Lyra Rembrandt Aquarelle Watercolour Pencil, Tin 36 Assorted

This tin holds thirty-six assorted Rembrandt watercolour pencils, a broad spread running from the strongest tones to the subtlest nuances. With so many ready shades you reach for the colour you want rather than mixing it, while still being able to blend further with water. The metal tin keeps the full set sorted.

Draw or shade with them dry and they act like high pigment coloured pencils. Brush clean water over the marks and the lines dissolve, flowing and blending into a watercolour wash. You can sketch detail first, then soften chosen areas, all on one sheet, moving between drawing and painting as you go.

The wide thirty-six colour range suits keen and older artists who want ready nuance and less time mixing, but the pencils are simple enough for any age to enjoy dry or wet. Beginners can grow into the larger palette, while experienced hands appreciate the subtle tonal steps between similar shades.

The full thirty-six colour tin presents well and gives a generous, ready to use palette, which makes it a thoughtful present for someone who likes to draw or paint. The metal tin keeps the pencils tidy and protected, and the two in one dry and wet use means the recipient can try several techniques straight away.

With thirty-six colours you can place related tones next to each other and wash them together for gentle gradients. Work from lighter to darker shades, use clean water and rinse the brush between colours. Because the pigment is strong, build depth gradually so washes stay clear rather than turning heavy or muddy.

The 12 colour tin is a compact starter or travel palette that leans on mixing, while this thirty-six set gives far more ready shades and finer tonal steps. Both share the same water soluble leads and technique, so skills carry straight across between the two.

Watercolour or mixed media paper takes the water without buckling as much as thin drawing paper. You need only a soft brush and clean water alongside the pencils. Keep an ordinary sharpener for the round barrels, and let each wash dry before drawing back over it for crisp detail.