Introduction to Watercolor Pencils
Watercolor pencils are a versatile and convenient medium for artists of all skill levels. They combine the control and precision of a traditional pencil with the fluidity and transparency of watercolors, making them a great option for a wide range of creative projects.
The Portability of Watercolor Pencils
One of the benefits of watercolor pencils is their portability. Traditional watercolor paint requires a palette, water, and brushes. Watercolor Pencils don’t need anything else except water if you choose to use it. However, watercolor pencils can be easily carried in a pencil case or backpack. This makes them great for outdoor sketching and painting.
Choosing the Right Paper
It is important to use high-quality paper that is specifically designed for use with watercolors. Should be thick enough to withstand the water, and have a slight texture to help hold the color. Here are a few different types of paper that work very well with your watercolor pencils;
Cold Press Watercolor Paper: Slightly textured surface, which helps to hold the color and create a more natural watercolor effect.
Hot Press Watercolor Paper: Has a smooth surface, which is great for creating detailed, precise drawings and paintings.
Rough Watercolor Paper: Has a very textured surface, which is great for creating loose, sketchy drawings and paintings.
Saunders Waterford Watercolor Paper: A high-quality paper that is considered one of the best papers for watercolor pencils and other watercolor mediums.
Arches Watercolor Paper: A high-quality paper that is also well-suited for use with watercolor pencils and other watercolor mediums. It’s long-lasting and able to handle multiple layers of watercolor washes.
How To Activate The Watercolor Effect
To activate the watercolor pencils, you can use dip a brush into water and “paint” over the drawn lines. This will release the pigment and give you a smooth watercolor effect. You can also use a spray bottle to mist the penciled area and then paint over it with a brush. This will give you a more fluid, watery effect.
Another way is to simply dip the tip of your colored pencil directly into the water and color as desired.