Menu

Bruynzeel pencils

Imagine having access to a treasure trove of colours at your fingertips.

For artists and creatives, Bruynzeel pencils have long been a coveted secret. But did you know that these art supplies have a fascinating backstory?

As part of the Japanese Sakura Group, Bruynzeel pencils have evolved from their Dutch roots to offer an impressive range of options.

In my experience with their wax-based coloured pencils, I've found them to be of good quality. However, sourcing them in the UK has proven challenging - I've even wondered if they'd been discontinued.

Interestingly, Parchment Craft enthusiasts have been particularly fond of these pencils, and some specialist suppliers used to carry them. Unfortunately, they've become increasingly hard to find.

my box of bruynzeel pencilsMy box of Bruynzeel pencils

Further investigation into the distribution channels of Bruynzeel Design pencils reveals a surprising breadth of accessibility that underscores their growing popularity among artists.

Since September 2017, Pencils4artists has been offering these pencils in sets and as singles across all three types, significantly expanding their market reach.

This strategic partnership not only makes Bruynzeel Design pencils more readily available but also speaks to their increasing demand within the art community.

The pencils' market presence took another leap forward in 2018 with The Coloured Pencil Shop in Ipswich adding them to their inventory, including the option to purchase single pencils.

This development is more than just an expansion of distribution channels; it shows the sustained interest and growing demand for Bruynzeel Design pencils among artists.

The fact that these pencils are now stocked by specialised art supply stores highlights their rising prominence in the art supply market, positioning them as a preferred choice for some artists.

While these pencils come at a premium price, their exceptional presentation in elegant drawer boxes, and their superior usability, make them a worthwhile investment for artists and coloring enthusiasts alike.

While I currently lack specific lightfast ratings for the Bruynzeel 'Design' range of pencils, my initial observations suggest that they may not perform as well as other brands in this regard.

I's essential to exercise caution when using pinks and purples, particularly in their paler shades, as these colours can be prone to fading in bright light environments.

I will continue to conduct further tests and update this page with my findings, providing a more comprehensive understanding of their lightfastness in due course.

My experience of these pencils

These slim pencils feel comfortable in my hand and sharpen to a fine point with minimal breakage. They have a smooth, slightly waxy laydown and layer well, although not as extensively as Polychromos from Faber Castell.

In the quick doodle below, the crisscross area shows a pale line where I erased multiple layers with my Mono Zero eraser, while the green rectangle demonstrates erasure with a putty eraser.

Blending is also possible, as shown in the photo using a felt blender along the bottom of the green rectangle.

Using bruynzeel pencils

Bruynzeel pencils colour chart

The colour range of these pencils is shown in our sample chart, carefully curated from the wax pencils within the range.

The table mentions 63 colours in total, but each set only has 48. That might seem strange, but it makes sense once you look closer.

The pastels set has 14 colours that the other two sets don't have. They're one-of-a-kind colours, marked with an asterisk and red text.

The wax and aquarelle sets are twins, with exactly the same 48 colours matching each other. But there's a twist! There are 14 colours that only these two sets have, shown in green text. Think of them as special colours that are exclusive to these sets.

There are 34 colours that belong to all three sets. These are the versatile colours that every artist needs, shown in straightforward black text.

So, that's the mystery solved: 14 unique colours for pastels, 14 shared by wax and aquarelle, and 34 colours in every set. That's how the numbers add up!

You might like these

 

Would you like our occasional newsletter?