How to Draw with Watercolor Pencils

Watercolor is a material capable of producing impressive results, both in terms of expression and realism. However, learning to handle a brush with precision, especially when working with water, is a skill that requires a lot of practice.

But don't worry! The art industry continues to innovate, and we now have at our disposal an ingenious tool that facilitates and enriches our creative processes.

What is a watercolor pencil?

As the name suggests, watercolor pencils are colored pencils whose lead reacts to water, similar to watercolor pans.

This provides the advantage of being able to use them intuitively while increasing precision. Moreover, due to their similarities to traditional watercolor paint, they can be used together to complement each other, which can lead to an exceptional result.

Different usage techniques

Start by preparing your paper: you can either soak it in water and then let it dry flat, or fix it with tape and apply a uniform layer of water using a wide brush.

Also, keep your brushes, some watercolors, and a container filled with water handy.

Drawing and then adding water

To start, create a simple drawing, then add water with a brush. You will then see the pigment from the lines spread due to the moisture applied. The higher the pigment concentration, the stronger the color intensity will be.

Drawing on a wet surface

Start by applying a watercolor stain, then, while the surface is still wet, draw over it. You will notice that the pencil glides smoothly, releasing a large amount of pigment that dissolves delicately.

Drawing on a dry surface

You have probably wanted to add details to your paintings before, but the brush did not offer the desired precision. This is where this particular material can come in particularly useful.

Apply a watercolor wash, let it dry, then draw on top: the pencil will mark easily, effortlessly.

Drawing on wet paper 

This technique is similar to the wet surface method. This time, simply apply a layer of clear water with a brush, then draw directly on it. The pencil will glide smoothly again, releasing pigment that will dilute according to the amount of water present.

Wetting the tip of the pencil and then drawing

You can achieve a similar effect by wetting the tip of the pencil directly, rather than the paper. On dry paper, then draw lines or doodles and observe the result.

Using the pencil like a watercolor pan

Pencils can also be used as watercolor pans. Simply moisten your brush and rub it against the pencil lead to get a watery mix, just as you would with your traditional watercolor paints.

How to use watercolor pencils

Now that you know some techniques, let's explore how to use watercolor pencils to good effect.

Gradient color chart

Use all the colors you have and make small gradients with each. Remember: the more concentrated the pigment, the more intense the color will be.

Color transitions

Try now to mix multiple colors. Start by painting the transitions with various combinations, including between dissimilar colors. Once water is added, observe how the pigments blend together.

To conclude, we will conduct a small demonstration: draw a botanical pattern that includes different shapes. The goal is to explore the precision that this material offers.

Color the leaves with green, blue, and yellow; don’t worry if the coloring is uneven. Once the base is finished, take a fine brush and apply water to the freshly colored areas.

The colors will then blend to create the characteristic gradients of watercolor.

This is the end of our article for today. I hope that watercolor pencils surprised you as much as they impressed me the first time. Have a go at reproducing the exercises provided here to effectively incorporate them into your watercolor practice.

Writer and illustrator: Bryam