Here at You Can Journal, we absolutely love watercolor pencils! Whether you’re art journaling or simply bringing more art into your bullet journal, the vivid colors and watercolor effects brought to us by the world of watercolor pencils cannot be overlooked.
But…what are the best watercolor pencils? Which offer the most vibrant colors? The widest range of different colors? The fine lines you need for more detailed drawings?
Which are the most premium quality art supplies?! Let’s talk about it!
Understanding Watercolor Pencils
Watercolor pencils blend the best of both worlds – the precision of coloured pencils and the fluid beauty of watercolors. These versatile little guys let you create stunning effects with ease.
The Magic of a Water-Soluble Binder
You can use watercolor pencils dry like regular colored pencils or activate them with water for a more watercolor look thanks to the special water-soluble binder in their cores.
When wet, the water-soluble binder releases the color, letting you blend and spread it. You can control how much the pencil dissolves by adding more or less water.
Struggling to get it just right? Some brands do offer pencils with different levels of water-solubility to help minimize guesswork!
The water-soluble binder also helps the pigment stick to the paper when dry. Magic!
Regular Colored Pencils vs Watercolor Pencils
Regular colored pencils use wax or oil binders that resist water. Watercolor pencils use a water-soluble binder instead.
This key difference affects how you can use them in your art.
With regular coloured pencils, you’re limited to dry techniques like layering and blending.
Watercolor pencils let you use both dry pencils and wet watercolor techniques. That means you can sketch fine details, then add water for soft washes of color, all using the same pencil!
Watercolor pencils also blend more smoothly when wet.
This makes it easier to create gradients and mix colors. They’re great for adding fine details to watercolor paintings too.
You can use watercolor pencils on dry or wet paper, while regular colored pencils work best on dry surfaces only.
Choosing the Right Pencil Set
Picking the perfect watercolor pencil set can be fun and even exciting.
You’ll want to think about how many different colors you need, the quality and price, and whether a smaller set might work best for you.
Considering the Number of Colors
When shopping for watercolor pencils, you’ll find sets with a wide range of different colors. (Faber-Castell Art Albrecht Durer pencil sets come to mind!)
Big sets can have up to 120 shades, while a smaller set might have just 12 or 24. Think about what you’ll be drawing.
Watercolor artists using lots of vivid colors in fine details might need a wider range of different colors. For simpler sketches, fewer pencils could work just fine.
Remember, you can always mix colors to make new shades! This means you don’t always need a huge set to get the colors you want.
Evaluating Quality and Price
Watercolor pencils also come in a wide range of quality levels. Better pencils often cost more, but they can be worth it.
High-quality pencils like Caran D’ache Prismalo Aquarelle have crazy rich pigments. This means your colors will look bright and clear when you add water.
Cheaper pencils might not blend as well or could be harder to use. But they can be good for learning or quick sketches!
Look for pencils that feel smooth when you draw. They should also dissolve easily in water.
If you’re just starting out, consider a mid-range set. These can often give you good quality without a hefty price tag.
Advantages of Owning a Smaller Set
While a smaller set of watercolor pencils can initially feel less exciting than the set of 120 different colors, a smaller set can actually be the better choice for many reasons.
First of all, they’re obviously going to be less expensive. And a cheaper pencil set leaves more money for watercolor journals and fun tools and accessories!
Plus, a smaller set is easier to carry around, making them perfect for travel or outdoor sketching. At just 9.5″x6″, Staedtler Karat Aquarell Premium pencils are a great example of a pencil set you can throw into any small bag or heck, a large pocket!
With fewer colors, you’ll learn to mix shades. This can help you become better at using watercolors.
A small set is also less overwhelming. You can really get to know each color and how it works.
Starting small allows new watercolor artists to explore the world of watercolor pencils without spending too much. Remember that you can always buy more later if you enjoy using them!
Recommended Brands for Watercolor Pencils
When choosing the best watercolor pencils, a few brands stand out for their quality and unique features. You’ll find vibrant colors and intense effects with these top options.
Caran D’Ache for Vibrancy
Caran D’Ache watercolor pencils are known for their vibrant colors. You’ll love how bright and lively your art looks with these pencils.
The colors blend smoothly when you add water, making it easy to create beautiful gradients and soft transitions in your artwork.
Caran D’Ache pencils also have a soft lead that’s great for layering. You can build up color intensity by adding more layers.
Derwent Inktense for Intensity
Derwent Inktense pencils offer vivid colors that become permanent when dry. This unique feature allows you to layer colors without disturbing previous layers.
That means you can use the Derwent watercolor pencil on fabric too! Once heat-set, the colors won’t wash out, making them great for textile projects.
The colors are super bright, even more so than regular watercolor pencils. Your artwork will really pop with these intense hues.
Derwent Inktense pencils also have a slightly harder lead. This gives you more control for detailed work and fine lines.
Faber-Castell Art Albrecht Durer Pencil for Range
As mentioned earlier, Faber-Castell Art Albrecht Durer pencil sets offer a crazy wide range of pencil set sizes.
Whether you go all out with the 120 set of watercolor pencils or prefer the minimalist approach of the 12 color pencil set, you’ll be pleased with these premium quality art supplies by Faber-Castell Art! Some watercolor artists buy the 12 set of watercolor pencils to replace the common colors they’ve used up in their bigger sets.
