How to Use Watercolor Pencils for Beginners

Watercolor pencils are a versatile and convenient medium for artists of all skill levels. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your art supplies, this tutorial will show you how to use watercolor pencils effectively.

In this article, we’ll cover:

1. What are watercolor pencils?
2. Why use watercolor pencils?
3. Basic techniques for using watercolor pencils
4. How to use watercolor pencils on paper
5. How to use watercolor pencils on canvas
6. How to use watercolor pencils in coloring books
7. How to use Faber Castell watercolor pencils
8. Things to draw with watercolor pencils
9. Advantages and disadvantages

So let’s get started!

What are watercolor pencils?

Watercolor pencils are a type of colored pencil that can be used to create watercolor effects. They consist of a water-soluble pigment encased in a wooden or plastic casing. Unlike traditional colored pencils, which are used dry, watercolor pencils can be used wet or dry, depending on the desired effect.

When used dry, watercolor pencils function like traditional colored pencils, allowing the artist to create precise lines and color blends. When used wet, the water-soluble pigment dissolves and spreads, creating a translucent and fluid effect that is characteristic of traditional watercolor paints.

Watercolor pencils are a great option for artists who like to experiment and try new techniques. They offer the convenience and control of traditional colored pencils, combined with the flexibility and versatility of traditional watercolor paints.

Why use watercolor pencils?

There are several reasons why artists choose to use watercolor pencils:

1. Versatility: Watercolor pencils are versatile in that they can be used to create both dry and wet effects, making them ideal for a wide range of projects. This versatility allows artists to switch between traditional colored pencil techniques and watercolor techniques with ease.
2. Convenience: Watercolor pencils are small and portable, making them a great option for artists who like to work on-the-go. They don’t require a palette or water container, so you can use them just about anywhere.
3. Control: Watercolor pencils allow artists to have more control over the amount of color and water that they apply, making it easier to create precise lines and details. This is particularly useful for artists who are working on detailed drawings or paintings.
4. Cost-effectiveness: Compared to other art materials, watercolor pencils are relatively inexpensive, making them a great option for artists who are just starting out or who are on a budget.
5. Flexibility: Watercolor pencils can be used in a variety of ways, including dry, wet, blended, layered, and more. This flexibility makes them a great option for artists who like to experiment and try new techniques.

Step-by-step guide on how to use watercolor pencils

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use watercolor pencils:

1. Choose your paper: Watercolor paper is the best option for using watercolor pencils, as it can absorb the water and prevent the paper from warping. However, you can also use watercolor pencils on other types of paper, such as drawing paper or bristol board.
2. Select your pencils: Decide which watercolor pencils you want to use, and sharpen them as needed. You can use one pencil or a combination of different colors to create a variety of effects.
3. Draw your design: Start by drawing your design using the watercolor pencils in their dry form. You can create precise lines, blend colors, and add shading.
4. Wet your brush: Wet your brush with water and use it to activate the water-soluble pigments in the watercolor pencils. Be careful not to use too much water, as this can cause the color to spread too much.
5. Paint your design: Start painting your design by brushing the water onto the areas that you want to color. The water will dissolve the pigments in the watercolor pencils and spread the color. You can use different brushes to create a variety of effects, such as blending colors or creating washes.
6. Dry your painting: Allow your painting to dry completely before adding any more color or details. If you’re using watercolor paper, you can use a hairdryer to speed up the drying process.
7. Add details: Once your painting is dry, you can use the watercolor pencils in their dry form to add details and highlights.

Look at this guide for beginners on how to use watercolor pencils:

How to use watercolor pencils on paper

Paper is a popular surface for watercolor pencils because it’s absorbent and allows the colors to blend and spread easily. Here are some tips for using watercolor pencils on paper:

1. Choose the right paper: Look for watercolor paper with a cold-pressed texture, as this will give you a good balance between absorbency and texture.
2. Select your colors: Watercolor pencils come in a wide range of colors, so choose the ones that you need for your project. You can also mix colors to create new hues.
3. Start with light colors: It’s easier to add more color than it is to remove it, so begin with light colors and gradually add darker shades.
4. Sketch your design: You can either draw directly onto the paper with the watercolor pencils, or you can sketch your design first in pencil and then go over it with the watercolor pencils.
5. Apply water: Once you have your design in place, you can use a brush or sponge to add water to the paper. The water will activate the pigment in the pencils, causing the color to spread and blend.
6. Blend and layer: You can keep adding water and color to achieve the desired effect. Keep in mind that the more water you add, the lighter and more translucent the color will become.

