How do you use Crayola watercolor pencils?

Crayola watercolor pencils are used by applying them to paper, then activating the pigment with water, creating a watercolor effect.

Understanding Crayola Watercolor Pencils

Crayola watercolor pencils combine the control of a colored pencil with the versatility of watercolors. This makes them a unique tool for artists of all levels. To maximize their potential, it's crucial to understand how they work:

• Dry Application: The pencils are first used like regular colored pencils, allowing you to create lines, shading, and details on dry paper.
• Wet Activation: Once your drawing is complete, you use a wet brush or sponge to add water to the applied pencil marks. The water dissolves the pigment, transforming the marks into vibrant watercolor washes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Crayola Watercolor Pencils

Here's a detailed guide on how to effectively use your Crayola watercolor pencils:

1. Prepare Your Materials:

   • Watercolor paper or mixed-media paper works best. Standard paper may buckle or tear when wet.
   • Have a clean container of water.
   • Use a watercolor brush of varying sizes. A sponge can also be useful for applying water to large areas.
   • Grab your Crayola watercolor pencils.

2. Draw Your Design:

   • Begin by sketching your desired image using the watercolor pencils. You can use varying pressure to create lighter and darker shades.

3. Activate the Pigment:

   • Dip your brush or sponge into the water, removing excess water to avoid over-saturation.
   • Lightly brush or dab water over the pencil marks. You will see the colors dissolve and blend.
   • The reference from YouTube confirms that applying wetness makes a difference in the vibrancy of the color.

4. Experiment with Techniques:

   • Blending: Use a wet brush to blend colors together seamlessly.
   • Layering: Apply light colors first, allow them to dry slightly, and then layer darker colors on top.
   • Lifting: Use a clean, damp brush to lift color from the paper to create highlights or soft transitions.

5. Drying Time:

   • Allow your artwork to dry completely. This may take some time, depending on how much water was used.

Tips for Success

• Control Water: Start with a small amount of water. It's easier to add more than to remove too much water.
• Work Quickly: Once the water is applied, work quickly with it before the pigment sets.
• Paper Quality: The quality of the paper will affect the final outcome. Using watercolor paper can prevent excessive warping and allow for better blending.
• Testing: Test your colors on a separate piece of paper to get a feel for how they will react when wet.

Summary of How to Use Watercolor Pencils

Step	Action
Preparation	Gather watercolor paper, water, brushes, and Crayola watercolor pencils.
Drawing	Create your design using the pencils, applying different pressures for varying tones.
Activation	Dip your brush or sponge into water and gently apply it over the pencil marks to dissolve the pigment and create a watercolor effect.
Experimentation	Blend colors, layer, and lift pigment to achieve desired artistic effects.
Drying	Allow artwork to fully dry.