The Ultimate Derwent Pencil Guide: Choose Your Perfect Tool

Expert advice from The Ink Spot NZ to help New Zealand artists navigate the world's most comprehensive pencil range.

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🌑 Graphite & Sketching (The Foundations)

Series	Best For...
Graphic	Traditional sketching and technical drawing. Available in 20 grades (9H to 9B).
Sketching	Rapid, loose sketching. Features a wide 4mm core for quick tonal work.
Charcoal / Tinted	Expressive, smoky effects. Tinted version adds a subtle hint of colour to the charcoal.
Watersoluble Sketching	Creating "ink wash" effects. Use a wet brush to transform graphite into soft shadows.

🎨 Professional Colour (Dry & Permanent)

Series	Best For...
Artists	Traditional layering and landscapes. Firm, waxy texture with a 4mm core.
Coloursoft	Vibrant, contemporary work. Soft, velvety texture for fast, flat coverage.
Lightfast	Museum-quality art. 100% lightfast oil-based core that won't fade for 100 years.
Procolour	Fine detail combined with vibrant laydown. Firm point but smooth finish.

💧 Watersoluble & Mixed Media

Series	Best For...
Inktense	Permanent ink washes. Once dry, it's fixed (even on fabric). Very vibrant.
Watercolour	Classic watercolour look. Soft texture, can be re-wet and moved again.
Graphitint	Atmospheric landscapes. Graphite with a hint of colour—excellent for NZ scenery.

✨ Specialty Textures

• Drawing: A creamy 5mm earthy-toned core. Ideal for wildlife (like Kiwis!) and fur textures.
• Pastel: The beauty of pastel in a clean pencil format. Great for soft portraits.
• Metallic: Shimmering pigments that pop on dark paper. Perfect for creative cards.