{"title":"Watercolor Pencils","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e#html-body [data-pb-style=VEF6GED]{justify-content:flex-start;display:flex;flex-direction:column;background-position:left top;background-size:cover;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-attachment:scroll;border-style:none;border-width:1px;border-radius:0;margin:0 0 10px;padding:10px}#html-body [data-pb-style=ODXO368]{border-style:none;border-width:1px;border-radius:0;margin:0;padding:0}\u003c\/style\u003e\u003cdiv data-content-type='\\\"row\\\"' data-appearance='\\\"contained\\\"' data-element='\\\"main\\\"'\u003e\u003cdiv data-enable-parallax='\\\"0\\\"' data-parallax-speed='\\\"0.5\\\"' data-background-images='\\\"{}\\\"' data-background-type='\\\"image\\\"' data-video-loop='\\\"true\\\"' data-video-play-only-visible='\\\"true\\\"' data-video-lazy-load='\\\"true\\\"' data-video-fallback-src='\\\"\\\"' data-element='\\\"inner\\\"' data-pb-style='\\\"VEF6GED\\\"'\u003e\u003cdiv data-content-type='\\\"html\\\"' data-appearance='\\\"default\\\"' data-element='\\\"main\\\"' data-pb-style='\\\"ODXO368\\\"'\u003e\n\u003cdiv class='\\\"readmore\\\"' data-collapsed-height=\"'100'\"\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"'rm-container'\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class='\\\"rm-content\\\"'\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow do you use watercolor pencils?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e1. Paper\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore you begin to use your watercolor pencils, one thing is essential to note. Since these pencils are activated by water, and you will no doubt be using water on paper, it's important to use thicker paper that can handle moisture without rippling and buckling—the denser the paper, the better the results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe recommend using watercolor paper at a minimum of 90lbs (or 200 gsm) and up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother thing to consider before using your watercolor pencils is what sort of texture you would like for your paper. Both smooth and textured surfaces have unique advantages, depending on your approach and what look you want when you create with watercolor pencils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the best of both worlds, you might want to choose a watercolor paper that gives you the option of a smooth and textured side.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo use your watercolor pencils, first, gather your supplies. You'll need:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWatercolor paper\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWater, paper towels, masking, or washi tape\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWatercolor brush, or a water brush (a brush with a reservoir that holds water)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePencil sharpener\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eOptional: Graphite pencils or waterproof pens to rough sketch and or outline if you wish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e2. Sample The Color\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe highly recommend your first use of your new watercolor pencils is to create a sample chart to test what each color looks like without water and then activated with water.  Colors from watercolor pencils often look very different once water is applied. A sample chart will show you exactly what each of your colors will look like when dry and wet so you can choose the right colors that work for your next art project and not be caught off guard by unexpected hues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e3. Stretch The Paper\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNext, you may wish to stretch your watercolor paper before use. While the watercolor paper is specifically designed to withstand heavy water use, preparing it beforehand can help prevent severe warping as you work. To stretch your watercolor paper, wet both sides of the paper until it is thoroughly damp. Blot away any excess, then wet your masking or washi tape and secure the wet watercolor paper to your work surface, covering all edges of the paper. Next, wait until the paper is dry to begin. This will help prevent ripples and waves that may happen during water use on paper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOptional: Before you apply watercolor pencil to paper, you may want to make a rough sketch to help plan out what your picture will look like. This can help you understand which areas of your painting you'll want to keep light and which areas you'll need to apply more color or shadows. You can use almost anything for this step, graphite pencils, watercolor pencils themselves, or waterproof pens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e4. Begin To Color\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow