As we mentioned above, blending is quite nice with these. We encourage anybody starting to try blending in different ways: just using pencils, using water/solvent, and also trying to erase. These pencils will communicate with you in all three methods, making them a good beginner-level instruction tool. We enjoyed trying out the Derwent Academy Colored Pencils. These pencils have some of the great qualities that we have come to love from Derwent’s other lines but at a price point, that is easier to swallow. They are also quite strong, making them right at home in more demanding beginner or classroom settings. We were pleasantly surprised by the blending ability, however. Typically, these tougher cores don’t like to blend well with each other but Derwent has found a way to make it work. You won’t see the level of blending of many of the premium sets with their creamier cores but this still allows a beginner to experiment with blending without too much struggle.

For a beginner-oriented line, the Derwent Academy Colored Pencils look fantastic. They come in an attractive tin container that emulates many of the more expensive sets on the market. There is also a light plastic sleeve that comfortably fits all of the pencils. We like these sleeves not only for added protection from the pencil tips running into each other but also makes them much easier to organize and access during use. But either way, they are still a good bargain considering what you are getting. Overall Ranking – 4/5 Lightfastness isn’t great but that is the norm for most tougher wax cores. But unless you plan on displaying your pieces in direct sunlight for many years, it shouldn’t be a major deterrent. Usability and Durability – 4/5

Water-Soluble

There is a good selection of blues, reds, and yellows. In particular, we like Ultramarine Blue, Violet, Cadmium Yellow, and Carmine Red. Noticeably missing is a larger selection of greens, tans, and browns. We assume that is because these more natural colors (typically used in many landscape pieces, face portraits, etc.) are beyond the scope of what most beginners are attempting to draw. Another aspect that we liked was how consistent the color comes out. There aren’t a lot of places where the color seems to be noticeably darker or lighter than that its surrounding color. Again, the main focus on here is simplicity and Derwent seems to have that mostly dialed in.

Permanent when dry - doesn't wash away like watercolour. Intense vibrant colour. Suitable for use on fabric and other surfacesAll in all, these are one of the most attractive student-level sets that we have come across. They will look right at home next to any higher-end colored pencil sets on the market. Cost – 4/5 Use with water to create ink-like washes, but once dry, Inktense is permanent and can be worked over without affecting previous layers. It was also worth noting that, even in the largest set size, you are limited to 36 pencils. So while the 36-piece set helps to fill some color voids, there will be some noticeable gaps in the smaller set sizes. Remember: these pencils aren’t intended to be your go-to colored pencil set for years to come. They are designed to introduce students or other beginners to art and help build a solid foundation. One of our readers introduced us to the Derwent Academy Series a few months ago. We are used to Derwent’s various products that are designed for hobbyists up to passionate professionals but we didn’t have much experience with many of their more beginner-oriented sets.