10 Practical Tips for Using Watercolor Pencils: A Beginner's Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 20 June 2023 10 min read

1. Choose the Right Watercolor Pencil Brand

2. Selecting High-Quality Paper

3. Experiment with Different Techniques

4. Layering and Blending Colors

5. Using a Water Brush Pen

6. Creating Textures and Patterns

7. Mixing Watercolor Pencils with Other Mediums

8. Practice Maintaining Control Over Wet and Dry Techniques

9. Learn to Create Light and Shadows

10. Taking Care of Your Watercolor Pencils

Learning how to use watercolor pencils can be an exciting and rewarding experience. With just a few simple techniques, you can create beautiful artwork that combines the precision of colored pencils and the fluidity of watercolor paints. In this beginner's guide, we'll explore 10 practical tips to help you get started on your watercolor pencil journey and unlock your creative potential.

1. Choose the Right Watercolor Pencil Brand

When starting with watercolor pencils, it's essential to select a quality brand to ensure your art looks vibrant and professional. Here are a few points to consider when choosing your watercolor pencils:

Quality: High-quality watercolor pencils will have more pigment and less filler, resulting in richer colors and better blending.
Price: While professional-grade pencils can be expensive, there are affordable options available that offer good quality for beginners. Brands like Derwent, Faber-Castell, and Prismacolor have excellent options for various budgets.
Range of colors: Look for a set with a wide range of colors to give you more flexibility and creativity in your artwork.
Reviews: Read reviews from other artists to find out which brands they recommend and why.

Remember, experimenting with different brands can help you discover which one works best for your style and preferences. So, don't be afraid to try out a few options as you learn how to use watercolor pencils.

2. Selecting High-Quality Paper

Just like choosing the right watercolor pencil brand, selecting the appropriate paper is crucial for achieving the desired results in your artwork. The right paper can make a significant difference in how well your watercolor pencils blend and react with water. Here are some tips for selecting high-quality paper:

Weight: Opt for paper with a heavier weight, typically 140lb (300gsm) or more, to prevent it from warping or buckling when you apply water.
Texture: Watercolor paper comes in various textures, including cold-pressed (medium texture), hot-pressed (smooth texture), and rough. Cold-pressed paper is a popular choice for watercolor pencil work, as it offers a nice balance between texture and smoothness.
Material: Choose paper made from 100% cotton if possible, as it absorbs water better and is more durable than wood pulp paper.
Brands: Some well-known brands of watercolor paper include Arches, Strathmore, and Canson, all of which offer high-quality options for artists.

Investing in good-quality paper will not only make your artwork look better, but it will also help you get the most out of your watercolor pencils as you continue learning how to use them effectively.

3. Experiment with Different Techniques

When learning how to use watercolor pencils, it's essential to explore different techniques to find your unique artistic style. Familiarizing yourself with various methods will also give you more control over your artwork. Here are a few techniques to try out:

Dry on Dry: Apply the watercolor pencils directly to dry paper, just like you would with regular colored pencils. This technique is perfect for adding details or working on areas that require more precision.
Wet on Dry: After you've drawn your image with watercolor pencils, use a wet brush to gently blend and spread the colors on the paper. This technique allows you to achieve a watercolor effect while maintaining control over the color intensity and blending.
Dry on Wet: First, wet the paper with a brush, and then apply the watercolor pencils to the damp surface. This technique creates a softer, more diffused effect and is ideal for backgrounds or areas with lighter color applications.
Wet on Wet: Dip the watercolor pencil tip into water before drawing on wet paper. This method creates a more intense, saturated effect and can be used for bolder color applications or unique textures.

Don't be afraid to mix and match these techniques in your artwork. Experimenting with different methods will help you discover your preferred style and enhance your skills in using watercolor pencils.

4. Layering and Blending Colors

One of the most enjoyable aspects of learning how to use watercolor pencils is mastering the art of layering and blending colors. These techniques can help you achieve smooth color transitions, create depth, and produce various tones and shades. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Start light: Begin by applying a light layer of color to your paper. This will serve as a base for building up layers and blending colors seamlessly.
Gradually build up layers: Add more layers of color slowly, increasing the pressure on your pencil as you go. This will allow for better control over the intensity of the color and make blending easier.
Blend with a brush: Use a wet brush to blend the colors together, creating a smooth transition between different shades. Remember to clean your brush between colors to avoid unintentional mixing.
Work in small sections: Focus on one area of your artwork at a time, allowing the colors to blend and dry before moving on to the next section. This will help prevent colors from bleeding into each other and give you more control over the final result.
Experiment with color combinations: Don't be afraid to mix and match different colors to create unique shades and effects. Layering complementary colors can produce vibrant results, while layering similar shades can create subtle variations in tone.

