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How to Use Watercolor Pencils

Photo:Stock Photosfrom Ganka Trendafilova/ShutterstockThis post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please readour disclosurefor more info.

Watercolor pencils have become increasingly popular as more and more people realize their versatility.

Whether used wet or dry, they can create stunning effects that add a special touch to any project.

So what is a watercolor pencil and how is it different than a regularcolored pencil?

Best Watercolor Pencils

Photo: VadimVasenin/DepositPhotos

Watercolor pencils, sometimes called aquarelle pencils, have a water-soluble core and are wrapped in wood or lacquer.

This means that the pigment dissolves in water, which creates the look of watercolor paint.

In short, watercolor pencils are the best of both worlds.

Lyra Watercolor Pencils

Lyra| $26.95

They allow artists to draw and color like a normal colored pencil.

But, they come with the increased flexibility to create lush watercolor paintings.

As an added bonus, they’re veryportableand relatively mess-free, unlike some watercolor sets.

Staedtler Watercolor Pencils

Staedtler| $13.13

Still unsure if watercolor pencils are for you?

How to Use Watercolor Pencils

Photo: VadimVasenin/DepositPhotos

Getting started with watercolor pencils isn’t difficult.

Then, take a clean brush dipped in water and work over the colors.

Bruynzeel Design Aquarel Pencils

Bruynzeel| $15.73

You’ll see the pigments dissolve immediately, and the best pencils won’t leave behind any marks.

From there you might layer and blend just as you would with any watercolor paint.

Want more help in perfecting your watercolor pencil technique?

Best Watercolor Pencils by Koh-I-Noor

Koh-I-Noor| $30.33

Check out the tutorial below or enroll in Skillshare’sintroduction to watercolor pencils.

Each set comes with a synthetic brush to help blend your colors and achieve a watercolor look.

These pencils are also known for how smoothly they lay on paper.

Lyra Rembrandt Watercolor Pencils

Lyra| $31.30

These pencils are known for their intense colors and are great for both beginners and professionals.

They also blend well and have durable tips that won’t break when sharpening.

To make things even more interesting, these pigments match withBruynzeel color pencils, thus allowing for more experimentation.

Prismacolor Watercolor Pencils

Prismacolor| $40.47

This allows for a smooth consistency when drawing and vivid colors even when wet.

Available in a range of 72 shades, these pencils are known for their high-quality pigments.

Theirwatercolor pencilsare no exception, as they work well for both beginners and serious artists.

Cretacolor Woodless Watercolor Pencils

Cretacolor| $46.20

In fact, Prismacolor’s watercolor pencils come in colors that complement theircolored pencils.

Users rave about their depth of the colors and fluid flow.

These pencils work well both on small projects and large drawings.

Caran d’Ache Soft Aquarelle Pencil Set

Caran d’Ache| $34.35

Want to mix in detail with a regular colored pencil?

This means that artists can choose between intense hues and pale shades quickly and effectively.

Looking for something a little different?

Derwent Watercolor Pencil Set for Professionals

Derwent| $148.55

With an effortless laydown and buttery blending, these pencils are a must-have for any artist.

The watercolor pencils are also known for their lightfastness, so they won’t fade over time.

This makes them one of the most popular brands of watercolor pencils among creatives.

Faber-Castell Durer Watercolor Pencil Set

Faber-Castell| $325