Technique on How to Paint With Watercolor Pencils

Watercolor pencils are versatile painting tools that can be used to sketch outlines and details or fill in areas with watercolor. Once the pencil marks or shadings have been applied to the paper, they can be turned into watercolor by washing them with a brush loaded with water.

Things You'll Need

• Watercolor pencils
• Cup of water
• Watercolor brush
• Paper, heavier-weight such as 80 lb. or higher

Instructions

1. Sketch your subject using outlines. Apply the appropriate color pencil corresponding to the colors of your subject.

2. Fill in the colors of the drawing using the pencils. You can use a cross-hatch technique (using lines in opposite directions) or use the side of the point to shade in the areas.

3. Dip your watercolor brush in the cup of water and sweep it over a colored area to turn it into a watercolor wash. The pencil marks will dissolve and become pools of color.

4. Go back to drawing with the watercolor pencils and sketch in details to add crispness.

5. Repeat the process, moving back and forth between drawing and washes to take full advantage of the flexibility of the watercolor pencils.

Tips & Warnings

• By using two or more colors (such as red and white) in the same area, you can create colors that will blend when wet, creating hues beyond those in your watercolor pencil set.

References

• Moore's Art Gallery: Watercolor Pencil Tips
• Elfwood: Watercolor Pencil Techniques