Watercolor colored pencils offer a versatile way to create art, combining the control of pencils with the fluidity of watercolors. The primary way to use them is by applying pigment to a surface and then activating it with water, but you can also apply water first and then use the pencil directly into the wet area.
Basic Techniques
Watercolor pencils contain a water-soluble pigment binder, allowing the marks to be dissolved and spread with water, much like traditional watercolors. Here are the main ways to utilize them:
Method 1: Apply Dry, Then Wet
This is perhaps the most common technique and offers significant control over your work.
- Apply Pigment: Draw or shade with the watercolor pencil on your dry paper just as you would a regular colored pencil. You can layer colors, create gradients, or draw fine lines.
- Add Water: Once the pigment is applied, use a wet brush, sponge, or water brush to touch the areas you want to activate. The water dissolves the pigment, turning your pencil marks into washes of color.
- Blend and Spread: Gently move the wet brush over the activated pigment to blend colors, spread washes, or create smooth transitions.
Benefits:
- Allows precise drawing before adding water.
- Offers control over which areas are activated.
- Great for layering and building color intensity gradually.
Method 2: Apply Wet Surface, Then Use Pencil
As mentioned in the reference, you can also apply water to the surface before using the pencil.
- Wet the Surface: Apply water directly to the paper or surface where you want to apply color.
- Draw into Water: While the surface is wet, use the watercolor pencil to draw directly onto the damp area. The wetness on the surface will immediately activate the pigment as you draw.
Benefits:
- Creates intense, vibrant color right away.
- Allows for fluid, painterly marks.
- Can produce interesting textures as the pigment reacts with the water.
Considerations:
- Less control over the exact placement and spread of pigment compared to the dry-first method.
- Can be more challenging for fine detail.
Other Uses
- Using Them Dry: Watercolor pencils can be used just like regular colored pencils for dry drawing, shading, and layering. The marks will not be water-soluble unless water is applied later.
- Lifting Color: Once a wash is dry, you can sometimes re-wet areas and lift color using a clean, damp brush or cloth, similar to traditional watercolors.
- Using a Wet Pencil Tip: Dip the tip of the pencil directly into water and then draw onto dry paper for very intense, dark lines that are immediately activated.
Comparing the Main Methods
Here's a quick comparison of the two primary activation techniques:
| Feature | Apply Dry, Then Wet | Apply Wet Surface, Then Use Pencil |
|---|---|---|
| Control | High (placement, activation area) | Lower (placement, spread) |
| Color Intensity | Can build gradually or be intense | Often immediately intense |
| Detail | Excellent for fine lines and detail | More challenging for fine detail |
| Application | Draw first, then add water | Add water first, then draw |
Experimenting with both methods and combining them within a single artwork will allow you to explore the full potential of watercolor colored pencils.
