I was so glad to see this video. I recently purchased the whole set but I haven't yet taken them for a good test drive. Good to know that I didn't waste my money.
Thanks for the great review. I haven’t tried watercolor yet because I don’t love the paper buckling, but using a blender is intriguing. I love everything Faber Castell, so it might be time to get the 12 set and give them a try. Going to watch your video on that.
Great video. Wonderful testing methods. I bought my 120 set of Albrecht Durer at the same time as my Polychromous but have not used them very much. You have inspired me to use them more. Thanks.
Hi lovely! I finally got a set of 60 in the Prime Day sale and I'm so excited! I watched this video a while ago and it really helped confirm that these were the right pencils for me, so thank you for such a thorough video! You clearly put a lot of work, thought, and care into your videos ❤ I have been trying to find the right surface to use as a palette for these pencils. I don't want to just use paper to scribble on, but I'm struggling to find something that is waterproof, and the right amount of grain to it. I'd love to know your recommendations! I've been going through my recycling bin trying to find something 😂
I mean watercolor paper would be best for these, but if you are talking adult coloring, that would be different. If you can get an Etchr sketchbook, the paper in there works lovely with these.
I do have both Goldfaber Aqua and Albrecht Durer Pencil and both are also 24. Albrecht Durer is indeed a lot better and it works well for Fabriano Watercolor Paper while the Goldfaber Aqua is good for Fabriano Mixed Media.
A great review, Kori! The fairy page is beautiful! (Almost tempts me to try adult colouring, but I think it's like jigsaw puzzles - once started on one, it is very hard to stop....) Just one point to make: To date, Caran D'Ache has only released 72 Museum Aquarelle which are all three star rated. I suspect that if the two sets were considered side by side, the missing colours will be those with less than a three star rating in the F/C set. Also, it will be interesting to see how many Magnus F/C give us if they build up the range. Will it be the full 120? I think it's a bit difficult if we especially love some of those less lightfast colours, and can't get them (I'm talking paint as well as pencils now) in our favourite sets. Another point to bear in mind: What isn't clear is how the lightfast ratings on watercolour pencils are measured. None of the brands tell us if they relate to the pigment, and whether it is when dry, or after activating with water. The only way to find out, if it's for commissioned work or gifts, is to do our own testing, until the various brands decide to tell us. I think that probably most of us think that with our watercolours, and with w/c pencils, it's done after the colour is activated, it's done with a painted piece, but it may still only relate to the actual pigment used, in its dry state. 😄
Yes, I did mention Museums were the highest rated :). Also, Claire is correct that the dry pigment is what they are, but I have never put in much stock into "lightfastness" with watercolor, because the more you water them down, even Museums, the less lightfast they are going to be regardless.
@@ColorfullyOptimistic (I've only just found this reply!) Yes, that's my own thinking, too. I appreciate Miranda Watson's testing, as she does a gradient on her watercolour lightfast testing, and it really does show up the difference! She's beginning to do them on other water-soluble media, eg Neocolor2.The results of her 12 set of these were a shocker - I'm now glad I've resisted buying them (the results are in her 2nd-newest video, "Which watercolors are lightfast? Which water-based products are lightfast?"). 😊
I have 30 years old drawings and paintings, that still look the same. Paper quality and the way you store and protect your art,is FAR more important,than the medium itself. Talens van Gogh watercolors (for example) or Polychromos etc, will outlive you, if not your kids too,before starting to lose any vibrancy.
Well, yes, paper actually is very important. Lightfast does matter if you plan to hang or sell commissioned art from the medium. I'm reviewing these for a watercolor pencil battle, so I have to cover all of those details, but yes, the mediums will outlast me for sure. They are going to be my kids inheritence ha
I'm considering buying these pencils so this video was a great help! 🙏😊 One question; wouldn't "bendability" be blending colors together with one another? I mean, coloring the orange over half of the yellow, then coloring the red over half of the orange, and seeing how they blend together when activated?
