Watercolour Pencils

Discover a whole new world of Watercolour Pencils with ArtStore Online.

Browse through our extensive range of Watercolour Pencils. Whether you are an avid painter, illustrator or a complete beginner, we will strive to help you with whatever you're after!

We strive to bring you the best Watercolour Pencil brands available, and have a wide range of art supplies from trusted and respected brands from around the world, including Derwent, Faber-Castell, STAEDTLER and more!

What is a watercolour pencil?

Watercolour pencils are versatile tools used in art and drawing. They resemble traditional coloured pencils in appearance but are designed to create watercolour effects when water is applied to the drawn lines or washes of colour. These pencils have a water-soluble binder in their pigment core, which allows them to be blended and spread with water.

Here's how they typically work:

Drawing: Like regular coloured pencils, you can use watercolour pencils to draw lines, shapes, or fill in areas with colour on paper.

Activation with Water: After creating your design or adding colour with watercolour pencils, you can use a wet brush or sponge to activate the water-soluble pigment. This turns the pencil marks into a fluid, paint-like consistency that can be spread and blended.

Blending and Layering: Watercolor pencils allow for easy blending of colours on paper. You can layer different colours on top of each other, or blend them together while wet to create new shades and gradients.

Control and Detail: Watercolor pencils offer more control and precision compared to traditional watercolour paints. They allow for finer details and sharper lines, making them popular among artists who require precision in their work.

Mixed Media: Watercolor pencils can be used alone or in combination with other mediums such as traditional watercolours, coloured pencils, or ink. They are often used in mixed media artworks to create unique effects and textures.

Watercolour pencils are available in a wide range of colours and quality levels, catering to both beginners and professional artists. They are commonly used for various art forms including illustrations, sketches, landscapes, and botanical drawings.

Are watercolour pencils the same as coloured pencils?

Watercolour pencils and coloured pencils differ in composition, application, and effect. Coloured pencils have wax or oil-based cores, providing opaque colours suitable for drawing, while watercolour pencils feature water-soluble cores that, when activated with water, produce translucent, watercolour-like effects for drawing, colouring, and painting. Coloured pencil drawings are matte and solid, while watercolour pencil artworks have a soft, blended appearance. Both offer versatility but excel in different creative contexts, with coloured pencils suited for precise detail and watercolour pencils offering a mix of precision and fluidity.

What are the benefits of using watercolour pencils?

Watercolour pencils offer artists versatility, control, and portability. They can be used dry for precise drawing or wet for fluid painting effects, allowing for seamless layering, blending, and creation of gradients. Their portability makes them convenient for outdoor or travel use, while their minimal mess and easy cleanup make them suitable for indoor work. Additionally, watercolour pencils facilitate mixed media experimentation, enabling artists to combine them with other mediums for diverse artistic expressions, making them a versatile and accessible choice for artists of all levels.

What are some tips for using watercolour pencils?

Start Light: Begin with light layers of colour when using watercolour pencils. You can always add more pigment later, but it's difficult to remove excessive colour once applied.

Use Quality Paper: Choose heavyweight watercolour paper or mixed media paper designed to handle wet media. This prevents the paper from buckling or warping when water is applied.

Experiment with Water: Try different water application techniques, such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and dry-on-dry, to achieve various effects. Use a brush or spray bottle to apply water and observe how it interacts with the pigment.

Blend Colours: Layer multiple colours to create depth and richness in your artwork. Experiment with blending colours directly on the paper or blend them together with a wet brush for smooth transitions.

Control Water Intensity: Control the intensity of the watercolour effect by varying the amount of water applied. Less water creates more vibrant colours and defined lines, while more water produces softer, more diluted effects.

Practice Layering: Build up layers of colour gradually to achieve the desired depth and saturation. Allow each layer to dry completely before adding another to prevent muddying of colours.

Preserve Highlights: Preserve areas of white or light colour by avoiding water application in those areas or using a masking fluid before adding watercolour pencil layers.

Experiment with Techniques: Explore different techniques such as dry brushing, lifting colour with a damp brush or sponge, or scratching into dry pigment with a sharp tool to create textures and visual interest.

Protect Your Work: Consider using fixatives or sealing sprays to protect your finished watercolour pencil artwork from smudging or fading over time.

Practice and Patience: Like any art medium, mastering watercolour pencils takes practice and patience. Experiment with different techniques, observe how the colours behave, and don't be afraid to make mistakes—each one is an opportunity to learn and improve.

By incorporating these tips into your practice, you can enhance your skills and create beautiful, vibrant artwork with watercolour pencils.

What art supplies will I need when using watercolour pencils?

When using watercolour pencils, you'll need watercolour pencils, heavyweight watercolour or mixed media paper, a variety of watercolour brushes, clean water containers, a palette for mixing colours, paper towels or a sponge for blotting and cleaning, masking tape or clips to secure paper, a pencil sharpener, and optional accessories like masking fluid, a spray bottle, and a kneaded eraser. With these art supplies, you'll be equipped to create vibrant watercolour pencil artwork with ease and precision.

What paper is best for watercolour pencils?

The best paper for watercolour pencils is heavyweight watercolour paper or mixed media paper specifically designed for wet media. These papers are thick and have a textured surface that can handle the application of water without buckling or warping. The texture of the paper also helps to grip the pigment from the watercolour pencils, allowing for better control and blending. Look for papers labelled as "cold-pressed" or "rough" for more texture, or "hot-pressed" for a smoother surface, depending on your preference and the effect you want to achieve in your artwork. It's essential to use high-quality paper to ensure the best results and longevity of your watercolour pencil creations.