Introduction to Derwent Chromaflow

Derwent has long been a trusted name in the world of art supplies, and their Chromaflow line is one of the most vibrant and accessible ranges they’ve ever created. The Chromaflow pencils are designed to offer rich pigmentation, buttery-smooth application, and high performance — without the high-end price tag of their Lightfast range. But make no mistake: Chromaflow delivers professional-quality results.

These wax-based pencils are especially beloved by artists looking for tools that support seamless layering, excellent color saturation, and vivid results across a variety of paper types. Whether you’re creating intricate mandalas, vivid portraits, or experimenting with mixed media, Chromaflow is up for the challenge.

Full Chromaflow Pencil Range

The Derwent Chromaflow range has expanded quickly, thanks to its popularity. You can now choose from multiple sets depending on your needs and budget:

• Set of 12 – perfect for beginners or minimalist sketchers
• Set of 24 – a versatile kit with warm and cool tone balance
• Set of 36 – the sweet spot for intermediate artists
• Set of 72 – for those who love full color control
• Set of 150 – the ultimate collection, featuring 150 carefully selected shades

Each set comes in a durable tin or box packaging, with clear labeling and protective inserts. Whether you’re travelling with your kit or working from a home studio, the portability and presentation are both top notch.

Colour Performance and Laydown

Chromaflow pencils are defined by their bold, vibrant laydown. The soft core glides across textured or smooth surfaces, creating consistent colour with very little pressure. This reduces hand fatigue and makes the pencils suitable for extended use — something seasoned illustrators and daily sketchers will appreciate.

The pigments are highly saturated, allowing you to create dramatic contrast or build up gentle, subtle tones depending on your technique. You can go from a soft blush to intense saturation simply by adjusting your pressure or layering with other tones. Thanks to their wax formulation, Chromaflow pencils also blend beautifully without becoming muddy.

Layering, Blending, and Burnishing

One of the most talked-about features of the Chromaflow line is their performance in layering and blending. Artists who enjoy building up colours slowly will find Chromaflow’s ability to seamlessly layer incredibly rewarding.

Use blender pens or a burnisher pencil to enhance the smoothness and integration of layers. Chromaflow colours maintain their intensity even when multiple layers are applied, giving artists full control over contrast and texture. For those working on portraiture, this ability is especially crucial for rendering skin tones and depth.

New Releases and Limited Editions

Derwent frequently releases themed collections and promotional bundles. Recent additions include:

• Gift Tins with curated palettes and accessories
• A5 and A4 sketchpads paired with pencil sets for ready-to-go artistry
• Mindfulness colouring bundles designed for therapeutic drawing experiences
• Carry-all Bags featuring pencil holders, sharpeners, and pads in a convenient travel case

These releases are great gift options and often come with exclusive designs or accessories, so they’re worth watching for during holiday or back-to-school seasons.

Essential Accessories

To get the most from your Chromaflow pencils, consider pairing them with Derwent accessories. The following tools will enhance your workflow:

• Derwent Blender and Burnisher Pencils – blend and polish layers with precision
• Battery Operated Eraser – perfect for lightening highlights or cleaning up details
• Twin Hole Sharpener – keeps your pencils razor-sharp without breaking the core
• Derwent Sketch Pads – high tooth, acid-free papers optimized for colour pencil work

Drawing Techniques and Artist Tips

Chromaflow pencils support a wide variety of colour pencil techniques, including:

• Burnishing – apply heavy pressure for a polished, glossy look
• Scumbling – build soft textures with small, circular motions
• Layering – build up depth slowly for richer colour and dimension
• Blending – use other colours or blender tools to smooth transitions
• Underpainting – create tonal groundwork in greys or complementary colours

For best results, work on hot press watercolour paper or dedicated mixed media pads. And don’t forget to swatch — knowing your colours in advance makes blending and transitioning far easier during your workflow.

Where to Buy Derwent Chromaflow

Chromaflow pencils are widely available both online and in retail stores. Look for them at:

• Amazon – great for multi-set bundles and fast delivery
• Blick Art Materials – trusted U.S. art supply store
• Cass Art (UK) – for customers in Europe
• Derwent’s Official Store – for full product availability and limited editions

Always make sure to buy from reputable retailers to avoid counterfeit products, especially when purchasing high-count sets like the 72 or 150. Sign up for newsletters or deal alerts to catch sales on bundles and seasonal releases.

Frequently Asked Questions