My goodness! You are just amazing. This was such a fun video with so much valuable info, and I love your energy and personality. Look forward to following up with the videos you mentioned - especially about mixing (my nemesis, but I love the idea that one day I will break down my inner barriers! lol). I subscribed a few years ago, I think, when I was getting into colored pencils, but abandoned them--not enough patience--and am now beginning a watercolor journey. Having all of the colored pencils to use in these explorations is such a treat. Thank you so much for your inspiration. 🙏
Coincido contigo en recomendar estos lápices, son una maravilla. Yo los utilizo también en combinación con los Polychromos: sobre una base de lápiz acuarelable ya seca aplico los lápices de color y el resultado es espectacular, especialmente en dibujo botánico.
Wow! Seeing is believing. This is a great review! Thank you - I love the Polychromous pencils, so I’m to take your advice and try these in a 12 colour set. 👌
Btw, both PC and AD have 3 discontinued color (099- soft black, 139- light violet, 147- light blue). 099 & 139 are lightfast, 147 however is not and the color still available in Goldfaber line.
Hi Kori, I appreciate knowing the name change, but not the number as I wasn’t aware of that. I have been watching someone who uses these pencils dry too, so I have decided to use mine dry because I will use them more than I do now as a watercolor pencil, plus, I have the Museum’s that I can use for watercolor. I enjoyed this video so much but I always enjoy your videos, your content is always excellent! Thank you so much for sharing! (sorry for rambling)🥰
I’ve just ordered these I was using arteza watercolour pencils on background but wasn’t blending very well . These look like they just melt 😊 that’s me skint for the month lol
I have maybe 20 of these I’ve bought mostly open stock. I also have a few Caran D’Ache museum. Honestly, especially given the cost, I really like these. I admit though I haven’t quite mastered how to use them well.Thanks for your thoughts on them. (Your nails are so cute)
They are the most expensive watercolor pencils I think but it’s worth the price. I keep them for watercolor sketch book and my favorite coloring books (currently for Urban coloring by Urban Anna). Also I never use them directly on paper instead I use Caran d’Ache palette that has been especially conceived. This way, only a very small amount of paint is needed.
I love these and also have a small set of Magnus. I don't use them as much as I should, but when I do, I'm enthralled by them. The light fastness is a lie, though. You can Google people who've done lightfastness testing, and it's pretty pathetic. Still, love them. Thanks for the review.
I love mine!!! I started using mine dry and have started using them as watercolor. (I’m learning). They are great and I’ve used Polychromos for 3 years. I love this video! Thank you!
They rank number 1 overall by every artist I have seen. I'm curious why would you use a colorless blender when you can just use water? Is there a convenience to using a blender?
Hey Kori, I have the full set syndrome mostly. I have these and I also have the Albrecht Durer Magnus which are great for backgrounds. They are such a lovely supply to own. They simply ROCK 😍 !!! These pencils are as great as you say.🌹
Thank you💙 your reviews really are incredible and so thorough! I have several of these. Would love a whole set of these or the Caran d’ache museum aquarelle . Or both! 😂 I can dream. I’ve never tried har Caran d’ache museums but plan to! I don’t suppose you have decided your favourite yet!? 🙈 Thank you so incredibly much again Edit… would you recommend getting a trio or 4 colours of the museum aquarelle & inktense to make a BLEND & play with them to see if I enjoy them and want to invest in a whole set? Or would it be better not to necessarily get colours close together to see how they mix and just get a basic ‘feel’ for them? I hope that makes sense!
I do have a favorite, but I'm waiting until the battles are over lol. You are talking about mixing your museums with inktense, right? Because they are different types of pencils so they would not be fun to mix together.
