Getting the Most Out of Watercolor Pencils

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF WATERCOLOR PENCILS

Watercolor pencils are an incredibly versatile tool for artists, combining the precision of colored pencils with the stunning effects of watercolor paints. Here's how you can get the most out of these unique art mediums.

Drawing First, Adding Water Later

With watercolor pencils, you have the option to sketch your artwork just as you would with a regular colored pencil. Draw your subject, start with the lightest colors and layer in darker tones for shading.

Once you're done, it's time for the magic. Grab a brush, lightly wet it, and start brushing over your drawing. The water will dissolve the pencil lines into vibrant watercolors. Remember, always start with the lightest areas to avoid muddying the colors.

You can refer to this watercolor pencil tutorial - how to Draw and Paint a Cat with Amazrock Watercolor Pencils - for a video walkthrough of the techniques.

- How to paint a fox with watercolor pencils

Dipping Pencils into Water

For bold, vibrant lines, dip your pencil tip into the water before drawing. This allows you to lay down color that is intense and saturated. The water on the pencil tip doesn't last long, so use this technique when you want a mix of thick and thin lines for dynamic effects.

Image Credit: Amazrock Brands Art Tutorial

Drawing on Wet Paper

If you're after a grainy, textured look, try the dry-on-wet technique. Wet your paper with a brush, and while it's still damp, draw on it with your pencils. This method results in a similar effect as dipping your pencil in water, but it lasts longer and gives your artwork a unique texture.

Wet Pencil on Wet Paper

The wet-on-wet technique involves wetting your paper and dipping your pencil in water. Drawing on damp paper creates bold, fuzzy lines that spread out and create a painted look with lots of texture. This technique can lead to unexpected and exciting results.

Adding Detail to a Watercolor Painting

Watercolor pencils can also be used to add detail to a pre-existing watercolor painting. You can emphasize areas of the painting, add intricate details, and then smooth out the pencil lines with water if desired.

Watercolor Pencils vs. Other Watercolor Mediums

What sets watercolor pencils apart from traditional watercolor paints is their versatility and control. With pencils, you can achieve detailed and precise lines that can be hard to get with a brush. They're perfect for beginners who might be daunted by the unpredictable nature of watercolors, and for experienced artists who want to add fine detail to their work.

Plus, they're highly portable. No need for separate paint tubes and brushes - you have everything you need in a single pencil!

Another bonus of watercolor pencils is the ability to use them dry. If you choose not to add water, they function as normal colored pencils.

This means you can combine both watercolor and colored pencil techniques in the same artwork.

Mastering watercolor pencils takes a bit of practice, but once you've got the hang of it, you'll love the incredible variety of effects and styles you can achieve.

As you embark on your artistic journey with watercolor pencils, having the right tools in your hands makes all the difference. Now that you're equipped with these techniques, it's essential to pair your new knowledge with highquality watercolor pencils. This will help you truly capture the beauty of your creations and bring your artwork to life. So, are you ready to discover the best watercolor pencils on the market?

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF WATERCOLOR PENCILS