In
finally got my hands on some Inktense. I’ve heard nothing but great
things about them. Maybe because all I’d heard was great, I was left a
little underwhelmed.

First
the colors are not named after typical artist colors, so we’ve got
grass green and apple red instead of sap green or  alizarin crimson.
This causes me to look around more than I want to for a color I want. It
can also lead to some unfortunate color ,mixes. If I were to buy a tin
of these I’d have to do a test to see how each of the colors would mix
with one another, just so I would know what would make mud and what
would not. The colors are also very bright, jewel toned in hue.

The
good thing about these is that once you wet them, the color is set in
place. No matter of water or scrubbing will move them or blend them.
They layer really really well. I found it took way more effort to wet
the dry marks and move the wet color around than with other watercolor
pencils. In the end I tried a nylon bristled brush and was more vigorous
in my effort. Even with that effort I found the marks made as I drew
with the pencils stayed. if I were to use Inktense on a regular basis
I’d make sure to create a texture or pattern.

I
probably won’t buy a tin of these pencils, maybe a few singles  of
specific colors. I can't think of a time when I’d use  them on a regular
basis where regular watercolors won’t do the trick. The price point on these is about $1.75 per pencil. They are also available in blocks form. Which I might like more than the pencils.

Just
as an aside I’ve read on multiple forums and blogs that the inktense
are not lightfast, so something to consider if you are creating art for
the wall.