@@ColorfullyOptimistic not mixing inktense with museums, just mixing museums with other museums to make a blend or different colour ( if that makes sense! ) . I definitely know they are 2 totally different watercolour mediums(?). Definitely would not mix an inktense with a museum! So sorry if my comment is a bit confusing! Like- get a few museums to see how they behave with each other and if I like it. And also do the same with inktense. Wasn’t sure if I should get the three colours near each other ( wish I could explain!). Probably I think so with museums and inktense
So Neocolor 2 and watercolor pencils are entirely different. Neocolor 2 are a watersoluble pastel crayon. They work best when activated. Albrecht Durer are a watercolor pencil and can be used wet/dry and don't have to be activated to see their full potential. I mean one is a crayon and one is a pencil, but you can't really just color with Neocolor 2. You can certainly paint with them, but you'd want something else for adding finer details.
Perfect timing. I have been eyeing them. I really am interested in using them dry. Have you pursued that yet ? Is there something I can put on them dry to keep them for ever activating ❓🩷🖍️
I have used them dry, but I typically activate them because they aren't my favorite dry. They are smoothish, but if I was going for a dry online, then I'd just use Polys. If you were going to activate things around them you'd want to set the color with a finishing spray, but the problem is if you get the other parts of the page it will be sealed. So, you'd want to do anything that is activated first and then do your dry work tbh
I have had my 36 set since I was 16 years old. I am 48 now. I love that I can replace the individual pencils when needed.
Oh yeah for sure.
Lol I still have my Berols from back then. Wouldn't take anything for them.
I was so glad to see this video. I recently purchased the whole set but I haven't yet taken them for a good test drive. Good to know that I didn't waste my money.
Oh break them out and try them!
These are the only watercolour pencils I use. They are as good as you say they are.
They are definitely one I reach for a lot!
They dissolve so well it's a dream. Great review!
It really is!
Yes I think them pencils are amazing my friend Shelly use them all the time and they are beautiful ❤
Yes, I watch Shelly! Love how she colors with them.
Yes, they are just lovely to use. I have others, but the Albrecht Dürer always get preferred.
Same
Thanks for the great review. I haven’t tried watercolor yet because I don’t love the paper buckling, but using a blender is intriguing. I love everything Faber Castell, so it might be time to get the 12 set and give them a try. Going to watch your video on that.
Yea def try the 12 count or get some open stock you enjoy 😉
Wow you've really covered every details. Thank you 💚💚💚💚
So nice of you -- thank you for watching!
Thanks Kori. I'm going over to watch your video on the 12 pencil set. 🙋👍
Oooh yes, definitely do
Albrecht Duhrer and Polychromos are my personal favorite sets.
They are quite nice together for sure.
Hello Kori, what pencil sharpener do you use for these pencils? The kum 4 in 1 fit but i would like a longer point. Thank you
I use the Afmat electric
Great video. Wonderful testing methods. I bought my 120 set of Albrecht Durer at the same time as my Polychromous but have not used them very much. You have inspired me to use them more. Thanks.
Hope it helped!
Hi lovely! I finally got a set of 60 in the Prime Day sale and I'm so excited! I watched this video a while ago and it really helped confirm that these were the right pencils for me, so thank you for such a thorough video! You clearly put a lot of work, thought, and care into your videos ❤
I have been trying to find the right surface to use as a palette for these pencils. I don't want to just use paper to scribble on, but I'm struggling to find something that is waterproof, and the right amount of grain to it. I'd love to know your recommendations! I've been going through my recycling bin trying to find something 😂
I mean watercolor paper would be best for these, but if you are talking adult coloring, that would be different. If you can get an Etchr sketchbook, the paper in there works lovely with these.
Love these pencils. One of my favorites
They are definitely one of my favorites too.
I do have both Goldfaber Aqua and Albrecht Durer Pencil and both are also 24. Albrecht Durer is indeed a lot better and it works well for Fabriano Watercolor Paper while the Goldfaber Aqua is good for Fabriano Mixed Media.
