First of all, a little squeal of excitement… Derwent are officially sponsoring my Live Hare Draw during Coloured Pencil Week! I’m over the moon. Honestly, I’ve been using Derwent pencils for years, so this sponsorship? It’s a bit like being handed your favourite biscuit and getting a hug at the same time. Grateful doesn’t even cover it.

To celebrate, I thought I’d repurpose a little throwback chat I had a few years ago! If you’ve ever stood in an art shop (or hovered online, clicking “add to cart” far too often) and wondered what the difference is between Derwent Lightfast, Studio, and Drawing pencils… this one’s for you.

Derwent Lightfast – The Big Bold Beauties

Let’s start with the showstoppers: Derwent Lightfast pencils.

These are my go-to when I want rich colour, smooth blending, and the confidence that my artwork won’t fade away with time. Yep, the clue’s in the name – lightfast. That means they’re designed to resist fading, even if your art lives somewhere sunny (though I still recommend protecting it, of course).

Lightfast are oil-based coloured pencils, which gives them a beautifully smooth feel – quite different from wax-based pencils like Prismacolor. 

If you’re working on detailed areas – like fur, feathers, or fine animal textures (looking at you, Coloured Pencil Week creatures!) – these glide like a dream and layer effortlessly. Deep colour payoff, less smudging, and a professional finish? Yes please.

PLUS they are all completely lightfast so a big tick if you’re wanting to sell your work! 

Derwent Studio – The Unsung Heroes

Next up: Derwent Studio pencils – these were actually the first Derwent pencils I ever used! If you’ve got a tin of 72 lurking in your stash, you’re in good company.

Studio pencils have a harder core than Lightfast, which means sharper points and more precision. Perfect for line work, sketching out proportions, or adding in those teeny-tiny whiskers and final touches. I call them my “whisper pencils” – they’re quiet but mighty.

The colour range is a little more muted than Lightfast, but they’re brilliant for base layers, sketchbook work, or colouring books. So while I don’t often use them for realism pieces these days, they still earn their keep in my pencil case.

Now you know how much I love Derwent studios so you can imagine the heart break I felt when they discontinued them!! 

But don’t worry if you want to try them you can opt for their round cousin – derwent artist – there are the same colours, same cores but just a little thicker and with a round barrel. 

Derwent Drawing – The Earthy, Dreamy Set

Ahh, now these… Derwent Drawing pencils are a bit of a secret weapon.

Super soft, wax-based, and packed with rich, natural colours – think warm browns, mossy greens, soft creams.  I’d say they really shine when you’re working on landscapes or filling in large blocks of colour – they’ve got this lovely, smooth laydown that makes coverage a dream. 

Not really one for super fine detail, but when you want depth, softness, and a bit of that earthy magic, they’re right at home. Bonus? They’re all lightfast and the Ivory Black is hands-down the blackest black I’ve ever used.

So, Which Derwent Pencils Should You Choose?

I’ll break it down:

• Want bold colour, long-lasting results, and smooth layering? Go for Lightfast.
  
• Need precision, control, or a good all-rounder for sketching? Try the Artist pencils.
  
• Working on block colours or landscapes with soft textures? You’ll love the Drawing range.
  

Honestly, you don’t need them all – but knowing what each range does best helps you choose the right tools for your style.

Come See Them in Action – Live!

If you’re joining me for Coloured Pencil Week – especially the Live Hare Draw – you’ll see these Derwent beauties in action. Big thank you again to Derwent for sponsoring this magical event.

And whether you’re new to coloured pencils or already building an impressive stash, just remember: the pencil is only part of the story. The real magic happens in your hands.

So sharpen those tips, pop the kettle on, and let’s make something beautiful together.

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