Faber-Castell Art Goldfaber Aqua Watercolor Pencils for Price
Faber-Castell Art Goldfaber Aqua watercolor pencils offer some of the best quality pencils at the lowest price! With a 3.3 mm lead, fully water-soluble pigment, and proven high performance during both wet and dry techniques, these pencils allow watercolor artists to indulge in their craft for less.
Mastering the Techniques
Watercolor pencils offer a unique blend of drawing and painting. You can create stunning effects by combining different techniques.
Let’s explore some key techniques to help you make the most of these versatile tools!
Working with Dry Pencils
Start by using your watercolor pencils just like regular colored pencils. Draw on dry watercolor paper to create bold, vibrant lines.
You can layer colors to build depth and intensity. Try pressing harder for darker shades or using a lighter touch for softer tones.
Experiment with different strokes. Short, quick marks can create texture, while longer strokes work well for smooth areas.
You can also try cross-hatching or circular motions with dry pencils to blend colors directly on the paper.
Remember, the paper you choose matters! Textured dry watercolor paper will give your dry pencils work more grip and character.
Applying Water for a Watercolor Look
Now it’s time to add water and watch the magic happen!
Use a wet brush to activate the water-soluble pigment you’ve laid down. Be sure to start with a light touch – you can always add more water if needed!
Try these methods:
- Brush over your entire drawing for a soft, dreamy effect
- Wet specific areas to create contrast with dry sections
- Use a water brush pen for precise control
Play with the amount of water you use. More water will create lighter washes, while less water maintains more intense colors .
Don’t be afraid to lift color with a dry brush or tissue for highlights.
Achieving Fine Details and Bright Colors
For crisp, detailed drawings, keep your pencil tip sharp. Work on dry watercolor paper, then carefully add water with a fine wet brush.
You can also wet the paper first, then add details with dry pencils for a different effect.
To make colors pop:
- Layer light colors first, then add darker shades
- Use white pencil to brighten areas or mix with other colors
- Try wetting the pencil tip before applying to paper
Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you.
Mix dry and wet methods in the same piece for interesting contrasts. With practice, you’ll discover endless possibilities for creating vibrant, detailed watercolor pencil art.
Exploring Techniques for Different Surfaces
Watercolor pencils work well on a variety of surfaces! The paper you choose affects how your art looks.
Using Wet Paper for Soft Effects
Wet paper creates soft, dreamy effects with watercolor pencils.
You can wet the paper first before using your pencils. This method is called “dry-on-wet” and is great for backgrounds or light colors.
To try this:
- Brush water on your paper with a wet brush
- Let it soak in a bit
- Draw with your pencils
The colors will spread and blend more easily.
You can also dip your pencil in water before drawing on wet paper. This makes even softer lines.
Try different amounts of water too! More water means softer edges, while less water gives you more control.
Choosing Rough Paper for Texture
Rough paper adds an interesting texture to your art. The bumps and grooves catch the pencil pigment in unique ways.
When you use rough paper:
- Press harder to fill in the texture
- Use light strokes for a scratchy look
- Try both dry and wet techniques
Rough paper works well for landscapes or nature scenes. It can make trees or rocks look more realistic.
You can also layer colors on rough paper, adding water to blend them. The texture will still show through, giving your art more depth.
Essential Tips for Professional Artists
Professional watercolor pencil techniques can take your art from the level of an art student to the level of professional artists! Mastering fine lines and color layering will help you create stunning pieces with both depth and vibrancy.
Creating Fine Lines With Precision
You can achieve precise fine lines with watercolor pencils by keeping your pencils sharp. Use a manual sharpener or sandpaper block to maintain a fine point.
Try holding the pencil at different angles to vary line thickness.
For extra-fine details, try different techniques like stippling or hatching. Gently dab the pencil tip for tiny dots, or use short parallel lines for texture.
When adding water, use a small brush with a fine tip. This gives you more control over delicate areas.
You can also try wetting the paper first, then drawing on top for smoother lines.
Layering Colors for Depth
Layering is key to creating rich, vibrant colors in your artwork.
Start with light colors and gradually build up darker shades. This technique adds depth and dimension to your pieces.
Try different techniques like wet-on-wet or wet-on-dry to blend colors smoothly. Experiment with overlapping colors to create new hues and interesting effects.
Remember to let each layer dry before adding the next. This prevents muddy colors and allows you to build up intensity gradually.
You can use a hairdryer to speed up drying time between layers.
For a more subtle effect, try dry layering.
Add color with the pencil, then blend with a dry brush. This will create softer transitions and textures in your work.
Caring for Your Watercolor Pencils
Taking good care of your watercolor pencil set will help them to last longer. Plus, you’ll get better results when you keep them in top shape!
Store your pencils in a cool, dry place to keep the lead from getting too soft or cracking. A pencil case or tin works well for storage.
Sharpen your pencils carefully, using a good quality sharpener to avoid breaking the lead. But don’t over-sharpen – a slightly rounded tip works best for most techniques.
Clean your pencils after use. Wipe them gently with a soft cloth to remove any moisture or pigment residue.
Avoid dropping your pencils. The lead inside can break, even if it’s not visible from the outside.
When using water with your pencils, let them dry completely before putting them away. This prevents moisture damage.
And finally, consider using a fixative spray on finished artwork. This protects your work from smudging or fading over time.
So…which are the best watercolor pencils for you?
Are there any you swear by that we missed? Be sure to share in the comments!
Happy drawing, watercolor artists!
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