Yeah I do have some Goldfaber Aqua for the pencil battle, but haven't used them just yet.
A great review, Kori! The fairy page is beautiful! (Almost tempts me to try adult colouring, but I think it's like jigsaw puzzles - once started on one, it is very hard to stop....)
Just one point to make: To date, Caran D'Ache has only released 72 Museum Aquarelle which are all three star rated. I suspect that if the two sets were considered side by side, the missing colours will be those with less than a three star rating in the F/C set. Also, it will be interesting to see how many Magnus F/C give us if they build up the range. Will it be the full 120?
I think it's a bit difficult if we especially love some of those less lightfast colours, and can't get them (I'm talking paint as well as pencils now) in our favourite sets.
Another point to bear in mind: What isn't clear is how the lightfast ratings on watercolour pencils are measured. None of the brands tell us if they relate to the pigment, and whether it is when dry, or after activating with water. The only way to find out, if it's for commissioned work or gifts, is to do our own testing, until the various brands decide to tell us.
I think that probably most of us think that with our watercolours, and with w/c pencils, it's done after the colour is activated, it's done with a painted piece, but it may still only relate to the actual pigment used, in its dry state.
😄
I believe the Lightfast ratings pertain to dry pigment, and the more water you add the less Lightfast they become xx
@@ColourwithClaire That's my feeling, too, but I wish they'd make it clear! 😊
Yes, I did mention Museums were the highest rated :). Also, Claire is correct that the dry pigment is what they are, but I have never put in much stock into "lightfastness" with watercolor, because the more you water them down, even Museums, the less lightfast they are going to be regardless.
@@ColorfullyOptimistic (I've only just found this reply!) Yes, that's my own thinking, too. I appreciate Miranda Watson's testing, as she does a gradient on her watercolour lightfast testing, and it really does show up the difference! She's beginning to do them on other water-soluble media, eg Neocolor2.The results of her 12 set of these were a shocker - I'm now glad I've resisted buying them (the results are in her 2nd-newest video, "Which watercolors are lightfast? Which water-based products are lightfast?"). 😊
I have 30 years old drawings and paintings, that still look the same. Paper quality and the way you store and protect your art,is FAR more important,than the medium itself. Talens van Gogh watercolors (for example) or Polychromos etc, will outlive you, if not your kids too,before starting to lose any vibrancy.
Well, yes, paper actually is very important. Lightfast does matter if you plan to hang or sell commissioned art from the medium. I'm reviewing these for a watercolor pencil battle, so I have to cover all of those details, but yes, the mediums will outlast me for sure. They are going to be my kids inheritence ha
I'm considering buying these pencils so this video was a great help! 🙏😊 One question; wouldn't "bendability" be blending colors together with one another? I mean, coloring the orange over half of the yellow, then coloring the red over half of the orange, and seeing how they blend together when activated?
Yes and no. I'm pushing the colors into one another and seeing how they create a gradient. If I was testing them dry I would overlap them more.
My goodness! You are just amazing. This was such a fun video with so much valuable info, and I love your energy and personality. Look forward to following up with the videos you mentioned - especially about mixing (my nemesis, but I love the idea that one day I will break down my inner barriers! lol). I subscribed a few years ago, I think, when I was getting into colored pencils, but abandoned them--not enough patience--and am now beginning a watercolor journey. Having all of the colored pencils to use in these explorations is such a treat. Thank you so much for your inspiration. 🙏
Hope you're enjoying the watercolor journey! I love watercolors
@@ColorfullyOptimistic Sometimes life gets in the way, but I love every time I get to play. Thank you!
Coincido contigo en recomendar estos lápices, son una maravilla. Yo los utilizo también en combinación con los Polychromos: sobre una base de lápiz acuarelable ya seca aplico los lápices de color y el resultado es espectacular, especialmente en dibujo botánico.
Wow! Seeing is believing. This is a great review! Thank you - I love the Polychromous pencils, so I’m to take your advice and try these in a 12 colour set. 👌
Hope you enjoy!
