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How to Use Watercolour Pencils: An Easy Guide + Best Watercolour Pencils for Beginners!

Watercolour pencils are a fantastic medium for artists of all levels, offering the versatility of both dry drawing and vibrant watercolour effects. Whether you’re a budding artist or a seasoned creative, this guide will walk you through the basics of using watercolour pencils and suggest some of the best options available for beginners. Let’s dive into the world of watercolour pencils!

What Are Watercolour Pencils?

Watercolour pencils are specially designed art supplies that contain water-soluble pigments. They can be used dry, allowing you to create detailed drawings, or activated with water to produce a beautiful wash of colour, resembling traditional watercolours. This dual functionality makes them an excellent choice for various artistic styles.

Essential Tools for Using Watercolour Pencils

Before we delve into the techniques, let’s gather the essential tools:

1. Watercolour Pencils: Choose a set that includes a range of colours.
2. Paper: Watercolour or mixed-media paper is ideal as it can handle water without warping.
3. Brushes: A clean, round watercolour brush will help blend the colours effectively.
4. Water Container: A small cup or jar for rinsing your brush.
5. Paper Towel: Useful for blotting excess water and cleaning your brush.

Basic Techniques for Using Watercolour Pencils

1. Drawing Dry

Start by using the watercolour pencils like traditional coloured pencils. Sketch out your design lightly, applying different pressure to achieve varying shades. A light touch will produce softer lines, whereas firmer strokes will create darker areas.

2. Wet Blending

Once you’re satisfied with your drawing, it’s time to introduce water. Here’s how to blend perfectly:

• Step 1: Wet your brush with clean water.
• Step 2: Gently touch the brush to the area you want to blend. The water will activate the pigment, producing a soft wash.
• Step 3: Use a circular motion to spread the colour, keeping the brush slightly damp to avoid saturating the paper.

3. Layering Colours

You can build depth by layering colours. Start with a light colour as your base and let it dry. You can then apply additional colours on top, re-wetting the brush to create a seamless blend between them.

4. Creating Textures

Experiment with different brushes and techniques to create unique textures. For instance, a dry brush technique (with little water) creates distinct lines and strokes, while a damp brush can smooth areas for a more blended effect.

5. Lifting Colour

If you’ve applied too much pigment or want to lighten an area, you can lift colour can be easily done:

• Step 1: Dampen the area with a clean brush.
• Step 2: Blot it with a paper towel.
• Step 3: Repeat if necessary, until you achieve your desired effect.

Best Watercolour Pencils for Beginners

Choosing the right set of watercolour pencils can make a significant difference in your artistic journey. Here are some of the best options for novices:

1. Derwent Watercolour Pencils: Known for their vibrant pigments, Derwent pencils offer smooth application and excellent blending capabilities.

2. Faber-Castell Coloured Pencils: Their watercolour pencils provide a rich colour payoff and are easy to manipulate with water, making them a favourite among beginners.

3. Prismacolor Watercolour Pencils: With a buttery texture and a wide colour range, these pencils are user-friendly and perfect for achieving soft washes.

4. Sakura Koi Water Colour Pencils: Affordable and available in a variety of sets, they are perfect for those just starting out without breaking the bank.

5. Art Philosophy Watercolour Pencils: These budget-friendly pencils are excellent for kids and beginners, providing good quality at an accessible price point.

Conclusion

Watercolour pencils are a playful and versatile medium that can elevate your drawing to new artistic heights. They combine the precision of pencil drawing with the fluidity of watercolour painting, making them a valuable tool for any art kit. With practice and the right materials, you’ll soon create stunning pieces that showcase your creativity. So gather your supplies, unleash your imagination, and enjoy the beautiful world of watercolour pencils!

Happy drawing!

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