that you know how your picture will look, you can begin to color it with your watercolor pencils. Draw and color with your watercolor pencils just as you would regular color pencils, but don't worry about having to fill in every space. If there are areas where you want it to be light as possible, leave them blank. When you activate these colors, you apply with water. You'll be able to spread the color and blend nearby hues into light areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e5. Activating, or Water Painting, Watercolor Pencils\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow you can begin painting with water. Using a clean brush, follow the shape and direction of your pencil strokes to give your piece a cohesive look. You can minimize the appearance of pencil strokes if you like by working the color more with your brush, but be aware of any pill or fraying, warping, or buckling of your paper. This is a sign that you may have used too much water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e6. Layer for More Vivid Color\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter your first application of water has been applied, let it dry thoroughly. If you find the colors not vivid enough or you would like more, once dried, you can color over your work with watercolor pencils again. Add more of the same hue to deepen color, or experiment by using contrasting colors for interesting shadows and depth. When you're satisfied, you can grab a clean brush and paint over with water. You can repeat this step several times, allowing each layer to dry thoroughly beforehand to get the exact look you want.  One tip to remember that may be helpful: always begin with lighter colors and move on to darker areas when activating watercolor pencils. This will help prevent the darker colors from running into the light areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat is the difference between watercolor pencils and colored pencils?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe most significant difference between regular colored pencils and watercolor pencils is that normal colored pencils create their cores either out of wax or an oil-base to bind the pigment, while watercolor pencil cores as created using a water-soluble pigment binder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegular colored pencils aren't designed to be diluted with water, and in fact, their binder does not dissolve in water-based solutions. They are created to be used dry and blended dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDo you dip watercolor pencils in water?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatercolor pencils were not designed to be dipped in water. Instead, color with watercolor pencils as you normally would with regular colored pencils, then bring the water to the paper with the watercolor pencils. You will get the best results by applying water to the pencils that have been applied to the paper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat are the best watercolor pencils?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe most critically acclaimed and popular watercolor pencils used by artists worldwide are:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCretacolor\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDerwent\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFaber-Castell\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRoyal \u0026amp; Langnickel\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWinsor \u0026amp; Newton\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cscript type='\\\"application\/ld+json\\\"'\u003e{\\\"@context\\\":\\\"https:\/\/schema.org\\\",\\\"@type\\\":\\\"FAQPage\\\",\\\"mainEntity\\\":[{\\\"@type\\\":\\\"Question\\\",\\\"name\\\":\\\"How do you use watercolor pencils?\\\",\\\"acceptedAnswer\\\":{\\\"@type\\\":\\\"Answer\\\",\\\"text\\\":\\\"\u003ch3\u003e1. Paper\u003c\/h3\u003e\\\\n\u003cp\u003eBefore you begin to use your watercolor pencils, one thing is essential to note. Since these pencils are activated by water, and you will no doubt be using water on paper, it's important to use thicker paper that can handle moisture without rippling and buckling—the denser the paper, the better the results.\u003c\/p\u003e\\\\n\u003cp\u003eWe recommend using watercolor paper at a minimum of 90lbs (or 200 gsm) and up.\u003c\/p\u003e\\\\n\u003cp\u003eAnother thing to consider before using your watercolor pencils is what sort of texture you would like for your paper. Both smooth and textured surfaces have unique advantages, depending on your approach and what look you want when you create with watercolor pencils.\u003c\/p\u003e\\\\n\u003cp\u003eFor the best of both worlds, you might want to choose a watercolor paper that gives you the option of a smooth and textured side.