What Are Watercolor Pencils?
Watercolor pencils are similar to traditional colored pencils, but they contain water-soluble pigments. This means that they can be used dry, just like a regular pencil, or activated with water to create a watercolor effect. The beauty of watercolor pencils is that they offer the best of both worlds: the control and precision of drawing with pencils, combined with the fluid, blended look of watercolors when water is applied.
Materials Needed
To get started with watercolor pencils, you will need a few basic supplies. While the tools required for working with watercolor pencils are relatively minimal, having the right materials will make your experience much smoother.
- Watercolor Pencils: Choose a good-quality set of watercolor pencils. Many artists recommend sets from brands such as Faber-Castell, Prismacolor, or Caran d'Ache.
- Paper: Watercolor paper or any thick, high-quality paper designed to handle water-based media is ideal. Regular drawing paper might not hold up well to the water, causing it to warp or tear.
- Water: You'll need a water source to activate the pencils. A small container of clean water is sufficient.
- Brushes: A soft, round watercolor brush is essential for applying water to the pencil marks and blending them. A range of brush sizes will give you more control.
- Paper Towels: Keep paper towels handy to blot excess water or clean your brush when switching between colors.
Basic Techniques for Using Watercolor Pencils
1. Dry Pencil Drawing
Using watercolor pencils dry is just like using regular colored pencils. You can create detailed drawings, fine lines, and shading with the pencil itself. This method is great for creating precise outlines, textures, or intricate designs.
To use this technique, simply sharpen your watercolor pencil and begin drawing directly on your paper. If you want to add shading, you can layer the pencil strokes in different directions to build up the tone. The more layers you apply, the richer the color will appear.
2. Wet-on-Dry Technique
The wet-on-dry technique involves applying the watercolor pencil dry to the paper and then using a wet brush to activate the pigment. This technique allows for more control over the amount of water and pigment you use, giving you a variety of effects.
To achieve this effect, begin by drawing with your watercolor pencil, making sure to use a light hand for the first layer. Once you're satisfied with the pencil marks, use a wet brush to lightly go over the area, activating the pigment. The pencil strokes will begin to dissolve, creating a soft, watercolor-like effect.
3. Wet-on-Wet Technique
The wet-on-wet technique involves applying water directly to the paper before drawing with your watercolor pencils. This creates a more fluid, blended effect as the pigments dissolve and spread across the wet surface.
To use this technique, lightly wet the area of the paper you want to work with using a clean brush and water. Then, while the paper is still wet, apply your watercolor pencils directly onto the surface. The water will help the pigments spread and blend, creating a watercolor wash. This is an excellent method for creating soft, flowing gradients or backgrounds.
4. Creating Washes and Gradients
One of the most powerful aspects of watercolor pencils is their ability to create smooth, even washes and gradients. By applying more or less water to the pigment, you can achieve various levels of intensity in your work.
To create a smooth wash, draw with the watercolor pencil and then go over the marks with a wet brush, pulling the pigment out into the surrounding area. The more water you add, the lighter and more transparent the color becomes. Conversely, using less water will result in a more intense, concentrated color. Gradients can be achieved by layering multiple shades and blending them together.
Tips for Mastering Watercolor Pencils
1. Layering Colors
Layering colors is a fantastic way to build depth and richness in your artwork. Watercolor pencils can be layered to create more complex colors and effects. Start with light layers and gradually build up to darker, more saturated hues.
When layering, make sure to let each layer dry before adding another to prevent muddying the colors. You can also experiment with different color combinations to discover new shades and tonal effects.
2. Use a Colorless Blender
A colorless blender is a tool that helps to smooth out and blend the pencil marks. It can be used with watercolor pencils to create seamless transitions between colors, giving your artwork a more polished look. A colorless blender is especially helpful when working with areas that require a soft, blended effect.
3. Experiment with Different Water Quantities
Experiment with the amount of water you use when activating your pencils. By adjusting the water, you can control the intensity and texture of the colors. Less water results in more intense colors and sharper lines, while more water creates softer, smoother transitions.
4. Create Textures
Watercolor pencils can also be used to create interesting textures in your artwork. You can create texture by using the pencils dry for rough, scratchy effects, or by manipulating the water to add different levels of fluidity. Try applying the pencils in different ways, such as in circular motions, or use a dry brush to create textured strokes.
5. Experiment with Other Mediums
While watercolor pencils are fantastic on their own, they also pair well with other mediums. You can combine them with regular colored pencils, ink, or watercolor paints to achieve more complex effects. Experiment with combining different tools to see how they interact and bring your art to the next level.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using the Wrong Paper
Using the wrong paper for watercolor pencils can result in poor results. Regular drawing paper is not designed to handle water, and your colors may not blend properly. Always use high-quality watercolor paper, which is thicker and can withstand the water without warping or tearing.
2. Overusing Water
While it’s tempting to add water to every stroke, using too much water can dilute the pigment and result in a washed-out effect. Always use water sparingly and build up color gradually. You can always add more water later, but it’s harder to fix a watery mess once it’s on your paper.
3. Not Letting Layers Dry Properly
When layering with watercolor pencils, it’s important to let each layer dry properly before adding more. If you don’t, you may end up with muddy colors that are hard to fix. Patience is key when working with watercolor pencils to achieve clean, beautiful results.
Conclusion
Watercolor pencils are an exciting medium that allows for great creativity and flexibility. Whether you’re working on fine details, vibrant washes, or delicate gradients, watercolor pencils provide the control and versatility to bring your artistic vision to life. By understanding the basic techniques and experimenting with different methods, you’ll be able to master this medium and create stunning artwork. With a little practice, you’ll discover the unique beauty that watercolor pencils can bring to your projects.