Derwent 'Inktense Blocks'

The new Inktense Blocks (see the Blog entry for 12 February) are under discussion by the UKCPS Executive as they try to decide whether they should be defined as a 'coloured pencil' - given that they consist of the same Inktence pigment, but shaped in a pastel-like block without any wooden surround.

What do readers think?

Derwent News

Derwent Pencils are a valued sponsor to UKCPS, so I make no apologies for recommending a visit to their website: www.pencils.co.uk. In particular, it's well worth a look at their own blog : http://www.lovepencils.co.uk , where there is a good review of their new Inktense Blocks - solid blocks of water-soluable Inktense pigment in similar size to a pastel, and there is also a colouring Logo competition for you to enter!

If you are new to Derwent products, then click on the 'Hints & Tips' tag on the homepage for downloadable PDF files on various uses of their pencils, or similarly, click on the 'Contact Us' tag, and then click on the link to Youtube for videos of their products in use.

Alan

News from Derwent

Take a good look at this lovely box of Derwent Signatures - after December 31st 2007, they will no longer be available. I have just received word from Derwent that their Signature range will be discontinued. I will particularly miss the Signature water-solubles, not just because of their lightfastness, but also because they were lovely pencils. I am reassured that this will not mean that Derwent are easing up on their commitment to bringing us lightfast pencils though. I know the testing they do, I have seen it, and I know that they will strive to bring us the most lightfast pigments that they can source. I also hope they will continue to publish lightfast data on all of their pencils, so that, as producers of fine art, we will know what we are using.

Some much better news from Derwent is that they are extending their wonderful Inktense range from 24 pencils to 72 (71 colours plus a non-soluble outliner), and these should be available from January 2008. So save some of your Christmas money for these!

And a very Merry Christmas, Holiday Greetings, and a Colourful New Year to all CP Artists everywhere!