of use, perfect for anyone looking to enhance their artistic creations.

Check out my top picks below!

Derwent Pastel Pencils

These pastel pencils blend beautifully, making them a great choice for anyone looking to create smooth and vibrant artwork.

✔️ Pros
  • Soft texture allows for seamless blending.
  • Vibrant colors provide excellent versatility.
  • Convenient metal tin keeps everything organized.
Cons
  • Some may find them not sharpened well.
  • They don’t fit standard sharpeners.
  • The tin may not protect against damage during shipping.

I recently tried out the Derwent Pastel Pencils, and I came away pretty impressed.

The soft, powdery texture of each pencil really does help create a velvety finish, which I found great for layering color.

Blending was a dream, especially when I used a silicone color shaper; it just glided over the paper.

The range of colors is fantastic, so I could mix and match to get the exact hue I needed.

On the downside, I encountered a minor issue with sharpening.

These pencils don’t fit standard sharpeners, so I had to hunt down a special one that worked well.

That might be a hassle if you’re used to conventional tools.

Also, a couple of pencils arrived a little less than perfectly sharp, which was a bit disappointing, but a sharpener took care of that.

Derwent Blender and Burnisher Set

These blending and burnishing pencils are a must-have for creating smooth, polished artwork.

✔️ Pros
  • Blends colors seamlessly for a professional finish.
  • Comfortable to hold, even during long sessions.
  • Includes handy accessories like a sharpener and eraser.
Cons
  • The burnisher may feel less effective for some artists.
  • Not suitable for heavy application on rough surfaces.
  • Can be a bit pricey compared to other blending tools.

I recently tried out the Derwent Blender and Burnisher Set and was pleasantly surprised by their performance.

The blender pencils are soft, allowing me to mix multiple colors effortlessly.

I noticed a significant improvement in the harmony of my color blends; they come together smoothly, which added depth to my drawings.

The burnisher offers a glossy finish that enhances the vibrancy of the artwork.

I appreciate how these pencils feel in my hand—comfortable and easy to control.

After testing them on various papers, I found the results to be consistently satisfying.

Not everything was perfect, though.

I found the burnisher didn’t quite satisfy my expectations in some cases.

If you’re working on textured surfaces, these might not deliver the results you want.

However, the included sharpener and eraser are a nice bonus that adds to the overall value of the set.

Derwent Skintone Pastel Pencils

These pastel pencils are a worthwhile addition if you’re looking to achieve smooth blending in your portraits.

✔️ Pros
  • Effortlessly glides on paper for a smooth application.
  • Excellent for layering colors to create various skin tones.
  • The selection of colors is great for multicultural portraits.
Cons
  • Occasionally, pencils may arrive broken; check before use.
  • The pigmentation can vary in softness between colors.
  • Not as versatile for other types of artwork outside portraits.

Using the Derwent Skintone Pastel Pencils has been a pleasant experience for me.

The way they glide across the paper is fantastic, allowing for a velvety application that feels luxurious.

I’ve found these pencils to be particularly useful when creating portraits, as they blend well and produce flattering skin tones.

The selection of colors catered to different skin types is impressive.

With shades like Cream, Blush Pink, and Dark Terracotta, I can easily mix and layer to get just the right hue for my subjects.

It makes the task of drawing diverse portraits so much easier and enjoyable.

One thing to keep in mind is that I’ve had the occasional issue with broken tips upon arrival, which can be frustrating.

Nonetheless, once I sharpen them, I usually find a way to make it work.

Overall, these pencils have become a staple in my art supplies, and I would recommend them to anyone serious about portrait drawing.

Derwent Pastel Pencils 72 Set

If you’re looking for vibrant colors and smooth blending, these Derwent Pastel Pencils are a solid choice.

✔️ Pros
  • Impressive range of colors
  • Excellent for blending and layering
  • Convenient and portable metal tin
Cons
  • Can be difficult to sharpen
  • Some colors may feel too hard for blending
  • Price may be higher than some alternatives

I recently got my hands on the Derwent Pastel Pencils in a neat metal tin, and I was eager to test them out.

Right off the bat, the color selection is extensive, offering plenty of options for any project.

The richness of the pigments is impressive; I found that they apply smoothly and can be easily blended to create various shades.

Using these pencils was a delight, especially when I wanted to create depth in my artwork.

However, sharpening can be a challenge.

The pencils break more often than I’d like, which can be frustrating during those creative bursts when you need precision.

While most colors blend beautifully, a couple of them felt harder than expected, making it difficult to achieve that soft, blended look I aimed for.

Derwent Blender Pencil

This pencil is a solid choice if you’re looking to enhance your colored pencil artwork with smooth blending.

✔️ Pros
  • Blends seamlessly across multiple colors.
  • Ideal for both beginners and seasoned artists.
  • Compact design fits standard sharpeners easily.
Cons
  • Can make colors appear slightly darker.
  • May produce a bit of dust during use.
  • Not ideal for those looking for a more precise blending tool.

Using the Derwent Blender Pencil truly transformed my approach to blending colors.

Its soft, colorless formulation allows for smooth mixing of shades, which definitively softens hard edges and creates beautiful transitions in my work.

I found it worked particularly well alongside a range of colored pencils, from budget picks to high-end options.

One notable aspect is the ease with which this pencil blends multiple colors.

Even with various brands of pencils, I found that the results were reliable.

However, while the blending effect is wonderful, I did notice it occasionally darkened the colors slightly more than I intended.

This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you prefer exact shades.

Additionally, I appreciated the pencil’s compatibility with standard sharpeners, which made sharpening a hassle-free process.

The only downside was some dust produced during sharpening and blending, but it was manageable.

Buying Guide

When I choose pastel pencils, a few key features really make a difference.

Here are the main points I consider:

Softness of Lead

  • Soft Leads: Great for smooth blending.
  • Harder Leads: Better for fine details but may not blend as well.

Color Range

I prefer sets that offer a wide variety of colors.

This allows for more creativity in my artwork.

Lightfastness

I look for pencils that resist fading.

This ensures my artwork stays vibrant over time.

Ease of Blending

  • Check reviews for ease of blending.
  • Some pencils blend effortlessly while others can be more challenging.

Price

I keep my budget in mind.

There are quality options at various price points, so I balance cost with performance.

Packaging and Presentation

I appreciate a good packaging design.

It makes the whole experience more enjoyable when my tools are neatly organized.

Customer Reviews

I always check what other artists say.

Their experiences provide valuable insights into the performance of the pencils.

In summary, evaluating these features helps me find the pastel pencils that suit my style and needs best.