I have the 60 set but haven’t been brave enough to use them yet, I will definitely be trying something soon, great video as always x
Awe have no fear. Break them out and just have some fun!
Btw, both PC and AD have 3 discontinued color (099- soft black, 139- light violet, 147- light blue). 099 & 139 are lightfast, 147 however is not and the color still available in Goldfaber line.
Looking forward to this battle. I have tried a few different brands and these are hands down my favourites. 👍
So far, these have always been mine!
Hi Kori, I appreciate knowing the name change, but not the number as I wasn’t aware of that. I have been watching someone who uses these pencils dry too, so I have decided to use mine dry because I will use them more than I do now as a watercolor pencil, plus, I have the Museum’s that I can use for watercolor. I enjoyed this video so much but I always enjoy your videos, your content is always excellent! Thank you so much for sharing! (sorry for rambling)🥰
Yea the number they never changed but they updated the names
I’ve just ordered these I was using arteza watercolour pencils on background but wasn’t blending very well . These look like they just melt 😊 that’s me skint for the month lol
Oh yeah compared to Arteza you will find these are amazing.
They are going to be my christmas. Great review.
I have maybe 20 of these I’ve bought mostly open stock. I also have a few Caran D’Ache museum. Honestly, especially given the cost, I really like these. I admit though I haven’t quite mastered how to use them well.Thanks for your thoughts on them. (Your nails are so cute)
Awe thank you. Just play with them and I think you'll love them
These are so popular, I keep getting tempted but I'm a lifelong Derwent fan so that's what I have.
The Derwent watercolor are good.
I have the full set and use them a lot. Dry and wet, great thing that the numbers match with polychromos. I even use them more then my prismacolors.
Yea it is nice they match up
I love my Albrecht Durer and I also use my polychromos together! Thanks for this review these are easy fun to use!
That sounds fun to use together
Love these pencils! I colored along with you on the fairy picture😀
Oh I'm so happy! It was one of my earlier color alongs.
May I know what sharpener you use for this pencils? I just bought the 120 set, now trying to find a suitable pencil sharpener.
I have two sharpeners I use regularly, the Afmat amzn.to/3zkRgil and the Dahle 133 amzn.to/462sCQ1
Inktense are my favorite.
Inktense are amazing pencils, but they are ink and permanent. They aren't actually watercolor pencils. That said, they are amazing and I love them :)
I love love inktense!
Very good watercolor pencils. I also have the 120 set but I prefer Caran d’ache Museum.
The Museums are great if you need lightfast, and they are heavily pigmented, but for adult coloring these are much more worth the price point IMO
They are the most expensive watercolor pencils I think but it’s worth the price. I keep them for watercolor sketch book and my favorite coloring books (currently for Urban coloring by Urban Anna). Also I never use them directly on paper instead I use Caran d’Ache palette that has been especially conceived. This way, only a very small amount of paint is needed.
Me too, with pulling out the Polychromos. That is why my second tin, all the pencils stayed in. LOL
Yeah they smelled soooooo good in that tin lol
I love these and also have a small set of Magnus. I don't use them as much as I should, but when I do, I'm enthralled by them. The light fastness is a lie, though. You can Google people who've done lightfastness testing, and it's pretty pathetic. Still, love them. Thanks for the review.
I haven't tried out the Magnus ones yet, but I keep meaning to
I love mine!!! I started using mine dry and have started using them as watercolor. (I’m learning). They are great and I’ve used Polychromos for 3 years. I love this video! Thank you!
Awe thank you. Yea they're not bad dry at all
They rank number 1 overall by every artist I have seen.
I'm curious why would you use a colorless blender when you can just use water? Is there a convenience to using a blender?
If you're using them in adult coloring books you get less buckling or pilling on the weaker paper
I really love my water color pencils. Thank you for sharing.
