Watercolour pencils, a medium that sparks creativity and offers a sense of artistic freedom, are fascinating tools for artists of all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just embarking on your artistic journey, watercolour pencils provide a unique avenue to infuse your creations with vibrant hues. In this blog, we will delve deeper into the world of watercolour pencils, exploring their unique properties, versatile applications, and why they can be a valuable addition to your artistic toolbox.

What are watercolour pencils?

Watercolour pencils, with their water-soluble pigment core, are not your average artistic pencils. Like regular coloured pencils, they come in a vast array of colours and grades. But what truly sets them apart is their remarkable versatility. When activated and blended with water, they transform into a watercolour-like medium, opening up a world of possibilities for various techniques and styles.

Benefits of using watercolour pencils

Watercolour pencils are not just versatile in terms of their artistic applications, but also in their practicality. They can be used for both sketching and detailed work, and their blendability and layering capabilities allow for a wide range of colours and tones. This versatility extends to their portability and ease of use, making them a perfect companion for artists who like to work both indoors and outdoors.

Different brands of watercolour pencils

There are many brands of watercolour pencils available, each with its own unique features and characteristics. Here, we’ve listed some popular brands:

• Bruynzeel: Known for their consistency and vibrant colours, Bruynzeel offers watercolour pencils suitable for beginners and experienced artists alike. Their pencils are made with high-quality pigments that blend easily and provide rich, vibrant colours.
• Winsor & Newton: Winsor & Newton is renowned for its high-quality artistic materials, including watercolour pencils with excellent colour delivery and bendability.
• Tombow: Tombow is known for its innovative designs and offers watercolour pencils in a wide range of colours with a smooth application.
• Nuvo: Nuvo focuses on creativity and provides watercolour pencils with rich pigmentation and excellent water solubility.
• Ranger Ink: Ranger Ink offers high-quality watercolour pencils suitable for both beginners and advanced artists, focusing on durability and versatility.

How to use watercolour pencils

Using watercolour pencils is a journey of exploration and discovery. It requires some technique and practice, but the results can be stunning. Start by selecting your colours and lightly sketch your composition on the paper. Then, let your creativity flow as you build up the colours layer by layer, using water to activate and blend the pigments. Don't be afraid to venture into different techniques, such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and layering. Each technique offers a unique effect – waiting to be discovered by you.

Tip! For more information, you can read this blog about colouring with watercolour pencils!

Tips for colouring with watercolour pencils

• Use high-quality watercolour paper for the best results.
• Work from light to dark colours to prevent colours from becoming muddy.
• Experiment with different brushes and techniques to create different textures and effects.
• Allow each layer to dry completely before applying a new layer to prevent colours from blending.
• Don't be afraid to experiment and develop your own unique style.

Creative effects with watercolour pencils

Watercolour pencils offer a wide range of possibilities for creative effects. Here are some of the most popular effects you can create with watercolour pencils:

• Soft transitions: By using water to activate the pigments inside of the watercolour pencils, you can create soft and smooth transitions between colours. This is especially effective for creating soft clouds, delicate backgrounds, and subtle colour transitions.
• Texture and detail: Watercolour pencils can also be used to add texture and detail to your artwork. For example, you can create lines and patterns by using the pencils dry on the paper and then adding water to soften and blend the pigments.
• Layering: One of the significant advantages of watercolour pencils is their ability to work in layers. By applying multiple layers of colour and activating them with water each time, you can add depth and dimension to your work. This allows you to create realistic textures and details.
• Blending and mixing: Watercolour pencils can be easily blended and mixed on paper, allowing you to create an almost infinite number of colour transitions. By blending different colours, you can create new colours and shades, resulting in more expressive and dynamic works of art.
• Special effects: In addition to traditional watercolour effects, you can also achieve special effects with watercolour pencils, such as splattering and adding white highlights with a white watercolour pencil. These techniques add an interesting and visual impact to your artwork.

Maintenance and storage of watercolour pencils

Proper maintenance and storage of watercolour pencils are essential to ensure they remain in optimal condition. Store them in a cool, dry place and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Regularly sharpen your pencils to maintain a sharp point and remove any excess wood and pigment dust. If you use water brushes to add water to your drawings, make sure you clean your brushes thoroughly after each use to prevent pigments from remaining and mixing.

Frequently asked questions about watercolour pencils

1. Can watercolour pencils be used on paper other than watercolour paper? ⁠Yes, watercolour pencils can be used on various types of paper, but watercolour paper provides the best results due to its texture and absorption properties.
2. Are watercolour pencils suitable for beginners? ⁠Yes, watercolour pencils are suitable for artists of all levels, including beginners. They are easy to use and offer plenty of creative possibilities.
3. How do I remove mistakes made with watercolour pencils? ⁠Mistakes can be removed by gently dabbing with a damp brush or using a special watercolour paint eraser.

In short, watercolour pencils are a fantastic medium for artists seeking a versatile and expressive way to add colour to their work. With their water-soluble pigments and diverse application possibilities, they offer endless creative opportunities. Whether you're a beginner just starting to explore or an experienced artist looking for new techniques, watercolour pencils are a valuable addition to any artistic toolkit. So grab your pencils and get started - the only limit is your imagination!