Derwent Watercolour Pencil, Imperial Purple

Derwent Watercolour Pencil Imperial Purple is a water-soluble colored pencil with a soft core, designed for rich, royal-purple tones. It’s ideal for layering, gradients, and combining dry drawing with watercolor washes to achieve smooth color transitions in illustrations, botanical work, and mixed-media pieces.

Single Pencil: Imperial Purple for vibrant, royal tones. Water-soluble pigment: creates bright, fluid washes when applied with water. Soft core: blends easily across color transitions. High pigment load: delivers depth and saturation with fewer strokes. Durable wood barrel: comfortable grip for detailed work. Multi-use: suitable for both fine detail and broad watercolor applications. Ideal for artists seeking rich purple hues.

Sketch with the pencil as you would with a standard colored pencil, then activate the color with a damp brush to create washes. Build color by layering dry strokes, then add water for gradients. Re-wet the area to soften edges or to blend with other colors for smooth transitions.

Best results come from sturdy watercolor or cold-pressed watercolor paper (around 140 lb / 300 gsm or heavier). The paper should handle water without warping. Start with a light wash and build in layers to preserve texture and detail.

Use a sharp, quality pencil sharpener to keep a fine point for details. A common handheld sharpener or a mechanical pencil sharpener works well. Clean the tip after use to prevent pigment buildup and store pencils in a cool, dry place to maintain performance.

Yes. Derwent Watercolour Pencils are non-toxic and typically conform to safety standards such as EN 71 and ASTM D-4236, making them suitable for hobbyists and professionals alike. Always use as directed and keep away from children unsupervised if under the recommended age.

If you’re looking to expand your purple family on Fepy, consider the following alternatives: Deep Violet – https://fepy.com/product/derwent-watercolour-pencil-deep-violet; Purple Set 12 – https://fepy.com/product/derwent-watercolour-pencil-12-color-set; Royal Purple – https://fepy.com/product/derwent-watercolour-pencil-royal-purple. These options let you pair hues for rich gradients and nuanced shading.

Great for botanical illustrations (flowers and foliage with purple tones), portrait shading for cooler skin tones, fashion sketches, and any artwork requiring rich, saturated purples. Use it to create dark shadows, mid-tones, and subtle accents when combined with lighter purples and blues.

You can use the pencil dry for precise lines and shading, then activate the color with water to create washes. For best results, work in layers: dry underpainting for texture, then add water for depth and luminosity.

Absolutely. These pencils are designed to work well with other Derwent Watercolour Pencils. Layer dry colors, then blend with water or combine with graphite, inks, or other watercolor media to expand texture and tonal range.

Imperial Purple offers premium pigment and versatility for detailed work and washes. If you mainly need a single standout purple, a single pencil is a great starting point. If you’re building a broader palette or doing full-color illustrations, consider a set to ensure color harmony and seamless blending across a range of purples. Sets often provide better value per color and help you achieve consistent color relationships in your work.