I love the tin box quality and design, which is great to keep the blocks safe and neatly stored. If I remove the inner holders, I can use it for other purposes. I love the "crevasses" on the sides, which are perfect for broken or half pieces.
Having
used the Derwent XL blocks and XL coloured graphite blocks I can
honestly say that I prefer the two first to the Inktense Blocks.
However, I love the quality of the bright lines and accents I can get with these blocks especially when I don't mix them with other products,
as they're vibrant and make any piece standout. They're very bold as watercolours.
Are the Derwent Inktense blocks/pencils
lightfast? According to the company, "87% of the range is lightfast, however, once water is added, lightfastness ratings will be different
depending on how much each colour is diluted." They also state that
these blocks are made using different binders and wax blends, which
affects the lightfastness of each colour. As mentioned in other cases
for similar products, you need to use a medium to seal the colour if you intend to work with liquid media after using these blocks. The same can be said if you use them on you painting top layer. Furthermore, once the piece is
finished, you can protect it by using an UV protection varnish and, of
course, by keeping the artwork out of direct sunlight.
If I had to buy them now, knowing as I know, I would buy the Inktense pencils, which will have the same quality pigment but are better for me. So, in short I like these ones but I don't love them.
MIND
The blocks are quite thin and break easily while exerting a bit of pressure. Handle with care.
