Hello Fellow Artist!
If you’ve ever been curious about watercolor pencils, my current commission of Ida is a perfect example of how wonderfully versatile they are!
Watercolor pencils offer the best of both worlds, combining the precision of colored pencils with the fluidity of watercolors.
They are ideal for detailed work and larger washes.
Here’s what I’ve discovered why watercolor pencils are a must-have for any artist:
- Easy to Use – They’re perfect for beginners or seasoned artists. Add water to transform your marks into vibrant watercolor paintings.
- Portable & Convenient – No need for paint palettes! You can take your pencils anywhere—just add water when you’re ready to blend!
- Precision and Control – Watercolor pencils allow for greater detail and control than traditional watercolors, making them ideal for detail.
- Versatility—Use them dry for a textured look or blend with water for soft washes of color. They’re great for mixed-media projects, too!
I’ve tried many watercolor pencil brands, and they have significant differences. You’ll get a totally different look from Faber-Castell, Caran d’Ache, Derwent, and Winsor & Newton brands.
I’ve put together a few reasons why Caran d’Ache Aquarelle and Derwent are my favorite brands:
Caran d’Ache Aquarelle watercolor pencils are more opaque than most others (can’t see through and covers the layer underneath). They have vibrant, rich pigments that activate beautifully with water. I like them the best because I can get great coverage and layer light over dark. They are almost like a Gouache type of watercolor. https://amzn.to/38iT8e3
Watercolor Pencils Faber-Castell Albrecht Durer
👉 The White Aquarelle Watercolor pencil is a must-have for your toolkit. Use it over watercolors or colored pencils for beautiful highlights. Yay! https://amzn.to/4dDZNeN
Derwent Watercolor Pencils The pigments are high-quality and offer excellent layering potential, allowing for subtle washes. The pencils are sturdy, well-balanced, and easy to control, making them ideal for detailed work or larger washes. Derwent pigments are the best of the best so you can’t go wrong with this brand. https://amzn.to/3ByRIdP
Faber-Castell Albrecht Durer Watercolor pencils are more transparent than traditional watercolors. Unfortunately, they broke a lot for me when sharpened. Also, the pigments are not as strong as others. Because of that, I don’t like recommending them for a large set; however, a small set would work to try them out. https://amzn.to/3tUfgUa
Winsor & Newton Watercolor Pencils an affordable choice to allow for smooth blending and a wide range of effects. The quality of the colors stay true even after adding water. Their smooth application when used dry makes them versatile for sketching, shading, or mixed-media projects. https://amzn.to/4eQ2sDH
Watch this YouTube tutorial of the mushrooms where I’m using watercolor pencils: https://youtu.be/Q2P1uAxb0n0
I hope this helps you decide to add watercolor pencils to your toolbox!
Leave a comment with questions or your experiences with watercolor pencils, I would love to hear them!
Happy Painting!
Cheers,
Molly 🌻
P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog so you’ll get notified as soon as I post new informative content! 👇
0 Comments