How Do I Use Watercolor Pencils?

Watercolor pencils can be used in a variety of ways to create beautiful watercolor effects. Here's a breakdown of the basic techniques:

Applying Watercolor Pencils

There are two main approaches to using watercolor pencils: dry and wet application.

Drawing: Use the pencils like regular colored pencils on dry paper. You can layer colors, blend, and create details just as you would with colored pencils.

Directly to Dry Paper: Draw or color on dry paper with the watercolor pencils. Then, use a wet brush to activate the pigment. The water dissolves the pencil marks, creating a watercolor effect. You control the intensity of the color by how much water you use and how much pencil you applied.
Applying Water to Paper First: Lightly wet the paper first and then apply the watercolor pencil. This creates a more intense color payoff because the pigment is immediately activated.

Paper Choice: Use watercolor paper, as it is designed to handle water without buckling or warping. Heavier paper weights are generally better.
Blending: Use a wet brush to blend colors together seamlessly.
Lifting Color: You can lift color from the paper by gently dabbing with a clean, damp brush or a paper towel. This allows for corrections or highlights.
Layering: Watercolor pencils lend themselves well to layering. Let each layer dry slightly before adding the next to prevent muddiness.
Sharpening: Keep your pencils sharp for detailed work.
Experimentation: Don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. Try different papers, brushes, and amounts of water.
Intense Color: To achieve more intense color, apply the pencil more heavily or use less water.

Watercolor pencils provide a versatile medium for artists of all levels, combining the control of pencils with the beauty of watercolors.