Watercolour pencils offer a versatile and enjoyable medium for both beginners and experienced artists alike. Here are seven easy techniques to help you unlock the potential of these charming tools.

1. Dry Techniques: Start with your watercolour pencils dry on paper to create detailed line work or layered colours. By varying pressure, you can achieve lighter or darker tones, allowing for intricate shading.

2. Wet Brush Technique: After applying your pencil to the paper, use a wet brush to activate the pigment. This method produces soft washes and blended colours, perfect for landscapes or delicate backgrounds.

3. Wet-on-Wet: Apply water to your paper first, then introduce the pencils. This technique creates beautiful, fluid effects as the pigments diffuse and mingle, lending a dreamy quality to your artwork.

4. Layering: Build up layers of colour by allowing each layer to dry before applying the next. This technique provides depth and richness, making your drawings more vibrant and dynamic.

5. Spritzing: For a unique texture, lightly spritz your coloured pencil marks with water using a spray bottle. This can create interesting bleed effects, perfect for abstract pieces.

6. Stippling: Use the tip of your pencil to create tiny dots instead of broader strokes. When activated with water, this technique can produce fascinating textures and patterns, ideal for foliage or intricate details.

7. Lifting: Once your artwork is dry, you can lift some colour by gently scrubbing with a clean, damp brush or cloth. This technique can help you correct mistakes or add highlights, adding further dimension to your work.

With these seven techniques, you can explore the exciting possibilities that watercolour pencils have to offer, turning a simple sketch into a captivating piece of art. Happy creating!