How to Use Watercolor Pencils - Paint In Watercolor

Watercolor pencils are adaptable and engaging instruments that combine the accuracy of colored pencils with the fluid beauty of watercolors. Watercolor pencils offer a distinctive and pleasurable approach to expressing your artistic vision, regardless of your level of experience or where you are in your creative path.

This guide will explain what watercolor pencils are and show you how to use them skillfully to produce gorgeous watercolor-like effects.

What are Watercolor Pencils?

A specific kind of colored pencil called a watercolor pencil turns into watercolor-like washes when coupled with water. They are made by enclosing water-soluble pigments in a hardwood barrel, much like standard colored pencils. These pigments dissolve when water is applied, allowing you to create a wide range of effects, from delicate washes to bold, vibrant colors.

Compared to conventional watercolors, watercolor pencils provide more control and accuracy, making them a perfect option for artists who wish to create precise details while still utilizing the expressive properties of water-based media.

Watercolor Pencils vs. Traditional Watercolors

Many artists wonder how watercolor pencils compare to traditional watercolor paints. While both media use water-soluble pigments, the way they are applied and controlled can be quite different.

Watercolor pencils allow you to draw first and activate the pigment with water later. This gives artists more control over details and makes it easier to plan a composition before introducing water.

Traditional watercolors, whether in pans or tubes, are applied directly with a brush and water. They are ideal for large washes and loose painting styles.

Many artists combine both tools in the same artwork. For example, a painting may begin with loose watercolor washes, followed by watercolor pencil details for textures such as hair, leaves, or architectural lines.

What are some techniques for using watercolor pencils?

Here are some techniques for using watercolor pencils:

Dry Use: Watercolor pencils can be used dry, like regular colored pencils, to create detailed drawings.
Wet Use: They can be activated with water to create a watercolor effect. This can be done by making marks with the pencil and then applying water with a soft brush. Once the material has been “activated”, it behaves like watercolor.
Wet on Wet: This technique involves wetting the paper with water before applying the watercolor pencil. The pencil marks will spread and blend with the water on the paper, creating a soft, blended effect.
Wet on Dry: This technique involves applying the watercolor pencil to dry paper and then adding water with a brush. This creates a more defined, detailed effect.
Layering: Watercolor pencils can be layered to create depth and texture. This involves applying multiple layers of color, either dry or wet, to build up the intensity of the color.

Overall, watercolor pencils are fantastically versatile and can be used in a number of different ways[1]. They can be used alone or with other media, and are clean and easy to use. It is always worth experimenting with different techniques to see what works best for you.

Additional Watercolor Pencil Techniques to Try

In addition to the basic techniques above, watercolor pencils can be used in several unique ways that expand their creative possibilities.

Pencil-to-Palette Technique

Instead of applying pigment directly to paper, scribble the watercolor pencil onto a palette, ceramic plate, or scrap plastic surface. Then pick up the pigment with a wet brush and apply it like traditional watercolor paint.

This technique produces smoother washes and eliminates visible pencil strokes.

Lifting Color with a Damp Brush

Once watercolor pencil pigment has been activated, you can remove or lighten areas using a clean, slightly damp brush.

This technique is useful for creating:

highlights
soft cloud edges
reflections on water
subtle light effects

Adding Dry Texture Over Washes

After a watercolor wash has dried completely, watercolor pencils can be used dry to add detailed textures such as:

tree bark
grass and foliage
animal fur
fabric folds

This method combines the strengths of both drawing and painting in one medium.

Choosing the Best Paper for Watercolor Pencils

The type of paper you use plays an important role in how watercolor pencils behave.

Hot press watercolor paper has a smooth surface, which makes it ideal for detailed pencil work and botanical illustration.

Cold press watercolor paper has a slight texture and is the most versatile option for watercolor pencils. It allows pigment to settle naturally while still supporting fine detail.

Rough watercolor paper has a pronounced texture that creates broken, expressive color effects.

Using paper designed for watercolor ensures the surface can handle water without warping or breaking down.

What are some tips for layering watercolor pencils?

Start Light: Begin with a light layer of color and gradually build up the intensity of the color with additional layers. This will help you avoid applying too much pigment too quickly and creating a muddy appearance.
Use Different Colors: Layering different colors on top of each other can create depth and texture in your artwork. Experiment with different color combinations to see what works best for your piece.
Use Different Pressure: Varying the pressure you apply to the pencil can create different effects. Applying more pressure will release more pigment and create a darker color while applying less pressure will create a lighter color.
Allow Layers to Dry: Let each layer dry completely before adding another layer. This will prevent the colors from blending together and creating a muddy appearance.
Use Water Sparingly: When layering watercolor pencils, use water sparingly to avoid diluting the colors too much. You can always add more water later if needed.
Test Colors: Before applying a layer of color, test the color on a scrap piece of paper to see how it will look when layered with other colors.
Use Different Techniques: Experiment with different layering techniques, such as wet-on-wet or wet-on-dry, to create different effects.

By following these tips, you can create beautiful and vibrant artwork with watercolor pencils. Remember to be patient and take your time, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and color combinations.

How to Create Smooth Washes with Watercolor Pencils

One challenge artists sometimes encounter with watercolor pencils is visible pencil strokes after water is applied. A few simple techniques can help create smoother washes.

Apply light, even layers of pencil rather than pressing heavily.
Use small circular strokes instead of straight lines to distribute pigment evenly.
Activate the pigment with a soft round brush.
Blend gradually using small amounts of water instead of flooding the area.

With practice, watercolor pencils can produce washes that look very similar to traditional watercolor paint.

