How To Use Watercolor Pencils? Easy Techniques For Beginners
A beginners guide on how to use watercolor pencils.
There are lot’s of ways to use watercolor pencils. In fact, some people prefer them instead of regular watercolor paint. I for one, love the fact that you can easily shade and mix colors together.
Watch the video to learn how to use watercolor pencils. In this post, you will learn unique techniques for shading and coloring. For more tutorials, check out how to scrapbook and more card making ideas.
Supplies Used:
How To Use Watercolor Pencils?
Using watercolor pencils is easy once you learn how to use them. Learn the do’s and don’ts when it comes to adding color and blending.
What are watercolor pencils? Watercolor pencils are similar to regular colored pencils, except they have a water-soluble binder to them. The water-soluble binder enables them to appear like paint when you add water.
Pick Your Pencils – The Best Watercolor Pencils In My Opinion
The quality of watercolor pencils matters the most. You want to use pencils that are vibrant and easy to blend.
The best watercolor pencils that I have found are the ones by Tim Holtz. Trust me, after using countless other brands, these ones are the most pigmented. Tim Holtz is known for their high-quality art supplies, and are a trusted brand among most crafters.
Another great thing about these pencils is that they come in a variety of colors. I chose set 2, but there are tons of other options depending on the vibe you are going for.
Set 2 has a wide assortment of colors that complete the rainbow. However, you can also find pastel and darker color shades as well.
Create Your Design
Next, you will want to pick an art design to create.
If you are great at free-hand drawling, then you can absolutely make your own designs. I, however, prefer to use stamps for my designs.
I am using this orange stamp set from the brand Avery Elle. Stamping makes it so easy to create your own custom designs without having to draw them yourself. Create your own scenes or patterned backgrounds like I did.
Just remember to use waterproof pens or ink for the outlines. Otherwise, when you go to add water the ink will smear. I always use this trusted waterproof ink brand.
Recommended Post: {“How To Make Handmade Scrapbook For Boyfriend“}
Unique Coloring Techniques
Once you got your design finalized, it is time to color! When learning how to use watercolor pencils, keep in mind these basic techniques.
The first technique to know is how to do shading. Shading will give your designs more depth and dimension. As well as, give you an even wider range of colors.
Watercolor pencils make shading easy. The first thing you need to think about is where light hits naturally on your images. For example, on my design with oranges, light would naturally hit in the middle. Whereas, it would be naturally darker on the outside edges.
On the areas you want to be darker, simply add more color by going over it multiple times. This will give you the best shade when you go to blend it with water.
The second technique is all about blending colors together to create custom colors. By blending two or more colors together, you get unique color shades.
Make sure to add all the colors on the page before adding the water. This way, they will blend together seamlessly.
Blending Watercolor Pencils
Blending the colors together is the fun part in my opinion! What makes these pencils watercolor is when you finally add water.
To start blending, simply take a brush and add a bit of water on it. Just remember not to add too much water at first. Remember, you can always add more if needed.
Run the wet brush over the areas you just colored in. You will immediately start to see the colors running together. Drag the paint brush over the areas you want the color to go.
This will start to feel as though you are painting with regular watercolor paints. Just keep in mind the more water you add the lighter the colors will appear. (Source: “What are the Benefits of Watercolor Pencils?“)
If you want to add more color after you add the water there is a correct way to do this. You will no longer be able to add color directly from the pencil. Since your paper is now wet, the pencil will not transfer color correctly. Instead, add color by coloring on a separate sheet a paper. Wet the color down, and transfer it like paint. This is the easiest method to add in more color.
How To Use Watercolor Pencils On Cards?
Learning how to use watercolor pencils on cards is a creative way to celebrate others!
I love using my watercolor pencils for cardmaking because I can create handmade cards for my friends and family. Plus, it saves money not having to go out and buy cards for every occasion.
The first thing to keep in mind is that you will need watercolor cardstock. using watercolor cardstock prevents the paper from tearing or warping when wet. It is also more heavy-duty.
You can stamp or draw any image like I showed you above. You can also make multiple cards at one time so that you always have some on hand. Create birthday, wedding, thank you, and congratulations cards that are handmade by you.
I have so much fun making watercolor cards, and it is a great way to be creative.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
1. What paper is best for watercolor pencils?
Any watercolor paper will work with these watercolor pencils. Just make sure you are using watercolor paper and not regular cardstock.
If you try using regular cardstock, it is likely that the paper will either tear apart or warp when you add water.
Additionally, it is much easier to blend on watercolor paper. The water goes on smoothly and soaks up any of the color.
My go-to watercolor paper is by the brand Ranger Ink/ Tim Holtz. Although, feel free to use any that you have sitting around your house.
2. Do You Dip Watercolor Pencils In Water?
No, you should not dip your watercolor pencils into water before coloring with them.
If you try coloring while the pencils are wet, the color will not transfer properly onto the paper.
Watercolor pencils are meant to stay dry. Keeping them out of water will ensure they last long and keep the colors vibrant.
3. Can you use watercolor pencils without water?
Technically, you can still use watercolor pencils without water. However, you won’t get the same watercolor effect as when you add water.
You can use watercolor pencils as you would with regular colored pencils. It will give you a grainy, textured look if that’s what you’re going for. Although, if you don’t want the look of watercolor paint, then I suggest using regular colored pencils instead.
This post will teach you how to use watercolor pencils
Please Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Read the full disclaimer here.
