Derek Jones explores portraiture with Derwent Inktense

Derwent Inktense’s versatility has always appealed to me being both watersoluble and bold. It’s rare to see a water-soluble medium that can be used for different types of art and create a different effect time and time again.

Unlike typical artists who work with a watercolour for landscapes, I paint female faces and figures, specifically with Inktense blocks. During my time as an artist, I have always been disappointed with traditional watercolours when they have not easily dissolved into washes. But I was delighted to find Derwent Inktense Blocks which easily dissolve in water, are versatile and can be used for detail or broader areas, whilst still creating really strong vibrant colours.

My way of working is very simple: I enjoy accurate drawing but must have an element of chaos in my work which allows the drawing to develop. I allow the medium to control my flow of working, making Derwent Inktense Pencils and Blocks perfect for me.

I begin with a careful drawing and then brush ample amounts of water into selected area and just enjoy seeing the drawing dissolve into rich washes. Then I  work into the “lost” drawing bringing back detail into areas, like the eye and nose shape, while at the same time using broad strokes with the Blocks to give dramatic areas of dark rich colours. I can then vary my work, by drawing either wet or dry, depending on what effects are needed or whether I want more subtle lines or pronounced areas of the face.

Find out more about Derek Jones on Facebook to see his latest work and projects.

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