Derwent Watercolour Pencil, Crimson Lake

It's a single Derwent watercolour pencil with a water-soluble core that enables precise dry drawing and blended watercolor washes when water is added. It’s ideal for fine lines, shading, layering, and transitions in mixed media.

Single Pencil: Crimson Lake shade for rich, intense red tones. Water-soluble core that activates with water. Soft texture for easy layering and blending. High-quality pigment preserves vibrancy wet or dry. Durable wood casing for precision and comfort. Suitable for multi-technique use and ideal for artists who want precise colour control.

Draw with light pressure to create fine lines. Then, lightly brush over or use a damp brush to activate the core and create smooth washes. For gradients, apply lighter layers and gradually blend with more water. You can also layer dry strokes first and then reactivate with water for depth.

Use a clean water source and a damp water brush or sable brush. Pair with good quality watercolor paper (around 190–300 gsm) or sketch papers designed for light watercolor use. A dedicated sharpener and a protective case help maintain precision and longevity.

Start with light, controlled strokes to place the color. Add water to create a wash and blend edges. Allow layers to dry before adding more color to avoid muddy tones. Re-wet or go back in with dry strokes to sharpen edges after a wash has set.

Use a high-quality, sharp pencil sharpener and apply light, gradual pressure to reduce core breakage. Keep the wood casing intact and store the pencil in a cool, dry place away from excessive moisture or heat.

Yes. Derwent watercolour pencils are designed to be non-toxic and safe for adult artists. They are generally suitable for hobby or professional use, but supervision is advised for very young children.

Great for botanical illustration, landscape sketching, fashion and textile design accents, portrait shading, and any project needing a rich, vibrant red with watercolor flexibility.

Absolutely. It pairs well with watercolour paints and inks, and it can be used over or under other media to create mixed-media effects. The water-activated core adds versatility to layering techniques.

Many artists find it a strong value due to its rich pigment, water-activation capability, and durability. While it’s a premium option, the ability to achieve both precise lines and expressive washes often justifies the price for serious colorists.

Compared to other red shades, Crimson Lake offers a deeper, more intense red suitable for bold accents. For variations, you can explore Derwent Watercolour Pencil Alizarin Crimson (slightly more muted) and Derwent Watercolour Pencil Rose Madder (brighter pinkish-red). Derwent Inktense Watercolor Pencil Crimson provides a different marker-like intensity that dries permanent. See these options here: https://fepy.com/product/derwent-watercolour-pencil-alizarin-crimson, https://fepy.com/product/derwent-watercolour-pencil-rose-madder, https://fepy.com/product/derwent-inktense-watercolor-pencil-crimson.

Store the pencil with the cap on in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. Use a protective case or pouch to prevent chipping of the wood and core. Regularly clean the ferrule area to prevent buildup that could affect sharpening and color transfer.