Skip to content
1200+ 5 Star Google Reviews ★★★★★
1200+ 5 Star Google Reviews ★★★★★

What Are Watercolor Pencils And How To Use Them?

Table of Contents

Unleashing Creativity with Watercolor Pencils

Watercolor pencils are a versatile addition to any artist's toolkit, offering the precision of colored pencils and the vibrant, blendable nature of watercolors. These unique tools are essentially colored pencils with water-soluble leads, allowing artists to create beautiful, watercolor-like effects with just a few strokes of a brush. To use watercolor pencils, begin by sketching your desired image onto your choice of surface. The high-quality surfaces available at The Sydney Art Store, such as pre-stretched canvases and Ampersand art boards, are perfect for such applications. Once your sketch is complete, apply water using a brush to blend and smudge the colours, creating a watercolor effect. The intensity of the colour can be controlled by the amount of water applied. With the high-quality watercolor pencils from The Sydney Art Store, you can expect vibrant colours, smooth application, and lasting performance. The store's selection of precision-crafted brushes further enhances the artistic process, providing comfort and ease of use for artists.

Watercolour Paint for Every Technique and Medium

The adaptability of watercolour paint makes it a favorite among artists working across different mediums and techniques. Watercolour paint for layering creates depth and dimension, while paint for textures enables the exploration of unique effects. Lightfast watercolour paint ensures vibrant results that stand the test of time, whether used for shading, tonal work, or gradients. For illustrators, watercolour paint for fine details and smooth blending enhances precision and clarity. Iridescent watercolour paint adds a touch of brilliance, perfect for creating eye-catching accents in portraits, miniatures, or nature scenes. Whether used for traditional or experimental art, watercolour paint offers boundless possibilities for creativity and self-expression.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Watercolour Paint

Caran D’Ache Museum Aquarelle Colour Pencils

$6.27

Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils Set

$39.96

Conte Pastel Pencils

$7.48

When selecting watercolour paint, it’s important to consider the specific requirements of your project. For detailed work and fine illustration, high-pigment watercolour paint ensures precision and clarity, while lightfast formulas protect your work from fading. Pan watercolours are compact and convenient for sketching, while liquid watercolour paint allows for bold and experimental techniques. For large formats or textured pieces, granulating or tube watercolour paint offers flexibility and depth. The finish of the paint also matters—matte watercolour paint creates a soft, subtle effect, while iridescent options provide a touch of brilliance. Choosing the right watercolour paint ensures your materials support your goals and produce the desired effects.

The Sydney Art Store: Trusted Watercolour Paint for Lasting Creations

The Sydney Art Store proudly offers a wide variety of watercolour paints that cater to every skill level and project. From pan watercolour paint for sketching to tube watercolour paint for larger works, our range covers all artistic needs. Our high-pigment and lightfast options ensure vibrant, durable results, whether you’re creating detailed illustrations, tonal work, or expansive nature scenes. For artists seeking unique effects, granulating and iridescent watercolour paint bring texture and brilliance to your creations. With archival-quality options available, your art will remain vivid and preserved for years to come. Explore our collection and discover why The Sydney Art Store is a trusted resource for watercolour artists.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Best Coloured Pencils for Artists?

The best coloured pencils for artists are professional-grade options like wax-based, oil-based, or water-soluble varieties. Wax-based pencils, such as Prismacolor, provide vibrant colors and smooth blending, while oil-based pencils, like Faber-Castell Polychromos, offer durability and precision. Water-soluble pencils can double as watercolor tools for added versatility. High-quality coloured pencils have soft yet resilient cores, ensuring consistent pigmentation, layering, and blending, making them ideal for both detailed work and bold illustrations.

How to Blend Colours with Coloured Pencils?

Blending colours with coloured pencils involves layering and using techniques to create smooth transitions. Begin with light pressure, layering one color over another to gradually build the blend. A blending pencil or a colorless blender can smooth out strokes for a polished look. You can also use household tools like a soft tissue or blending stump. For advanced effects, gently burnish the surface by applying firm pressure with lighter shades.

How to Choose Coloured Pencils for Beginners?

For beginners, it's important to start with coloured pencils that are affordable yet high-quality, such as student-grade sets from brands like Derwent or Crayola. These pencils offer smooth application and decent pigment quality, making them suitable for practicing techniques like shading and blending. Opt for sets with a wide range of colors to explore different combinations. Look for pencils with medium-soft cores, as they are easier to control and require less pressure.

Are Coloured Pencils Waterproof?

Most traditional coloured pencils are not waterproof, as their pigments are wax- or oil-based, which can smudge when exposed to water. However, water-soluble coloured pencils, also known as watercolor pencils, are designed to react with water, allowing you to blend and create watercolor effects. If you need waterproof results, consider sealing your work with a fixative spray, which preserves the vibrancy and prevents smudging in finished pieces.

Can You Use Coloured Pencils on Canvas?

Yes, you can use coloured pencils on canvas, but it requires some preparation. Canvas is less smooth than paper, so a primed surface, such as gesso, helps create a suitable texture for the pencils to adhere to. Wax- or oil-based coloured pencils work best, as their pigment can grip the canvas fibers effectively. Layering and blending may require more pressure due to the canvas's rough texture, but unique artistic effects can be achieved.

Compare products

{"one"=>"Select 2 or 3 items to compare", "other"=>"{{ count }} of 3 items selected"}

Select first item to compare

Select second item to compare

Select third item to compare

Compare