Dating back to 1832, the British manufacturer Derwent has been supplying artists new and old with a wide array of practical drawing and colouring tools that bring craftsmanship to a new level.
At Art Shed, you'll find a carefully selected range of Derwent products, including graphite, coloured, water-soluble, and speciality pencils, each designed for every stage of the creative process. If you’re an artist, Derwent products have got you covered in every base from sketching or illustrating, all the way to layering vibrant colour and experimenting with mixed media. Regardless of your creative endeavour, Derwent offers the dependable tools you’ll need to bring your ideas to life.
Discover Derwent Drawing and Colouring Pencils
Derwent's extensive range caters to almost every drawing style and medium. From the smooth graphite of the Graphic range to the richly pigmented Coloursoft pencils, the permanent ink technology of Inktense, and the exceptional lightfastness of the Lightfast collection, there's a pencil for every creative approach. Whether you're producing quick sketches, detailed illustrations, botanical studies, or finished artworks, explore our full range of artist pencils to find the right Derwent products for your next project.
Innovative Materials, Exceptional Results
Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, Derwent develops pencils with specific creative outcomes in mind. Inktense pencils become permanent once activated with water, making them popular for mixed media, while Coloursoft pencils are loved for their velvety texture and effortless blending. For artists creating work intended to last, the Lightfast range offers professional-grade coloured pencils tested for outstanding fade resistance. Pair your favourite Derwent pencils with one of our visual diaries and sketchbooks to get the most from every drawing session.
Trusted by Artists and Illustrators Worldwide
Derwent has earned its reputation by continually refining its products while embracing new ideas for modern artists. Today, its pencils are used by students learning foundational techniques, hobbyists developing their skills, and professional illustrators creating exhibition-quality work. Whether you're refining your skills or exploring a new medium, Derwent provides reliable creative tools that support artists at every stage of their journey. You can also complement your kit with our range of drawing pens for even greater creative flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What products does Derwent produce?
Derwent is best known for its artist pencils, including graphite, coloured, watercolour, ink-based, pastel, charcoal, and speciality ranges, along with accessories designed for drawing and illustration.
Are Derwent pencils suitable for professional artists?
Yes. Many professional artists choose Derwent for its specialist ranges, including Lightfast for archival-quality coloured pencil work and Inktense for vibrant mixed media applications.
What surfaces work best for Derwent pencils?
Derwent pencils perform best on quality drawing paper, cartridge paper, watercolour paper, and mixed media surfaces. The ideal choice depends on the pencil range and the techniques you're using.
Are Derwent pencils suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. Derwent offers products for every skill level, from affordable student-friendly pencils through to professional ranges designed for experienced artists.
What is the difference between graphite and coloured pencils?
Graphite pencils are used for sketching, shading, and tonal drawing, while coloured pencils contain pigmented cores that allow artists to blend, layer, and create vibrant finished artwork.