Best of Both Worlds: Creating
Stunning Art with Watercolor Pencils
When it comes to watercolor painting, most artists imagine soft washes and free-flowing colors dancing across the paper. But what if you could combine that dreamy watercolor effect with the precision of drawing? Enter watercolor pencils—the perfect blend of control and creativity.
Whether you’re a beginner exploring new mediums or an experienced painter looking for versatility, watercolor pencils open the door to endless artistic possibilities. This guide will help you understand what they are, how to use them, and how to unlock their full potential to create stunning artwork.
What Are Watercolor Pencils?
At first glance, watercolor pencils look just like ordinary colored pencils. But inside their core lies something magical—a water-soluble pigment that transforms when it touches water.
This means you can:
Draw crisp, detailed lines like a colored pencil, or
Add water to blend and spread pigment like a watercolor paint.
It’s truly the best of both worlds. You can create bold outlines, soft washes, subtle gradients, or even full watercolor paintings—all with one simple tool.
Why Artists Love Watercolor Pencils
Watercolor pencils are beloved for several reasons, especially by beginners:
1. Easy to Control
Traditional watercolors can be unpredictable—colors spread quickly, and mistakes can be hard to fix. Watercolor pencils, on the other hand, give you control. You can sketch first, then decide when (and how much) to activate the color with water.
2. Portable and Mess-Free
No need for tubes, palettes, or jars of rinse water. All you need are your pencils, a brush, and a little water. They’re perfect for traveling or painting outdoors.
3. Layer-Friendly
You can build up layers of color and texture just like you would with regular pencils. Then, when you’re ready, add water for depth and vibrancy.
4. Ideal for Mixed Media
Combine them with ink, markers, or traditional watercolors to create rich, dynamic artworks.
What You'll Need to Get Started
Before diving in, gather a few basic supplies:
Watercolor pencils: Brands like Faber-Castell, Derwent, and Prismacolor offer great beginner-friendly sets.
Watercolor paper: Choose thick paper (140 lb / 300 gsm) to prevent warping when wet.
Brushes: A medium round brush (size 6–8) works well for most areas; a small brush helps with details.
Water: Clean water for blending and rinsing your brush.
Paper towel: For blotting excess water or softening mistakes.
Optional but helpful:
Water brush pen: A brush with a built-in water reservoir—great for travel or quick blending.
Sharpener: Keep pencil tips fine for detailed work.
Basic Techniques to Try
Let’s explore a few beginner-friendly techniques to help you master your watercolor pencils.
1. Dry-on-Dry
Draw directly on dry paper with a dry pencil. This gives you precise lines and solid color. Great for sketching, details, or texture.
2. Dry-on-Wet
Dampen your paper lightly before drawing. The pigment melts immediately, creating soft, flowing color right as you draw. Perfect for skies or backgrounds.
3. Wet-on-Dry
Draw first on dry paper, then use a damp brush to blend and activate the pigment. You’ll see your pencil lines dissolve into smooth washes—this is where the watercolor magic happens!
4. Wet-on-Wet
For a dreamy, impressionistic effect, wet the paper and your brush, then touch in color. The pigment blooms beautifully across the surface.
5. Lifting and Layering
Once dry, you can layer more color or re-wet areas to lift pigment and create highlights. This makes watercolor pencils great for building up light and shadow gradually.
Blending and Mixing Colors
Watercolor pencils blend beautifully—both dry and wet. Try these methods:
Blending dry colors: Layer two shades together, then blend gently with a damp brush. The water mixes the pigments into smooth transitions.
Creating gradients: Start dark on one end and lighten as you go. Use a wet brush to pull color toward the lighter side for a seamless fade.
Mixing on palette: You can even scribble a bit of color on a scrap of paper, add water, and use it as liquid paint.
Pro tip: Start light and build gradually. It’s easier to deepen colors later than to lighten them after they’ve set.
A Simple Step-by-Step Project: Watercolor Feather
Let’s put it all together with a quick beginner exercise: a colorful watercolor feather.
Step 1: Sketch the Shape
Lightly draw an outline of a feather using a graphite pencil or a light blue watercolor pencil.
Step 2: Add Color
Apply several watercolor pencil colors in stripes or patches—turquoise, purple, pink, or gold. Keep your strokes light and follow the curve of the feather.
Step 3: Blend with Water
Using a damp brush, gently blend from the center outward. Watch as your colors merge and flow!
Step 4: Define the Details
Once dry, add fine lines for texture using a sharp pencil or even an ink pen for contrast.
Result: A luminous, delicate feather that looks painterly yet controlled—a hallmark of watercolor pencil art.
Tips for Best Results
Test first: Always swatch your pencils on scrap paper to see how they behave with water.
Less is more: Start with minimal water to avoid over-saturating your paper.
Let layers dry: To prevent muddy colors, allow each layer to dry before adding more.
Experiment: Try sketching with dry pencils, then softening selective areas for a mixed texture.
Preserve whites: Use masking fluid or simply leave white paper for highlights—it keeps your work luminous.
The Creative Possibilities Are Endless
Watercolor pencils are incredibly versatile. You can use them for:
Illustrations and portraits (soft, controlled shading)
Travel sketchbooks (lightweight and portable)
Card making and crafts (easy color effects)
Adding texture to mixed-media art
They offer a bridge between drawing and painting—ideal for anyone who wants flexibility and freedom without the intimidation of traditional watercolor paints.
Final Thoughts
With watercolor pencils, you get precision when you want it and fluid beauty when you need it. They’re a gentle, forgiving way to step into watercolor painting while still feeling in control of your art.
So, grab a few pencils, a brush, and some paper. Experiment, play, and let your creativity flow. You might be surprised at how easily you can turn a simple sketch into a vibrant watercolor masterpiece.
After all, when it comes to watercolor pencils, you truly get the best of both worlds.
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