Watercolor crayons are a unique art medium that allows you to draw like a crayon and then transform the marks into paint with the addition of water.
Understanding Watercolor Crayons
Unlike standard wax crayons, watercolor crayons are manufactured with a special binder that allows pigments to dissolve and break down when water comes into contact. This distinctive composition is what gives them their dual nature.
When used dry, they create vibrant, opaque lines and blocks of color similar to regular crayons or pastels. However, their magic is revealed upon the application of water.
The Magic of Water
The presence of water activates the special binder within the crayon marks. As water touches the pigment, the binder allows the color to spread and become translucent, mimicking the effects of traditional watercolors. The harder you press or the more layers you apply dry, the more intense the color will be when water is added.
Dry vs. Wet Effect
| Application Method | Appearance (Dry) | Appearance (Wet) |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Mark | Opaque, textured line | Soft, blended, translucent wash |
| Blended Area | Solid, layered color | Smooth, flowing, painterly feel |
How to Use Them (Practical Insights)
Watercolor crayons offer incredible versatility for artists of all levels. Here are a few ways to use them:
- Draw Dry, Apply Water: Create your drawing directly on watercolor paper. Then, use a wet brush to go over the lines or areas you want to dissolve and blend.
- Wet the Crayon: Dip the tip of the crayon directly into water and then draw. This creates intense, immediate watercolor lines.
- Wet the Paper: Apply water to the paper first, then draw into the wet area with the crayon. This creates soft, bleeding effects.
- Lift Color: Draw dry on the paper, then use a wet brush to lift color from the marks onto another area of the paper or to dilute the color directly on the mark.
- Mix Colors: Apply different colors dry side-by-side, then wet them to blend and create new shades.
This unique ability to transition from a solid drawing tool to a fluid painting medium makes watercolor crayons a popular choice for sketching, mixed media, and achieving effects not possible with other single art supplies.
