Derwent Lightfast Paper
Derwent Lightfast Peper
This will be one of my few shorter reviews, however, I feel it is an important product to talk about. Not that long back I completed a review of the Marco Tribute Master Collection Colored Pencils, the pencils were amazing and I loved them, however, they are not what I would consider Artist Quality pencils. the artwork that I completed to help demonstrate the pencils was completed on Derwent Lightfast Paper.
This was the first time that I had completed a full art piece on the Derwent Lightfast Paper and I was incredibly impressed with the over all results of the artwork and the properties of the paper. About two years ago, I was asked by Derwent to take part in one of their focus groups, I was over the moon to have been asked in the first place, but the entire process was eye opening in so much as the level of work that goes on in the back ground to deliver these products to us.
I, along with a few other people, was sent a pack filled with paper of all different grades, sizes and colors, on each sheet of paper we were asked to perform certain tests, using certain Derwent pencils and then to write notes and make observations. At the time I can remember clearly the paper that is now called Lightfast and remember loving it at the time. Now that the paper is on the market, I have decided to make a review as I haven’t seen that many reviews online of the paper.
Derwent Lightfast Paper Sizes
The Derwent Lightfast Paper comes in three sizes, the smallest is 7 inches by 10 inches, the next size up is 9 inches by 12 inches and the largest pad is 12 inches by 16 inches. The sizes over all are a bit odd, the smallest pad is slightly bigger than the UK A5 grad and just a tad smaller than the A4, the next size 9 inches by 12 inches, is just a tad larger than A4 and the largest pad is just slightly smaller than A3, so hopefully this will give you a perspective of the sizes.
Derwent Lightfast Paper Properties
The Derwent Lightfast Paper is incredibly high quality artist grade paper, each pad you purchase comes with 20 sheets, all acid free. The paper is 300gsm / 140lbs, Hot Pressed and 100% Cotton, Hot Pressed in case you have forgotten is the smoother of the watercolor papers.
However, for me personally, it is the 100% Cotton content that gives the Derwent Lightfast Paper all the amazing qualities that it boasts. Because of the cotton content in any paper, there is instantly a toughness dedicated to the paper and this is needed for colored pencil artists given the many layers applied, the scraping of layers for highlights, the use of electric erasers and goodness knows what else to help us achieve our end goal.
The paper is classed as a Natural White, which it is, but if you check out my YouTube review of the Derwent Lightfast Paper, you will see the difference in tone when I compare it to some other sheets of white paper.
Derwent Lightfast Paper Experience
As I mentioned at the beginning, the first full piece of artwork that I completed on a sheet of Derwent Lightfast Paper was using the Marco Tribute Master Collection Colored Pencils. Although not artists quality pencils, the results I was able to get from the pencils, I believe had quite a bit to do with the quality of the Derwent Lightfast Paper.
Although the paper is Hot Pressed and therefor a pretty smooth surface, the texture within the paper is just perfect for colored pencils. The texture of the paper grips hold of the pigment and allows for multiple layers to be applied without resistance or residue.
I thought the best way of demonstrating this was to use a few pencils that a lot of you would be familiar with, I have added an image of the results but you can also see this simple test in real time on my YouTube video review of the paper.
I used the Caran d’Ache Luminance, Faber Castell Polychromos and of course the Derwent Lightfast Colored Pencil, the pencil that the paper was designed to work alongside. However, I also added into this mix the Derwent Artist Colored Pencil. Not a lot of artists like the Derwent Artist mainly due to the hard core and low level of pigment, yet it is one of my favourite pencils
With the Yellow Ochre Faber Castell Polychromos, I knew I wouldn’t experience any issues given how well pigmented this pencil is and on paper of this quality it was always going to be an easy test. The same has to be said for the Blue Caran d’Ache Luminance pencil that was tested. From the images provided, I hope you can see the texture of the paper under the light layers.
I was really taken back when I tested the Red Derwent Artist pencil, the Derwent Lightfast Paper completely transformed this pencil, it squeezed out every ounce of pigment from the hard core and the texture of the paper made light work of the hard core. Ordinarily it is difficult to get past five layers on any paper with the Derwent Artist, but in this test I was able to get at least 7 or 8 and continue.
Finally I tested the Orange Derwent Lightfast Colored Pencil and you can tell that the paper and pencil are a marriage made in heaven. Of course, it is important to note that whilst the Derwent Lightfast Colored Pencil works like a dream with the Derwent Lightfast Paper, any pencil can be used on this paper and fantastic results will be garnered.
Derwent Lightfast Paper Prices
This is the part of the review where most will take a sharp intake of breath, there is no doubt about it, the Derwent Lightfast Paper is expensive, and to be honest, I actually think that Derwent have recently lowered the prices. Before I cause any fear towards your bank accounts, understand that paper such as the Derwent Lightfast with its exception quality and high Cotton content, is really only for those of you doing commissions or selling original work.
If artists who sell their original work or are completing commissions use such expensive paper, you will of course get your money back many times over. This is of course not to suggest that only such artists can buy and use the Derwent Lightfast Paper, simply bear it in mind when viewing the prices.
For the Largest Derwent Lightfast Pad, 12 inches by 16 inches, in the UK you will pay £50.54. For the 9 inches by 12 inches pad you will pay £34.74 and for the smallest pad, 7 inches by 10 inches you will pay £28.40.
For the Largest Derwent Lightfast Pad, 12 inches by 16 inches, in the UK you will pay $59.99. For the 9 inches by 12 inches pad you will pay $35.99 and for the smallest pad, 7 inches by 10 inches you will pay $29.99.
At the time of writing this review the Derwent Lightfast Paper was either out of stock or unavailable in the EU Amazon. I will of course continue to check for links and prices as I do every Sunday and will amend this post as soon as possible.
Derwent Lightfast Paper Conclusion
It is so crucial to state the importance paper can make to your art, when I first got started in colored pencil art, I used to hear artists say this all the time and never really understood it until I started reviews. As I demonstrate in this review, the Derwent Artist Colored Pencil was completely transformed once used on the Derwent Lightfast Paper.
There is no doubt about it that the Lightfast Paper is expensive, however, as I mentioned in the YouTube Video of this review, before rushing out and purchasing a full pad of any paper, try contacting the company and ask them to send you out a sample pack. This way you can test the paper without all the expense and decide whether or not the paper is for you and the way in which you complete your colored pencil art.
