How to Use Watercolor Pencils: A Complete Guide

Watercolor pencils offer artists an exciting way to explore the vibrant world of watercolor painting, allowing for both precision and creativity in every stroke. Unlike traditional colored pencils, these versatile tools transform when activated with water, producing rich washes and painterly effects. They’re an excellent choice for beginners exploring watercolor for the first time and for seasoned artists who want the flexibility of both drawing and painting.

What Are Watercolor Pencils?

At first glance, watercolor painting pencils look like traditional colored pencils. The key difference lies in the binder. Instead of wax or oil, the pigment is held together with a water-soluble binder. This means that when you apply water with a brush, the color dissolves into a rich, translucent wash, just like traditional watercolors.

This dual function makes them incredibly flexible. You can draw detailed lines, layer colors dry, or blend them with water for soft transitions and painterly textures.

Why Choose Watercolor Painting Pencils?

There are plenty of reasons why artists love watercolor painting pencils:

1. Control and precision: Great for detailed work where a traditional brush might feel too loose.
2. Portability: Unlike tubes of paint and palettes, pencils are compact and easy to carry.
3. Versatility: Can be used dry like colored pencils, wet for watercolor effects, or combined with both approaches.
4. Less mess: No need to squeeze out paint or clean multiple brushes.

How to Use Watercolor Pencils: Basic Techniques?

If you’re new to this medium, here are some essential methods to try.

1. Dry on Dry (Colored Pencil Style)

Use the pencils as you would ordinary colored pencils. Apply color to paper without water. This produces sharp, precise lines, making it easy to add fine details.

2. Dry on Wet (Drawing on Wet Paper)

Gently dampen the paper with a brush, then draw with your pencil. The lines will immediately soften and spread, creating a fluid, painterly effect.

3. Wet on Dry (Adding Water After Drawing)

Draw with the pencil on dry paper, then use a wet brush to activate the pigment. This is the most common way artists use watercolor pencils, as it allows you to sketch first and then turn your lines into washes.

4. Wet on Wet (Brush First, Then Pencil)

Dip the pencil tip in water or apply color with a wet brush directly to the pencil. This creates bold, intense strokes that glide across the paper.

5. Layering and Blending

Just like traditional watercolors, you can build up transparent layers. Start with a light layer, let it dry, and then add deeper tones on top. Blending different colors while wet creates beautiful gradients.

Tips for Success with Watercolor Painting Pencils

• Use the right paper: Watercolor paper is best, as it can handle water without buckling.
• Experiment with pressure: Pressing harder gives a denser layer of pigment, while lighter strokes produce softer washes when water is applied.
• Keep a brush handy: A small round brush works well for most blending, while a flat brush is excellent for washes.
• Work in layers: Allow each layer to dry before adding the next for clean, controlled effects.
• Try lifting color: A damp brush or paper towel can lift pigment, helpful for highlights or corrections.

Creative Uses for Watercolor Painting Pencils

Beyond basic techniques, the pencils can be used in inventive ways:

• Sketching outdoors: Their portability makes them perfect for plein air sketching.
• Mixed media projects: Combine them with ink, graphite, or traditional watercolors.
• Detailing: Add fine lines or textures on top of a watercolor wash.
• Lettering and journaling: Create vibrant, flowing effects in sketchbooks or art journals.
• Layered illustrations: Outline with pencil, paint with water, then return to refine details once dry.

Top Watercolor Pencils to Try

Not all watercolor pencils are created equal. At Blick Art Materials, you’ll find reliable sets from trusted brands that cater to beginners and professionals alike.

Faber-Castell Albrecht Dürer: Known for rich pigment and smooth blending.

Derwent Inktense Pencils: Versatile and intense, these become permanent when dry, allowing for layering.

Prismacolor Watercolor Pencils: Great for beginners, offering vibrant colors at an affordable price.

Caran d’Ache Museum Aquarelle: A professional-grade option with unmatched color depth and solubility.

Where to Buy Watercolor Pencils?

When it comes to art supplies, buying from trusted retailers ensures quality and authenticity. You can find these Pencils at leading art supply retailers or online at Blick Art Materials. Always ensure you’re purchasing from reputable sellers to guarantee authenticity.

You can also visit Amazon and choose from the wide variety of products.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to use watercolor pencils opens the door to a medium that’s flexible, portable, and endlessly creative. They’re perfect for artists who want the precision of drawing and the expressive quality of watercolor painting in one tool.

If you’re experimenting for the first time or refining your technique, these pencils allow you to explore textures, colors, and effects with ease. With practice, you’ll find that watercolor painting pencils can transform even simple sketches into dynamic, painterly works of art.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Watercolor Pencils Work Like Regular Colored Pencils?

Yes, they can be used dry, but adding water transforms them into watercolor paint.

Can the Pencils Be Blended Without Water?

Absolutely. You can blend them dry, then choose to activate the colors with water afterward.

Do I Need Special Brushes?

A simple round watercolor brush is enough to start. As you experiment, consider adding flats or water brushes for added convenience.

Are the Pencils Suitable for Beginners?

Yes. They’re easy to control, less messy than traditional watercolors, and affordable.

Do Watercolor Pencils Fade Over Time?

Quality brands use lightfast pigments that resist fading, primarily when used on archival watercolor paper.