Derwent offers several different types of colored pencils that vary in composition, drawing feel, and overall result. If you’re looking for the right pencils for yourself, the choice may seem confusing at first. That’s why we’ve put together an overview of five of Derwent’s most widely used colored pencil ranges to help you find the one that best matches your drawing style and goals.
Lightfast
Lightfast is Derwent’s most lightfast colored pencil range. This means that their pigment will not fade even after a century if the artworks are kept in suitable conditions. These are professional tools designed for artists, particularly suited for works that will be exhibited or sold. The pencil core is oil-based, giving the color a bright, opaque layer and allowing multiple layers to be built up without the surface becoming covered with excess wax. Lightfast pencils are excellent for both detailed drawings and deeper color layering.
What makes the Lightfast range special is how well the pencils blend in layers. The colors remain transparent, and when layered, new tones appear almost effortlessly – for example, applying a blue layer over yellow creates a clean green. This approach is more reminiscent of markers or watercolors than traditional colored pencils and gives artists a remarkable amount of creative freedom. For the best results, it is advisable to use sturdy, textured paper that can withstand layering. Thanks to the composition of Lightfast, layers can be added without oversaturating the surface. Once the artwork is finished, a light fixative can be applied if desired.
Procolour
If you want a pencil that combines precise drawing ability with smooth coverage, then the Procolour range is worth a look. Procolour pencils deliver rich color but also hold a fine point well, making them ideal for illustrations and fine details. The color applies evenly to the paper while maintaining enough control to achieve a clean and precise drawing.
Thanks to their stronger core, Procolour pencils can produce very sharp lines that hold up even during detailed work. This makes them especially suitable for drawing textures such as hair, fur, or other fine details. Since the pigment transfers to the paper easily and evenly, there’s no need to press hard – this helps avoid both hand fatigue and paper damage. Procolour also works well in mixed media, for example with ink or watercolors, as the surface remains dry and well controlled.
Coloursoft
As the name suggests, Coloursoft is Derwent’s softest-core colored pencil. These pencils move smoothly across the paper, quickly providing an intense and covering layer of color. This makes them particularly well suited for covering larger areas and for blending tones, whether in landscapes, portraits, or creative sketches. Their softness also means they can be easily blended and layered, making them a great choice for artists who enjoy experimenting with color layering and achieving a painterly effect.
Coloursoft pencils are ideal for blending tones directly on the paper. The soft core allows the color to be smudged, for example with a finger or blending stump, but they also work well with a dry blending pencil. These pencils are especially effective in larger drawings where it is important to cover areas quickly or to create soft light-shadow transitions. Since they wear down a little faster than pencils with a harder core, it’s best to sharpen them carefully and, when needed, use them alternately with a harder pencil to maintain sharper outlines.
Artists
The Artists range is one of Derwent’s most classic and well-known. It has a strong, pigmented core that allows both fine lines and broad color coverage. These pencils are well suited for drawing natural or painterly-style scenes that require tonal variation and expressive lines. The Artists range offers a wide selection of colors, making it excellent for those who enjoy experimenting with shades and creating layered textures.
Thanks to their stronger but still soft pigment, Artists pencils are also great for emphasizing texture. When used on rough paper, they highlight the natural surface structure, bringing vibrancy and painterly character to the drawing. Artists pencils are well suited for slow, layer-by-layer drawings where the focus is on gradually developing colors and tones. Unlike Coloursoft, which is soft and easy for fast coverage, and Procolour, which combines precision with smooth coverage, Artists offer a classic pencil feel and strong control – ideal for patient and detail-oriented artists.
Chromaflow
Chromaflow is one of Derwent’s newer ranges, created for vibrant and rich color results. These pencils are wax-based, with a relatively soft core and excellent coverage – even on dark papers. Chromaflow pencils are especially suitable for those who want bright and contrasting results and prefer a quicker, more intuitive drawing style. The color applies easily to the paper, making them pleasant and flowing to use. In addition, most Chromaflow pencils also have good lightfastness.
Chromaflow pencils stand out particularly well on dark surfaces – black or deep gray paper makes their rich pigment truly shine. Thanks to their soft composition, they are also well suited for a faster drawing style, such as sketchbooks, journals, or coloring books. For the best results, start with lighter layers and then add darker tones – this makes it easier to keep the result clean and prevents the colors from becoming muddy. Chromaflow is also a good choice for beginners who want an easy-to-handle and inspiring pencil.
Conclusion
Each of Derwent’s colored pencil ranges is designed with a specific type of user and drawing style in mind. Lightfast is perfect for professional artists who value lightfastness and layered blending. Procolour combines precision with smooth coverage, while Coloursoft offers softness and intense color laydown. The Artists range is a great choice for those who want a classic feel and expressive drawing. Chromaflow provides vibrant color choices and excellent coverage even on dark paper. The right pencil depends on how and for what you draw – hopefully this overview will help you make a more informed choice.
