This post kicks off a series where I’ll be profiling some of my favourite art supplies. You’ll get a general idea of how a particular tool works and what it’s best at. Who knows, maybe you’ll be convinced to try it out!
First up are the ever convenient and vibrant watercolour pencils.
Form and Function: They look like regular pencil crayons, but when combined with water the pigment acts just like watercolour paint: it dissolves. This is because regular pencil crayon leads have a wax or oil base, and these ones have a water-soluble base.
Benefits: Very convenient and portable — it’s basically just a package of pencil crayons. They’re so easy to use that I bought a set for my young niece; she was painting in no time. Some argue that watercolour pencils give you greater precision and control over colour application. But my favourite thing about them are the vivid colours they make! It doesn’t take much pigment to make the colours blaze. As such, they last along time, making this medium inexpensive too.
How to Use: You have a few options. One technique is to colour with the pencils first, then take a paint brush and apply water to the coloured areas. The more pigment you scribble down, the more intense the colour will be when you go over it with water. Another technique is to straight up dip the pencil in water and then draw; that will give you the most saturated colour. Or, you can use the pencils to create a custom paint palette by scribbling some colours on another sheet, adding water, and then tinkering with colours on your palette before bringing the brush over to your actual painting.
Challenges: Just like watercolour paints, watercolour pencils can be a fussy medium that’s hard to control once water is in the mix. Sometimes you can’t predict how the colour will turn out — it may be more vivid, darker, or a different shade than you intended.
Another challenge with watercolour pencils is reproducing your artwork digitally. It’s hard to capture the colours — the digital version never looks nearly as vibrant as the real thing. Maybe it’s just my machine, but the colours actually look muddy when I try to scan a painting; so far photos are the best way to go.
What to Get: Derwent brand Inktense pencils are my go-to for the richest colour. They’re a bit pricier, but worth it. You can find them at most art supply stores.