I love them too -- love the way they make pages look
Hey Kori, I have the full set syndrome mostly. I have these and I also have the Albrecht Durer Magnus which are great for backgrounds. They are such a lovely supply to own. They simply ROCK 😍 !!! These pencils are as great as you say.🌹
Good to know! I've wanted to try Magnus
Nice! I own the 24 set. My "war" would be between FC-A.D. and Van Gogh (the Talens set)
I haven't tried the VanGogh ones but they aren't easy to get out here
Hi kori these pencils look amazing 😻.. they are on my wish list for sure as well as the full set of polychromos.. tysmfs 🥰
Yea they're a great investment
I love these pencils but haven’t used them much, I should get them out, Thanks for the review! ❤️
Oh definitely break them out and give them some love.
Thank you💙 your reviews really are incredible and so thorough! I have several of these. Would love a whole set of these or the Caran d’ache museum aquarelle . Or both! 😂 I can dream. I’ve never tried har Caran d’ache museums but plan to! I don’t suppose you have decided your favourite yet!? 🙈
Thank you so incredibly much again
Edit… would you recommend getting a trio or 4 colours of the museum aquarelle & inktense to make a BLEND & play with them to see if I enjoy them and want to invest in a whole set? Or would it be better not to necessarily get colours close together to see how they mix and just get a basic ‘feel’ for them? I hope that makes sense!
I do have a favorite, but I'm waiting until the battles are over lol. You are talking about mixing your museums with inktense, right? Because they are different types of pencils so they would not be fun to mix together.
@@ColorfullyOptimistic not mixing inktense with museums, just mixing museums with other museums to make a blend or different colour ( if that makes sense! ) . I definitely know they are 2 totally different watercolour mediums(?). Definitely would not mix an inktense with a museum! So sorry if my comment is a bit confusing! Like- get a few museums to see how they behave with each other and if I like it. And also do the same with inktense. Wasn’t sure if I should get the three colours near each other ( wish I could explain!). Probably I think so with museums and inktense
Which would you recommend if compare with derwent?
The Derwent Watercolor pencils are actually not bad -- I like them. They aren't quite at the level of Albrecht, but still solid pencil.
They are the best of the best!!!! I love Faber Castell
They are definitely an awesome pencil.
What is the difference to the Neocolor II? Are they comparable? I have the full set of Albrecht Dürer. Do I need the NeoColors then?
So Neocolor 2 and watercolor pencils are entirely different. Neocolor 2 are a watersoluble pastel crayon. They work best when activated. Albrecht Durer are a watercolor pencil and can be used wet/dry and don't have to be activated to see their full potential. I mean one is a crayon and one is a pencil, but you can't really just color with Neocolor 2. You can certainly paint with them, but you'd want something else for adding finer details.
@@ColorfullyOptimistic Is there a waxy bloom left after activating the Neocolor II with water?
Thank you. I'll be ordering some SOON!
Hope you enjoy!
Great review Kori. xx💙💜
Thank you! 🤗.
Thanks 😊 love this
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You're welcome 😊.
Great Video
Thanks! I hope it was helpful
@@ColorfullyOptimistic Welcome
I wish I had the full set of these! Great review 👏
I thought for sure you did lol. Thank you for watching Claire!
Walmart online plus has free shipping and same prices as Blick
Please always look at the actual seller though. Often there are third parties selling via Walmart
Very valuable information!
Glad it was helpful!
Perfect timing. I have been eyeing them. I really am interested in using them dry. Have you pursued that yet ? Is there something I can put on them dry to keep them for ever activating ❓🩷🖍️
I have used them dry, but I typically activate them because they aren't my favorite dry. They are smoothish, but if I was going for a dry online, then I'd just use Polys. If you were going to activate things around them you'd want to set the color with a finishing spray, but the problem is if you get the other parts of the page it will be sealed. So, you'd want to do anything that is activated first and then do your dry work tbh