The Albrecht Dürer water-soluble pencils are a collection of art media manufactured by a German brand, Faber-Castell. The line was named after a famous German artist and theorist of the Renaissance, who used a mixture of both watercolor strokes and pencils in his artworks.
With more than 250 years of expertise, the company has become incredibly popular throughout the world thanks to its high-quality art products. This Albrecht Dürer watercolor pencils review portrays the best collections from this line. Buying this brand, you can be sure that you are holding a premium-class product.
Best Albrecht Durer Watercolor Pencils
Review | Name | Price |
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![]() | Albrecht Dürer Watercolour Pencil, Wooden Case of 120 | Check Here |
![]() | Albrecht Dürer Watercolour Pencil, Tin of 120 | Check Here |
![]() | Albrecht Dürer Watercolour Pencil, Wooden Case of 72 | Check Here |
![]() | Albrecht Dürer Watercolour Pencil, Tin of 60 | Check Here |
![]() | Albrecht Dürer Watercolour Pencil, Wooden Case of 48 | Check Here |
![]() | Albrecht Dürer Watercolour Pencil, Studio Box of 36 | Check Here |
![]() | Albrecht Dürer Watercolour Pencil, Tin of 36 | Check Here |
![]() | Albrecht Dürer Watercolour Pencil, Tin of 24 | Check Here |
![]() | Albrecht Dürer Watercolour Pencil, Tin of 12 | Check Here |
Follow these links if you want to learn more about each particular set of pencils. All collections on the list are so cute and beautiful that they are able to inspire even an experienced artist, not to mention the newbie.
Review | Name |
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![]() | Albrecht Dürer Watercolour Pencil, Cup of 68, Fan Edition |
![]() | Mixed Media Tin Albrecht Dürer + PITT Artist Pen |
Features of These Watercolor Pencils
These watercolor media are first-class pencils manufactured for professional artists, but they can also be used by hobbyists. The price for these coloring instruments is higher compared to an average watercolor set, and non-professionals may not need some of their characteristics that affect this price tag, for example, supreme lightfast abilities.
These pencils are made from quality materials. Their 3.8 mm oil-based core is highly pigmented and dissolves easily in water. The lead is break-resistant thanks to the unique Faber-Castell technology: it is glued to a wooden housing along the entire length. This makes them easy to sharpen.
The tools are good at both wet and dry coloring. Used in a dry format, the lead ensures a soft and smooth application. After water is added, the pigment reveals amazing watercolor effects. When the color dries, it becomes very lightfast.
The shape of pencils is very important for artists. These media have a hexagonal exterior made of wood. This form has multiple upsides: it is comfortable for drawing and prevents a medium from rolling off the desk.
The barrel of the Albrecht Dürer pencils is colorful to match the core shade. The name of the pigment and its numerical code run along the side of the barrel. There is also a lightfast index marked with a star, a paintbrush (meaning that they can be used with water), the brand name, and the logo of the company.
Color Chart
These water-soluble media come in various sets with 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, and even 120 pencils per each collection. The wide palette of assorted colors will not leave any artist indifferent. They come with ready-made color charts written on the backside of the box or as a separate paper insert. These swatches are very helpful if you want to identify colors quickly.
All colors are very intense and bright. When you mix several shades or add water to your drawing, the wet pigment reveals new awesome hues.
Design of Packaging
All pencil sets come nicely packaged. Smaller sets usually arrive in cardboard boxes or cups.
Larger kits are packaged in the branded dark-green metal tins. They are very convenient and protect pencils from damage. This is also a good way to keep your tools organized. Due to sturdy plastic trays, all items are arranged in individual slots and display all colors at a time.
Wood cases are one more way of packaging. They look luxurious and can be a good gift idea. The boxes that accommodate a lot of pencils may have several tiers.
Some pencil sets may include free of charge accessories, for example, a paintbrush, a sharpener, or a water cup. The company also releases art graphic gift collections that include various art supplies.
Quality of Performance and Durability
The application of these pencils is very soft and textured, but when activated with water, this texture dissolves and becomes buttery.
Since the lead contains oil, the media are long-lasting and good at sharpening. You can form the tip to your preference making it fine for intricate drawings or broad for larger strokes.
With these coloring tools, you can be sure that your artwork will never fade. Their excellent lightfast characteristic has been already mentioned. In a set of 120 items, 64 pencils come with the highest index (3 stars), 48 media have a 2-star rating, and 8 tools are rated with one star.
Their outstanding pigmentation allows artists to use them on black and colored paper as well. You can achieve multiple color variations by layering various shades, mixing pigments, and blending. Thousands of creative ideas can be brought to life due to these drawing instruments.
Pros and Cons
The pencils have become world-famous due to their supreme quality. They have gained popularity due to the following characteristics.
- Highly-pigmented
- Ensure fatigue-free writing
- Available in open stock
- A range of bright colors
- A break-resistant formula
- High lightfast ratings
- Nicely packaged
- The bonus accessories may be of poor quality
- Rather expensive
- Not all items in the set have the highest lightfast index
As you see, the downsides are minor and don’t seem deal-breakers.
Best Place to Buy Albrecht Durer Watercolor Pencils
The best place to buy these pencils is the manufacturer’s official website since it offers multiple options first-hand. Other online art stores have these drawing tools in stock as well. The most famous retailers are Michaels, Dick Blick, and Hobby Lobby. Naturally, Amazon does have these collections for sale, too. Customers are free to compare the prices and opt for a cheaper purchase variant.
Sum Up
These coloring instruments are beautiful in everything: appearance, performance, construction, and packaging. Every point is made up to the premium standard. Expect to pay more if you want to enjoy this quality.
With a higher price, you will not be frustrated with any possible malfunction typically caused by cheap watercolor tools. The Faber-Castell media will help you create an ideal artwork able to stand the test of time.
References
- Albrecht Dürer Artists‘ Watercolour Pencils – https://www.faber-castell.com/
- Faber-Castell Albrecht Dürer Watercolour Pencil Review and Demo – https://www.youtube.com/
- My First Piece Using Albrecht Durer Watercolor Pencils – https://www.youtube.com/