Using Watercolor Pencils for Underpainting

Watercolor pencils can also be used to create an underpainting before applying traditional watercolor.

In this approach, the artist lightly sketches the value structure of the painting with watercolor pencils. After activating the pigment with water, the resulting wash becomes the base layer for the painting.

This method helps artists:

establish light and shadow early in the process
maintain better control of composition
avoid overworking later washes

Many illustrators and botanical artists use watercolor pencils in this way.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using watercolor pencils?

Using the Wrong Paper: Watercolor pencils work best on watercolor paper or heavy-weight paper that can handle water and pigment. Using regular sketch paper or thin paper may cause the paper to warp or not hold the pigment properly.
Not Testing Colors: Before applying water to your watercolor pencil marks, it’s important to test the colors on a scrap piece of paper. This will help you see how the colors will look when activated and prevent any unwanted surprises.
Using Too Much Water: Adding too much water to your watercolor pencil marks can cause the colors to become diluted and lose their vibrancy. Start with a small amount of water and gradually add more as needed.
Not Cleaning the Brush: If you’re using a brush to activate the watercolor pencil marks, make sure to clean the brush between colors to avoid muddying the colors. Use a separate container of water for rinsing the brush.
Overworking the Paper: Overworking the paper by repeatedly layering and blending the colors can lead to a muddy and dull appearance. It’s important to know when to stop and let the layers dry before adding more.
Not Using a Light Touch: Watercolor pencils are versatile and can produce both light and dark shades. Start with a light touch and gradually build up the intensity of the color. Pressing too hard can make it difficult to blend and activate the pigment with water.
Not Using a Sharp Pencil: Keeping your watercolor pencils sharp allows for more precise and detailed work. A sharp point can create crisp lines and fine details that may be harder to achieve with a dull pencil.
Not Sealing the Artwork: Once your watercolor pencil artwork is complete and dry, it’s important to seal it with a watercolor fixative or a spray varnish to protect it from smudging or fading over time.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can enhance your experience with watercolor pencils and create beautiful and vibrant artwork.

Best Watercolor Pencil Brands for Artists

If you plan to work regularly with watercolor pencils, choosing artist-grade materials can make a noticeable difference.

Well-known professional options include:

Artist-grade pencils typically contain stronger pigment and dissolve more smoothly when water is applied, resulting in richer color and easier blending.

Materials You’ll Need

Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather the necessary materials:

Watercolor pencils
Watercolor paper or heavy-weight mixed media paper
Paintbrushes (various sizes)
Water container
Paper towel or sponge
Optional: masking tape, eraser, and pencil for sketching

Step-by-Step Guide

Sketch Your Design: To begin, use a standard pencil or watercolor pencil to softly sketch your design onto the watercolor paper. Making a light drawing will guarantee that the pencil lines blend in with the water.
Color Application: Start adding color to your design with watercolor pencils. For deeper hues, apply more layers. The magic happens when water is applied, so don’t worry about blending at this time.
Adding Water: Begin blending the colored pencil strokes using a paintbrush dipped in water. The pigments will become activated by the water and transform into washes that resemble watercolors. Try varying your water usage for various results; use more water for subtle washes and less water for vivid hues.
Layering and Blending: Add further layers of watercolor pencil and, as necessary, mix with water. Different hues can be blended together for smooth transitions and layered to create depth.
Detail Work: Watercolor pencils can be used without water for finer details. This enables your artwork to have fine lines and rich details.
Dry or Wet-on-Dry: You can either put watercolor pencils to dry paper and then blend with water (wet-on-dry) to achieve the impression you’re going for, or you can do the opposite (wet-on-wet) for a more fluid appearance.
Drying and Final Touches: Before adding any finishing touches, let your artwork completely dry. If further details are required after drying, use dry watercolor pencils.
Sealing the Artwork: To prevent smudging, you can, if you’d like, seal your finished artwork with a watercolor fixative spray.

Simple Practice Exercises for Watercolor Pencils

If you are new to watercolor pencils, a few short exercises can help you become comfortable with the medium.

Gradient Practice

Apply heavy color at one end of a small rectangle and lighter color at the other end. Activate with water to create a smooth gradient.

Color Blending Exercise

Apply two different colors side by side and blend them together with a damp brush to create a smooth transition.

Texture Practice

Use dry watercolor pencils over a dried wash to experiment with textures like grass, leaves, or wood grain.

These exercises help build confidence and improve control of the medium.

FAQs

Can you use regular colored pencils with water? Since regular colored pencils are not water-soluble, applying water won’t cause them to act similarly to watercolor pencils. Specific pigments made for dissolving in water are used in watercolor pencils.
Do I need to be an experienced artist to use watercolor pencils? No, watercolor pencils are appropriate for painters of all levels of experience. They are a fantastic option for beginning and advanced painters alike since they provide both control and spontaneity.
Can I use any type of paper with watercolor pencils? While standard drawing paper can be used, it is advised to utilize watercolor paper or heavy-weight mixed media paper instead. These papers are made to withstand water while avoiding warping.
What’s the difference between watercolor pencils and watercolors? Comparatively speaking, watercolor pencils provide more control and accuracy than conventional watercolors. While watercolors are renowned for their more flowing and loose looks, watercolor pencils are ideal for intricate work.
Can I erase watercolor pencil marks? Yes, you can partially erase watercolor pencil traces, however, it’s best to erase gently to prevent tearing the paper’s surface.

Final Thoughts

You are now prepared to use watercolor pencils to explore your creativity after reading these instructions and advice. Always remember that experimentation is the key, therefore don’t be afraid to give new methods a shot and see what interesting results you may get.