How to use Watercolor pencils on canvas

Canvas is a popular surface for watercolor pencils because it provides a more stable surface to work on, which is especially helpful if you’re creating a large piece. Here are some tips for using watercolor pencils on canvas:

1. Choose the right canvas: Look for a canvas with a medium texture, such as a fine-weave cotton canvas.
2. Prime the canvas: Before you begin, prime the canvas with gesso to create a smoother surface for your watercolor pencils.
3. Select your colors: Watercolor pencils come in a wide range of colors, so choose the ones that you need for your project.
4. Start with light colors: It’s easier to add more color than it is to remove it, so begin with light colors and gradually add darker shades.
5. Sketch your design: You can either draw directly onto the canvas with the watercolor pencils, or you can sketch your design first in pencil and then go over it with the watercolor pencils.
6. Apply water: Once you have your design in place, you can use a brush or sponge to add water to the canvas. The water will activate the pigment in the pencils, causing the color to spread and blend.
7. Blend and layer: You can keep adding water and color to achieve the desired effect. Keep in mind that the more water you add, the lighter and more translucent the color will become.

How to use watercolor pencils in coloring books

Coloring books are a fun way to explore your creativity and unwind, and watercolor pencils can add a new dimension to your coloring experience. Here are some tips for using watercolor pencils in coloring books:

1. Choose the right coloring book: Look for a coloring book with thick, acid-free paper that can withstand the moisture from the watercolor pencils.
2. Select your colors: Watercolor pencils come in a wide range of colors, so choose the ones that you need for your project.
3. Start with light colors: It’s easier to add more color than it is to remove it, so begin with light colors and gradually add darker shades.
4. Apply water: Once you have your design in place, you can use a brush or sponge to add water to the coloring book page. The water will activate the pigment in the pencils, causing the color to spread and blend.
5. Blend and layer: You can keep adding water and color to achieve the desired effect. Keep in mind that the more water you add, the lighter and more translucent the color will become.
6. Protect your work: After you’ve finished coloring, make sure to let the page dry completely and then place a piece of wax paper or plastic sheet over the top to protect it.

How to use Faber Castell watercolor pencils

Faber Castell is a well-known brand of watercolor pencils that is highly valued by artists for their quality and versatility. Here are some tips for using Faber Castell watercolor pencils:

1. Choose the right set: Faber Castell offers a variety of watercolor pencil sets to choose from, so select the one that best suits your needs.
2. Select your colors: Faber Castell watercolor pencils come in a wide range of colors, so choose the ones that you need for your project.
3. Start with light colors: It’s easier to add more color than it is to remove it, so begin with light colors and gradually add darker shades.
4. Apply water: Once you have your design in place, you can use a brush or sponge to add water to the paper or canvas. The water will activate the pigment in the pencils, causing the color to spread and blend.
5. Blend and layer: You can keep adding water and color to achieve the desired effect. Keep in mind that the more water you add, the lighter and more translucent the color will become.
6. Experiment with techniques: Faber Castell watercolor pencils are versatile, and you can experiment with different techniques, such as dry-brushing, to achieve different effects.

With a little practice, you’ll soon be able to create a variety of watercolor effects using watercolor pencils. Whether you’re working on a detailed painting or a simple sketch, watercolor pencils are a fun and accessible medium that can help you bring your creativity to life.

Basic techniques for using watercolor pencils

Here are some basic techniques that you can use to get started:

1. Dry coloring: This is the simplest technique, where you simply color with the pencils dry on the paper or canvas. This creates a more solid and opaque effect.
2. Wet coloring: To create a more fluid and translucent effect, you can wet the paper or canvas before coloring. The water will cause the pigments in the pencils to spread and blend.
3. Layering: By layering different colors on top of each other, you can create a more complex and nuanced effect. Start with light colors and gradually add darker shades.
4. Blending: You can use a brush, sponge, or your finger to blend the colors together, creating a smooth and seamless effect.
5. Dry-brushing: To achieve a more textured and broken-color effect, you can use a dry brush to drag the color across the paper or canvas.
6. Gradation: By blending different colors together, you can create a smooth gradation from light to dark.
7. Resistance: To create a resist effect, you can use a waterproof barrier, such as masking fluid or wax, to protect certain areas of the paper or canvas. When you add water to the coloring, the pigments will only spread in the unprotected areas, creating a resist effect.
8. Cross-hatching: This technique involves drawing parallel lines in different directions to create a cross-hatching pattern. When water is added, the pigments will spread, creating a more fluid and blended effect.

Try experimenting with these techniques to find the ones that work best for you and your project.

