Watercolor Pencils

Water color pencils are very similar to color pencils in that, they allow you to have precise control, achieve great detail, they are very flexible, very portable and inexpensive. The difference between regular color pencils and water-soluble pencils are their leads. Color pencil leads are either wax or oil based, whereas watercolor pencil leads have a water soluble base.
One thing to remember, when working with water color pencils, is after you have layered several layers of color, and begin to apply water, a solvent or use a blender, the results will not be the same, as if you were using color pencil. The colors will be darker and they can change to a color you were not trying to achieve. So experiment before you start layering, to see if it is actually the color you want for your project or portrait. Try mixing watercolor pencil with other mediums, such as color pencil, ink or graphite. You will be surprised with the results!

Ways to Apply Watercolor Pencils

apply the color dry

wet the paper first to produce a bleeding type effect and/or soft lines

use various tools, such as a sponge or toothbrush or shaking the pencil, to create different effects

after your wash has dried, apply dry layers of color for detail

create glazed washes (transparent layers of color over another) with either water or solvents

use a colorless blender marker, such as Tombo's, to blend the colors

to achieve a thick opaque look, dip pencil in water or solvent first (eats the lead of the pencil up quickly)

for detail, try using a small wet paint brush

try breaking a small piece of lead off into a palette and add couple drops of water

try creating a graded wash, from dark to light with water or solvents.

try back wash technique by wetting your paper, apply one color at one end, and then another color at the other end, watch the colors blend and bleed together.

Watercolor Pencil Tips

use watercolor paper, such as Arches 140lb hotpress or Strathmore series.

if you mix the watercolor pencil with another medium, such as color pencil, I recommend Stongehenge or Arches.

if you are going to be using a wet technique, tape down your paper to a board, to prevent buckling of paper.

try dipping a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dot the wet colored surface of the paper, creates a cool effect.

try applying salt to wet area, can create sparkly and different effects.

Samples

The brand that I work with the most is, Derwent Watercolor Pencils. They are super creamy like Prismas color pencils and they have a wonderful selection of colors.
I also like to use Stabilo Aquacolor Watercolor Pencils to work on skies and small details.

Click on sample for larger view

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