Derwent Blog – Blogs from the world of Derwent Pencils
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Derwent pencils are made in the UK by The Cumberland Pencil Company. We have been making pencils in Cumbria since 1832 and are proud of our heritage. We combine traditional pencil making skills with state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques. You’ll find some of your favourite blogs over the years from the world of Derwent, packed full of tips, artists’ interview and news.
Derwent Blog – Blogs from the world of Derwent Pencils
1y ago
Studying within the artistic field of study at a higher education level can be very intimidating. It appears different from the “traditional” studies that have been advertised to you since childhood; which can cause you to feel apprehensive, especially when you’re just starting out. In secondary school, I focused my studies on the sciences, and then went on to study product and industrial design with no previous experience. With this in mind, here are some morsels of advice I wish I knew before enrolling in art school.
Your peers are sources of inspiration
Art and design schools can feel com ..read more
Derwent Blog – Blogs from the world of Derwent Pencils
2y ago
I love making my illustrations into products, I’m particularly drawn to themes of romanticism in my work, so Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to make some fun pieces. I’ll be taking you on a tutorial of how I made my recent Valentine’s Day cards using a range of Derwent products.
I’ve designed four cards this year which are sold in my online store and to my wholesale customers. I wanted to do two cupid themed cards and two cards that can be used all year round, but feature heart imagery.
I edit all of my cards digitally, but I always start every project using my art materials. I’m dr ..read more
Derwent Blog – Blogs from the world of Derwent Pencils
2y ago
What you will need:
Derwent Tinted Charcoal Paint Pan Set
Derwent Watercolour Paper
Derwent Inktense Paper
Eraser
Using Tinted Charcoal Paint
I decided to do another painting inspired by my residency in China in 2019. After one attempt on some Derwent Watercolour Paper, I did another version on Derwent Inktense Paper; which I preferred as it was much easier for me to get the effects and atmosphere I wanted. I could also make areas lighter with an eraser. If I wanted to make a specific shape lighter, I would make a stencil by cutting the shape on a thin piece of card and then using an eraser ..read more
Derwent Blog – Blogs from the world of Derwent Pencils
2y ago
I was incredibly excited to receive the new Shade and Tone Mixed Media Set including a mix of natural and monochrome pan watercolours and pencils from Derwent collections. I was particularly taken with the different shades of greys and blacks complimenting the warmer colours and was immediately taken back into the shadows of wings of the theatre which inspired me to paint this scene from The Dying Swan. This is a prima ballerina dancing a solo as I saw her from the wings. I thought her white feathered costume against the night sky would be perfect for this palette.
Ma ..read more
Derwent Blog – Blogs from the world of Derwent Pencils
2y ago
Iona Rowland is a multi-disciplinary artist creating pop-art-inspired works for both public commissions and private collectors. She was shortlisted for the Derwent Art Prize 2018 for her portrait of Solange Knowles.
Credit: Iona Rowland
In a recent Live Talk on the Derwent Art Prize Instagram, Iona shared her advice for anyone looking to start their career in the arts or to grow their audience as an artist on social media. Here’s our recap of the top five tips!
Starting out in your journey
Experiment with your art practice.
“When I first started my journey in art-school, I was making very la ..read more
Derwent Blog – Blogs from the world of Derwent Pencils
2y ago
The deadline to enter the Derwent Art Prize 2020 is fast approaching. Artists worldwide are invited to submit their work until Tuesday, 4th January 2022, 5pm GMT.
In the meantime, let’s take a look back at the 2020 edition of the Derwent Art Prize… In today’s blog, our 2020 prize-winners share their experience taking part in the exhibition. We hope their insights will encourage and help you with your 2022 submissions!
Image: (above) Katie Sollohub drawing ‘Blue Bedchamber’ photographed by Sarah KetelaarsImage: Blue Bedchamber by Katie Sollohub
First Prize winner Katie Sollohub entered the Priz ..read more
Derwent Blog – Blogs from the world of Derwent Pencils
2y ago
What you will need:
Derwent Tinted Charcoal Paint Pan Set
Inktense Paper
Waterbrushes or brushes
White Gesso
Water Pot
Kitchen Paper
There is nothing better for the soul than “messing about with paint”. Just listen to some soothing music and relax, no rush…no pressure. Not that easy sometimes with family needing something or other or just feeding. But there is a way of getting there and finding your own time. Most of us have a guilt complex about giving ourselves some time to ponder. So, the answer is to target an hour just for you, when everyone else is out doing their o ..read more
Derwent Blog – Blogs from the world of Derwent Pencils
2y ago
Drawing exhibited as part of the Derwent Art Prize exhibition, 2018
To enter the Derwent Art Prize, there are only 3 easy steps to follow:
Visit www.derwent-artprize.com
Fill in the online form with all the right information
Upload images of your work
In today’s blog, we’re giving you a ‘how to’ tutorial, designed to help you photograph your work, without any fancy equipment required.
There are a few common mistakes to avoid when taking pictures of your artwork. You do not want your piece to look distorted or for the colours to come across differently in photo than they do in real life, or t ..read more
Derwent Blog – Blogs from the world of Derwent Pencils
2y ago
Only in the last few years has art and creativity been at the forefront of my life. I suppose I must still be a bit of a newcomer because I still get a real buzz out of trying new things, which was exactly the case with Derwent’s new Shade and Tone Mixed Media Set. I had seen it advertised and, to be honest, didn’t give it much notice since I wasn’t in the market for paints suitable for portraits and skin-tones. How wrong could I be!
Firstly, yes they’re lovely for portraiture, but put that aside and think instead of faded oriental originals, subtle fantasy florals, and dark toned botanicals f ..read more
Derwent Blog – Blogs from the world of Derwent Pencils
2y ago
Introducing Gallery @OXO, London
Derwent is delighted to bring the sixth instalment of the Derwent Art Prize in a prestigious venue in central London, in February – March 2022.
Gallery@OXO, courtesy of Oxo Tower Wharf
The shortlisted artists have the unique opportunity to exhibit their work at Gallery @OXO and be part of London’s prime cultural trail between the Southbank Centre, Hayward Gallery, and Tate Modern.
Gallery @OXO is a vibrant exhibition space located at the heart of London’s South Bank, a dynamic area celebrated for its cultural impact and rich history. The gallery can be found i ..read more