By practicing layering and blending techniques, you'll be able to unlock the full potential of your watercolor pencils and create artwork that truly stands out.

5. Using a Water Brush Pen

A water brush pen is an excellent tool to have in your arsenal when learning how to use watercolor pencils. It's a brush with a built-in water reservoir, allowing you to apply water directly to your artwork without the need for a separate container. Here are some tips for using a water brush pen effectively:

Choose the right size: Water brush pens come in various sizes, from fine tips to broad brushes. Select the brush size that best suits the level of detail and scale of your artwork.
Control the water flow: By gently squeezing the water brush pen, you can control the amount of water being released onto the paper. Start with a small amount of water and gradually increase the flow if needed. This will help you avoid over-saturating your artwork.
Blend colors: Use the water brush pen to blend colors together, creating smooth transitions and gradients. Be sure to clean the brush between colors to prevent unintentional color mixing.
Create wash effects: Apply a light wash of water over the surface of your artwork using the water brush pen. This can help to soften and blend colors, as well as create interesting textural effects.
Maintain your brush pen: To keep your water brush pen in good working order, be sure to clean it thoroughly after each use. Rinse the brush under running water until the water runs clear, then gently squeeze out any excess water and allow it to air dry.

With a water brush pen in hand, you'll find it easier to achieve professional-looking results with your watercolor pencils, giving you even more creative possibilities.

6. Creating Textures and Patterns

One of the most enjoyable aspects of learning how to use watercolor pencils is discovering the many textures and patterns you can create with them. By experimenting with different techniques, you can add depth and interest to your artwork. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Stippling: Gently dab the tip of your watercolor pencil onto the paper to create small dots. Apply water with a brush or water brush pen to blend the dots, creating a textured effect.
Hatching and cross-hatching: Use short, parallel lines or intersecting lines to create shading and texture. Apply water to soften the lines and blend colors, if desired.
Scumbling: Create a scribbled or swirling pattern with your watercolor pencils, then use a brush or water brush pen to blend the colors. This technique can add a sense of movement and energy to your artwork.
Grating: Hold your watercolor pencil at an angle and lightly grate it across the paper to create a speckled effect. Apply water to blend the speckles and create a unique texture.
Using a sponge or cloth: Dampen a sponge or cloth and gently dab it onto your artwork to create a variety of textures and patterns. Experiment with different materials to achieve unique effects.

Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to creating textures and patterns. Don't be afraid to try new techniques and push the boundaries of what you can do with your watercolor pencils. As you gain confidence, you'll be able to create more intricate and interesting effects in your artwork.

7. Mixing Watercolor Pencils with Other Mediums

One of the great things about watercolor pencils is their versatility. You're not limited to just using them on their own; you can also combine them with other mediums to create a wide range of effects and styles. Here are some ideas on how to use watercolor pencils with other art materials:

Watercolor paints: Combine your watercolor pencils with traditional watercolor paints for more flexibility in your artwork. You can use the pencils for finer details and the paints for larger areas or background washes.
Ink: Try incorporating ink into your watercolor pencil artwork for a unique mixed-media look. You can use ink for outlines, to add bold lines, or even mix it with the watercolor pencil pigment for richer, deeper colors.
Colored pencils: Combine watercolor pencils with regular colored pencils to add depth and texture to your artwork. Use the colored pencils for dry details and the watercolor pencils for wet effects and blending.
Acrylics: If you're feeling adventurous, try using watercolor pencils alongside acrylic paints. This can create an interesting contrast between the transparent, delicate watercolors and the bold, opaque acrylics.
Collage: Incorporate cut or torn paper, fabric, or other materials into your watercolor pencil artwork to create a collage effect. This can add a unique, tactile element to your art pieces.

When mixing watercolor pencils with other mediums, it's important to consider how the different materials will interact. Some may blend well together, while others may create interesting contrasts or even resist each other. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the combinations that work best for your artistic style.

