Derwent Inktense Blocks Review: Testing Vibrancy & Techniques

Testing Derwent Inktense Blocks: First Impressions

Opening the ScrawlrBox revealed Derwent Inktense Blocks—six vibrant, water-soluble blocks promising intense, permanent color when dry. The packaging claimed they work dry or wet, layer beautifully, and create ink-like vibrancy. But would they deliver? I put them through rigorous testing on 350gsm watercolor paper, starting with dry application. The blocks felt like crayons initially, leaving waxy marks. Spraying water caused dramatic blooming and bleeding, creating organic shapes but making precision impossible. The colors transformed significantly when activated—brown turned oranger, red became pinker, and green shifted lime. While undeniably vivid, the pigment settled unevenly, creating a grainy texture that surprised me.

How Water Activation Changes Performance

Wet application proved fundamentally different from dry use. Dipping a brush directly onto the block produced smoother washes than pre-mixed solutions. However, the paint dried slower than traditional watercolors, complicating layering. Testing showed:

Layering potential: True to claims, dried layers didn’t reactivate, allowing glazing. Building depth required patience due to drying time.
Blending challenges: Colors resisted seamless mixing on paper, often forming harsh edges unless applied side-by-side while wet.
Paper warping: Even heavyweight paper buckled with heavy water use, necessitating stretching or taping.

Mastering Practical Application Techniques

Through trial and error, three methods emerged as most effective for these unique blocks.

Spray and Bleed Method (Best for Abstracts)

Drawing shapes dry, then misting water created explosive color blooms perfect for abstract backgrounds or loose florals. Key insights:

Use minimal water to control spread.
Work fast—colors blend instantly upon contact.
Accept organic outcomes; precision is unachievable here.
This technique delivered the most vibrant, dynamic results, leaning into the medium’s strengths rather than fighting its unpredictability.

Palette Method (Ideal for Details)

Crumbling blocks into a ceramic palette, adding water, and mixing created a workable paint. Advantages included:

Better pigment control for subtle washes.
Ability to adjust color intensity before application.
Less paper warping with controlled water.
For portraiture or illustrative work, this approach proved superior, allowing softer skin tones and finer details.

Dry-to-Wet Layering Approach

Applying dry blocks over dried washes created textured lines. However:

Pencil-like precision was difficult; blocks dragged on textured paper.
Gel pens struggled to cover dried pigment (white gel pen was nearly invisible).
Watercolor pencils layered better for details like hair or outlines.

Critical Insights and Artist Recommendations

After extensive testing, Derwent Inktense Blocks excel in specific scenarios but disappoint in others.

Key Strengths Worth Considering

Unmatched vibrancy: When activated, colors achieve remarkable intensity.
True permanence: Once dry, layers don’t lift, enabling complex glazing.
Versatile formats: Use dry for sketching or wet for painterly effects.
Travel-friendly: Blocks are less messy than tubes.

Notable Limitations to Acknowledge

Grainy texture: Pigment doesn’t dissolve smoothly, creating uneven washes.
Slow drying: Complicates wet-on-wet techniques.
Blending difficulty: Colors muddy easily rather than transitioning cleanly.
Paper dependency: Requires heavy, pre-stretched paper to handle water.

Who Should Buy These Blocks?

Abstract artists and illustrators embracing loose styles will benefit most. The spray technique’s unpredictable blooms suit expressive work. However, realists or detail-oriented artists may find them frustrating. Compared to Inktense pencils, the blocks offer bolder coverage but less control. For beginners, watercolor pans or pencils provide a smoother learning curve.

Actionable Takeaways for Artists

Pre-stretch paper: Prevent buckling by taping 300gsm+ paper to a board before wet applications.
Embrace the spray bottle: Use misting to create organic backgrounds quickly.
Layer strategically: Apply light washes first, building intensity gradually once dry.
Skip fine details: Use ink or pencils for linework instead of the blocks.
Mix in a palette: Crumble blocks and mix with water for better consistency control.

Final verdict: Derwent Inktense Blocks deliver intense color and permanence but demand adaptation to their quirks. They shine in abstract applications where control matters less than vibrancy, but aren’t a watercolor replacement. For artists seeking bold, experimental media, they’re worth trying—but temper expectations for precision work. When you try them, which technique intrigues you most? Share your approach in the comments!