Derwent Graphitint Review: Testing Graphite Watercolors

content: Unboxing the Graphitint Experience

Opening the ScrawlrBox revealed an unexpected treasure: Derwent Graphitint watercolor pans. My initial reaction? Skepticism. The colors appeared unnaturally muted—like pencil shavings mixed with pigment. As someone who typically avoids muddy tones, I questioned their potential. But art supplies deserve fair testing. The compact set included 12 colors, a travel brush with water reservoir, mixing palette, and color key. Paired with Langton watercolor paper and an inspiring abstract print by Claudia Drexhage, the stage was set for experimentation.

First Impressions and Swatching

The Graphitint pans felt unconventional. Colors like "Midnight Black" and "Meadow" looked desaturated compared to traditional watercolors. Swatching confirmed this:

Pigments activated slowly, requiring heavy water saturation
Even unmixed colors produced grayed-down versions (e.g., "Ocean Blue" dried stormy gray)
Layering created depth but intensified the muted effect

Key discovery: These aren't vibrant pigments—they're graphite-infused, explaining the pencil-like appearance. For artists seeking bold hues, this could disappoint. But the texture intrigued me.

Testing Techniques: Landscape vs Portrait

Abstract Landscape Experiment

I attempted a lake reflection piece using the provided paper—without taping it first (a mistake). The buckling paper created "divots" that pooled pigment unevenly. Yet the Graphitint’s properties shone:

Steel Blue and Aubergine blended into moody, atmospheric gradients
Dry-brush techniques created organic cloud textures
Slate Green built subtle evergreen silhouettes

Surprise benefit: The low saturation forced focus on value contrast. The finished piece evoked eerie tranquility—unlike my usual cartoon style.

Portrait Application

For a character illustration, I pre-taped the paper. Using Meadow for hair and Port for lips revealed:

Controlled washes worked best over pencil sketches
Autumn Brown created natural blush when layered thinly
Erasability (more later) allowed nose repositioning

Color limitation: The cool-toned palette clashed with warm skin tones. I compensated by leaving white spaces and adding Graphite Gray shadows for dimension.

Unique Features and Final Verdict

The Erasable Game-Changer

Mid-portrait, I discovered Graphitint’s standout feature: erasability. Unlike traditional watercolors:

Dried pigment lifted with a kneaded eraser
Allowed precise corrections (e.g., adjusting facial features)
Enabled reworking areas without muddying

This graphite characteristic makes it ideal for illustrators needing precision.

Actionable Tips for Beginners

Always tape paper—buckling intensifies with heavy water use
Saturate brushes—pigments need more water than standard watercolors
Layer dark-to-light—graphite base builds depth gradually
Embrace texture—dry brushing creates organic effects
Use pencil underdrawings—leverage the erasable advantage

Who Should Try Graphitint?

Recommended for: Atmospheric landscapes, monochromatic work, artists seeking erasable media
Not ideal for: Vibrant illustrations, quick sketches needing immediate color payoff

My final take: While I’ll still reach for my regular watercolors, Graphitint offers unique expressive potential. Its muted, blendable nature excels in mood pieces, and the erasability is revolutionary for watercolorists.

What’s your experience with unconventional mediums? Share your favorite niche art supply discoveries below!