Things to draw with watercolor pencils

There are countless things you can draw with watercolor pencils! Here are some popular subjects that you might consider:

1. Landscapes: You can use watercolor pencils to capture the beauty of nature, including trees, mountains, rivers, and skies.
2. Floral arrangements: Flowers are a popular subject for watercolor pencils, as they offer a wide range of colors and textures.
3. Animals: Whether you’re drawing wild animals or pets, watercolor pencils can help you create lifelike and vibrant illustrations.
4. Portraits: You can use watercolor pencils to create portraits of people, animals, or even fictional characters.
5. Still lifes: Still life arrangements, such as fruits, vases, and bowls, can be a great subject for watercolor pencils, as they offer an opportunity to practice capturing textures and details.
6. Architecture: You can use watercolor pencils to capture the beauty of buildings and structures, including houses, bridges, and monuments.
7. Fantasy creatures: For those who enjoy imaginative and fantastical subjects, watercolor pencils are a great tool for creating dragons, unicorns, and other mythical creatures.
8. Abstract designs: You can use watercolor pencils to create abstract designs, such as patterns, shapes, and textures.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment and create whatever you like!

The best watercolor pencils

There are many different brands and types of watercolor pencils available on the market, each with its own unique set of characteristics and properties. Here are some of the best watercolor pencils that are popular among artists:

1. Faber-Castell Albrecht Dürer Watercolor Pencils: These high-quality watercolor pencils are made with high-pigment, light-fast lead, and have a strong and vibrant color. They are ideal for artists who want to create detailed drawings and paintings with a watercolor effect.
2. Prismacolor Premier Watercolor Pencils: These watercolor pencils are known for their creamy texture and smooth color laydown. They are great for blending and layering, and offer a wide range of color options.
3. Staedtler Watercolor Pencils: These watercolor pencils are made with a high-quality, water-soluble lead that dissolves easily in water. They are ideal for artists who are looking for a range of color options and who want to create a range of watercolor effects.
4. Winsor & Newton Watercolor Pencils: These watercolor pencils are known for their high-quality pigments and vibrant colors. They are ideal for artists who are looking for a range of color options and who want to create a range of watercolor effects.
5. Derwent Watercolor Pencils: These watercolor pencils are known for their smooth color laydown and blendability. They are ideal for artists who are looking for a range of color options and who want to create a range of watercolor effects.

Ultimately, the best watercolor pencils for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors such as color range, texture, quality of the lead, and cost when choosing the watercolor pencils that are right for you.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of Using Watercolor Pencils:

1. Versatility: One of the biggest advantages of watercolor pencils is their versatility. They can be used to create both dry and wet effects, which makes them ideal for a wide range of projects.
2. Convenience: Watercolor pencils are easy to carry and store, making them a great option for artists who like to work on-the-go. They don’t require a palette or water container, so you can use them just about anywhere.
3. Control: Unlike traditional watercolor paints, watercolor pencils allow you to have more control over the amount of color and water that you apply. This makes it easier to create precise lines and details.
4. Cost-effective: Compared to other art materials, watercolor pencils are relatively inexpensive, making them a great option for artists who are just starting out or who are on a budget.
5. Flexibility: Watercolor pencils can be used in a variety of ways, including dry, wet, blended, layered, and more. This flexibility makes them a great option for artists who like to experiment and try new techniques.

Disadvantages of Using Watercolor Pencils:

1. Limited color range: Compared to traditional watercolor paints, watercolor pencils have a more limited color range. Some artists might find that they need to mix or layer colors to get the desired effect.
2. Time-consuming: Depending on the technique you use, working with watercolor pencils can be time-consuming. For example, layering and blending multiple colors can take longer than working with traditional watercolor paints.
3. Harder to work with on some surfaces: Watercolor pencils can be more challenging to work with on certain surfaces, such as canvas or heavily textured paper. They work best on smooth, absorbent surfaces.
4. Limited transparency: Depending on the brand and quality of the watercolor pencils, the pigments might not be as transparent as traditional watercolor paints. This can make it harder to achieve the desired level of translucency and vibrancy.
5. Not waterproof: Unlike traditional watercolor paints, watercolor pencils are not waterproof. This means that they can smudge or fade if they get wet or if you add too much water.

Despite these disadvantages, watercolor pencils are still a great option for artists who want to experiment with this versatile medium. Just be sure to consider your project and your preferences when deciding whether watercolor pencils are the right choice for you.

Watercolor pencils FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about watercolor pencils:

Conclusion

Watercolor pencils are a fun and accessible medium that can be used on a variety of surfaces. Whether you’re using them on paper, canvas or in coloring books, the key to success is to start with light colors and gradually add darker shades, and to experiment with different techniques to achieve the desired effect. Happy coloring!