Are you interested in learning to draw with watercolour pencils? Bring colours to life and unleash your creativity. In this blog, we delve deeper into the use of these unique pencils and share valuable tips and insights to enrich your creative journey. Discover the right paper, explore handy techniques, and get inspired to create stunning artwork that will captivate many hearts.

Why drawing with watercolour pencils?

Drawing with watercolour pencils opens up a world of possibilities where colours seamlessly blend and intricate details come to life. With watercolour pencils, you can combine sketching, drawing, and painting, allowing you to develop a unique and expressive artistic style. Experiment with various techniques such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and layering to create beautiful effects. Let your creativity flow as you explore the boundaries of this versatile medium.

What paper for drawing with watercolour pencils?

Choosing the right paper is essential for drawing with watercolour pencils. Watercolour paper is specially designed to absorb and support the water-soluble pigments of watercolour pencils. Choose paper with a weight of at least 200 gsm to ensure sufficient strength and absorbency. The texture is also essential; rougher paper provides more grip and texture in your work, while smoother paper creates a softer effect. Experiment with different types of watercolour paper to discover what best suits your style and preferences.

Drawing techniques with watercolour pencils

Here we have listed some drawing techniques that you can apply when working with watercolour pencils:

1. Wet-on-wet technique: Apply water to the watercolour paper, then apply the watercolour pencils to the wet surface to create soft, flowing transitions and blends.
2. Wet-on-dry technique: Apply dry watercolour pencils to dry paper,  then use a damp brush to activate and blend the lines and colours.
3. Layering: Build your drawing by applying multiple layers of colour, each time using water to activate and blend the pigments. This creates depth and dimension in your work.
4. Dry technique: Apply the watercolour pencils directly and dry to the paper without adding water. Then, use a dry brush to soften and blend the lines and colours.
5. Washing: Apply water to the paper and use a brush to activate and spread the pigments from the watercolour pencils. This creates a soft, transparent layer of colour.
6. Blending and mixing: Experiment with blending different colours by overlapping them on the paper and then activating them with water. Use a brush to blend and mix the colours for interesting colour transitions.
7. Dry brushing: Use a dry brush to soften and blend the applied watercolour pencils without adding water, allowing you to create subtle textures and details.
8. Scratching and scraping: Use a sharp object, such as a pencil point or a knife, to scratch lines or details into the paper before applying the watercolour pencils. This creates interesting textures and effects.

Tips for drawing with watercolour pencils

• Use high-quality watercolour pencils: Invest in quality pencils with rich pigmentation for vibrant colours and smooth application.
• Work in layers: Build up your drawing in layers, using water each time to activate and blend the pigments. This adds depth and dimension to your work.
• Experiment with different techniques: Try various techniques such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and layering to achieve different effects and develop your unique style.
• Use water brushes: Water brushes are convenient for adding water directly to your drawing and mixing with the pencil pigments, giving you more control over the colour intensity and shade transitions.

Creative ideas to draw with watercolour pencils 

You can create a wide range of stunning creations with watercolour pencils, from delicate landscapes to vibrant portraits. The possibilities are endless. Discover some inspiring subjects to draw with watercolour pencils:

• Natural landscapes: Let yourself be inspired by the beauty of nature and create breathtaking landscapes with soft colour transitions and detailed textures. 
• Flowers and plants: Bring the beautiful details of flowers and plants to life with vivid colours and subtle shadows. 
• Animals and wildlife: Capture the splendour of animals in their natural habitat, from colourful birds to majestic predators. 
• Portraits and figures: Create expressive portraits and figures with subtle colour transitions and refined details, bringing the subject's personality and emotions to life. 
• Abstract compositions: Let your creativity run wild and experiment with abstract shapes and colours, playing with light, shadow, and texture to create engaging and dynamic compositions.