8. Practice Maintaining Control Over Wet and Dry Techniques

Watercolor pencils offer the unique ability to be used both dry and wet, which opens up a world of creative possibilities. To make the most of these techniques, it's important to practice and develop control over both. Here are some tips to help you master wet and dry techniques when using watercolor pencils:

Dry techniques: Start by getting comfortable with using your watercolor pencils as you would regular colored pencils. Practice shading, hatching, and cross-hatching to create different textures and effects. This will give you a solid foundation for when you start adding water.
Controlled wet techniques: Gradually introduce water into your artwork by using a damp brush or water brush pen. Begin with a light touch and build up the intensity of the color as needed. This allows you to maintain control over the amount of water and pigment, preventing unwanted bleeding or pooling.
Wet-on-wet techniques: For a more fluid, expressive effect, try applying water to the paper before adding your watercolor pencil pigment. This can create soft, dreamy washes of color that blend together seamlessly. Be mindful of how much water you use, as too much can cause the paper to buckle or the colors to become muddy.
Dry-on-wet techniques: Another approach is to apply the watercolor pencil pigment directly onto wet paper. This can result in intense, bold colors and interesting textures. Remember to let the paper dry completely before adding any more layers or details to avoid damaging the surface.

As you experiment with these different techniques, you'll develop a better understanding of how to use watercolor pencils effectively and gain more control over your artwork. Remember, practice makes perfect — so don't be afraid to keep trying new things and refining your skills!

9. Learn to Create Light and Shadows

One of the keys to creating a captivating piece of art is the effective use of light and shadows. When you're learning how to use watercolor pencils, it's important to develop an understanding of how to create these elements in your artwork. Here are a few tips to help you achieve this:

Observe your surroundings: Start by paying attention to how light and shadows interact in the world around you. Notice how the light source affects the appearance of shadows and the colors within them. This will help you build a better understanding of how to replicate these effects in your art.
Use a reference: Whether it's a photograph, a still life setup, or even a simple object, using a reference can help you accurately capture the way light and shadows behave. This will make your artwork look more realistic and visually appealing.
Start with lighter colors: When using watercolor pencils, it's a good idea to begin with lighter colors and gradually build up to darker ones. This allows you to create a range of values and tones, which can help you depict light and shadows more effectively.
Layer and blend: To create smooth transitions between light and shadow areas, use your watercolor pencils to layer and blend colors. This can be done by applying multiple layers of color and using a damp brush or water brush pen to blend them together seamlessly.
Consider contrast: To make your artwork stand out, ensure there's enough contrast between the light and shadow areas. This can be achieved by using a mix of vibrant and muted colors, as well as varying the intensity of your watercolor pencil strokes.

By practicing these techniques and focusing on the interplay between light and shadows, you'll be well on your way to creating captivating, dynamic artwork with your watercolor pencils.

10. Taking Care of Your Watercolor Pencils

Now that you know how to use watercolor pencils effectively, it's essential to properly care for them to ensure their longevity and performance. Here are some practical tips for maintaining your watercolor pencils:

Store them properly: Keep your watercolor pencils in a container or case, preferably one with individual slots for each pencil. This will prevent them from rubbing against each other, which can damage their tips and casings.
Avoid excessive pressure: When using watercolor pencils, apply gentle pressure to avoid breaking the lead or damaging the paper. If you need a more intense color, layer and blend multiple applications of the pencil instead of pressing harder.
Sharpen carefully: Use a sharpener specifically designed for colored pencils or a sharp knife to sharpen your watercolor pencils. This will help you achieve a clean, sharp point without breaking the lead.
Keep them dry: Watercolor pencils are designed to be used with water, but it's important to ensure they don't get wet when not in use. Store them in a dry location and avoid exposing them to moisture, as this can cause the leads to break down and become unusable.
Rotate your usage: To maintain an even wear on your pencils, try to use all of your colors regularly. This will not only help you become more familiar with their range but also prevent certain colors from becoming too short compared to others.

By following these simple care tips, you can ensure that your watercolor pencils remain in excellent condition and continue to provide you with stunning, vibrant artwork for years to come.

If you enjoyed reading our blog post on calligraphy and want to dive deeper into the world of colorful lettering, don't miss the workshop titled 'Using Watercolours to Create Colourful Calligraphy' by BlinkLettering. This workshop will teach you how to combine the beauty of watercolors and the elegance of calligraphy to create stunning pieces of art. Join the workshop and unlock your creativity today!