These are the watersoluble pencils made by Derwent. I bought the box set which has 6 pencils that come in a tin case, small sharpener included. These pencils are sold individually as well.

These watersoluble pencils are slightly thicker than the usual writing pencils. They are made in England and comes with the "Derwent Sketching" label on them together with a brush icon.

The pencils come in three softness: Light Wash HB, Medium Wash 4B and Heavy Wash 8B.

Even though their softness are different, it's hard to see any variation in tone when they are dry. The hardness of the lead can be felt when using though, with 8B feeling the softest.

Even when wet, it's also hard to see the variation. The HB seems a little lighter, but just barely. Some good skill is required to achieve an even flat wash.

Video in 720P HD

For the gradated wash shown above, I used a waterbrush. It gradates beautifully. It's difficult to achieve the gradation using a traditional brush.

The pencil graphite doesn't dissolve well. It still leaves some grain that on the paper surface, even if you're rubbing hard with the brush.

The washes are transparent, and while washing, you can see the graphite particles move across the paper surface.

These washes are permanent when dry. Pretty amazing. Brushing over them with more water doesn't dilute them. You can use an eraser to lighten the tone, but only slightly.

Layering to achieve a darker tone is very difficult. The washed area becomes too smooth for any more graphite to deposit on the surface.

To achieve light tones, less graphite has to be used and then brushed over the area.

Video in 720P HD

In the two pictures above, the left wash is created with a waterbrush, and the right with a traditional brush. Using a waterbrush is much more convenient.

I recommend using paper of at least 160gsm to prevent paper wrapping from the application of water. I'm using the Daler Rowney 160gsm Fine Grain Cartridge and it works well with the pencils and water.

The two sketches above are drawn while commuting on a train. I use a Copic multiliner pen - waterproof and drys fast - for the lines. Water is from a waterbrush. You can still spot some undissolved pencil grain on the paper.

For the lighter washes where you don't see any pencil grain, I brushed the brush tip against the lead and then wash it over the paper. This technique works well with the 4B and 8B pencils, but the HD lead doesn't dissolve well like that.

These are pretty fun pencils to check out. If you want to practice creating tones, it can be difficult because as mentioned, there are very little different between the pencils regardless of softness.

The pencils are watersoluble but not totally soluble. Minor issue.

I suggest getting them individually first to try out. In that case, get the HB and 8B. They aren't too expensive even as a set.

Availability:

• Amazon US: 6-pencil set in tin can | HB | 8B
• Amazon UK: 6-pencil set in tin can | HB | 8B
• Amazon DE: 6-pencil set in tin can
• Blick Art Materials