Understanding

Watercolor Pencil Mediums

Watercolor pencils, at their core, are a unique fusion of the control of pencils and the fluidity of watercolors. Their dual nature allows artists to explore a multitude of effects in a single piece of art, opening up new avenues for creativity and expression.

The Basics: Structure and Function

Much like your ordinary colored pencils, watercolor pencils come encased in wood with a colored core, which is made from pigments, additives, and a binder. While dry, they behave similarly to colored pencils, allowing for precise and intricate drawings. Yet their defining characteristic comes to light when water is added.

Adding water to the artwork done with these pencils, whether with a brush or a water brush pen, activates the binder in the pencil's core.

The lines and shadings that were laid down as a pencil drawing then dissolve, creating a beautiful watercolor effect. Artists have the freedom to control the intensity of this effect, from leaving it slightly blended for a textured look to completely dissolving it for a smooth, paint-like finish.

Color Intensity

Color intensity is a key factor that differentiates watercolor pencils. Some pencils produce bright, bold colors, offering a vibrant palette for artists who like their artwork to pop. Others provide more subdued hues, perfect for creating softer, more impressionistic pieces.

Lead Softness

The softness of the lead also varies among different brands. Softer leads glide smoothly across the paper, providing a lush color laydown and making them ideal for shading and creating broad strokes of color. Firmer leads, on the other hand, are excellent for detailed work, enabling artists to create precise lines and intricate patterns.

Interaction with Water

The way watercolor pencils react with water is another distinguishing feature. Some pencils dissolve quickly and completely, mimicking the smooth look of traditional watercolors. Others dissolve less, maintaining some of the pencil's texture even after water application. This provides a unique, hybrid look that combines the distinct lines of pencil drawings with the wash effect of watercolors.

Quality and Lightfastness

Lastly, the quality and lightfastness of the pencils make a significant difference. Higher-quality pencils have high-grade pigments that offer superior color payoff and blending properties. Lightfastness refers to a color's resistance to fading when exposed to light. Pencils with high lightfastness ensure the longevity of the artwork, keeping the colors vibrant and true for a long time.

In essence, understanding the medium of watercolor pencils allows artists to harness their potential fully.

They offer a versatile tool for both drawing and painting, enabling artists to switch between detailed, precise pencil work and loose, fluid watercolor effects. The variety among different brands means there's a set of watercolor pencils out there to suit every artist's style and technique.

How to Best Use

Watercolor Pencils

The real charm of watercolor pencils is their flexibility. You can use them dry like a regular colored pencil, then brush over your drawing with a wet brush to transform your drawing into a watercolor painting. This makes them ideal for detailed work, yet they can also deliver broad washes of color.

These pencils can be used on both dry and wet surfaces, with the former being the more common method.

However, for more intense color, some artists wet the paper first or even dip the pencil tip in the water before drawing. Experimenting with different techniques will help you discover which one works best for you.