\u003c\/p\u003e\\\\n\u003cp\u003eTo use your watercolor pencils, first, gather your supplies. You'll need:\u003c\/p\u003e\\\\n\u003cul\u003e\\\\n  \u003cli\u003eWatercolor paper\u003c\/li\u003e\\\\n  \u003cli\u003eWater, paper towels, masking, or washi tape\u003c\/li\u003e\\\\n  \u003cli\u003eWatercolor brush, or a water brush (a brush with a reservoir that holds water)\u003c\/li\u003e\\\\n  \u003cli\u003ePencil sharpener\u003c\/li\u003e\\\\n  \u003cli\u003eOptional: Graphite pencils or waterproof pens to rough sketch and or outline if you wish.\u003c\/li\u003e\\\\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\\\\n\u003ch3\u003e2. Sample The Color\u003c\/h3\u003e\\\\n\u003cp\u003eWe highly recommend your first use of your new watercolor pencils is to create a sample chart to test what each color looks like without water and then activated with water.  Colors from watercolor pencils often look very different once water is applied. A sample chart will show you exactly what each of your colors will look like when dry and wet so you can choose the right colors that work for your next art project and not be caught off guard by unexpected hues.\u003c\/p\u003e\\\\n\u003ch3\u003e3. Stretch The Paper\u003c\/h3\u003e\\\\n\u003cp\u003eNext, you may wish to stretch your watercolor paper before use. While the watercolor paper is specifically designed to withstand heavy water use, preparing it beforehand can help prevent severe warping as you work. To stretch your watercolor paper, wet both sides of the paper until it is thoroughly damp. Blot away any excess, then wet your masking or washi tape and secure the wet watercolor paper to your work surface, covering all edges of the paper. Next, wait until the paper is dry to begin. This will help prevent ripples and waves that may happen during water use on paper.\u003c\/p\u003e\\\\n\u003cp\u003eOptional: Before you apply watercolor pencil to paper, you may want to make a rough sketch to help plan out what your picture will look like. This can help you understand which areas of your painting you'll want to keep light and which areas you'll need to apply more color or shadows. You can use almost anything for this step, graphite pencils, watercolor pencils themselves, or waterproof pens.\u003c\/p\u003e\\\\n\u003ch3\u003e4. Begin To Color\u003c\/h3\u003e\\\\n\u003cp\u003eNow that you know how your picture will look, you can begin to color it with your watercolor pencils. Draw and color with your watercolor pencils just as you would regular color pencils, but don't worry about having to fill in every space. If there are areas where you want it to be light as possible, leave them blank. When you activate these colors, you apply with water. You'll be able to spread the color and blend nearby hues into light areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\\\\n\u003ch3\u003e5. Activating, or Water Painting, Watercolor Pencils\u003c\/h3\u003e\\\\n\u003cp\u003eNow you can begin painting with water. Using a clean brush, follow the shape and direction of your pencil strokes to give your piece a cohesive look. You can minimize the appearance of pencil strokes if you like by working the color more with your brush, but be aware of any pill or fraying, warping, or buckling of your paper. This is a sign that you may have used too much water.\u003c\/p\u003e\\\\n\u003ch3\u003e6. Layer for More Vivid Color\u003c\/h3\u003e\\\\n\u003cp\u003eAfter your first application of water has been applied, let it dry thoroughly. If you find the colors not vivid enough or you would like more, once dried, you can color over your work with watercolor pencils again. Add more of the same hue to deepen color, or experiment by using contrasting colors for interesting shadows and depth. When you're satisfied, you can grab a clean brush and paint over with water. You can repeat this step several times, allowing each layer to dry thoroughly beforehand to get the exact look you want.  One tip to remember that may be helpful: always begin with lighter colors and move on to darker areas when activating watercolor pencils. This will help prevent the darker colors from running into the light areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\\\"}},{\\\"@type\\\":\\\"Question\\\",\\\"name\\\":\\\"What is the difference between watercolor pencils and colored pencils?\\\",\\\"acceptedAnswer\\\":{\\\"@type\\\":\\\"Answer\\\",\\\"text\\\":\\\"\u003cp\u003eThe most significant difference between regular colored pencils and watercolor pencils is that normal colored pencils create their cores either out of wax or an oil-base to bind the pigment, while watercolor pencil cores as created using a water-soluble pigment binder.\u003c\/p\u003e\\\\n\u003cp\u003eRegular colored pencils aren't designed to be diluted with water, and in fact, their binder does not dissolve in water-based solutions. They are created to be used dry and blended dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\\\"}},{\\\"@type\\\":\\\"Question\\\",\\\"name\\\":\\\"Do you dip watercolor pencils in water?\\\",\\\"acceptedAnswer\\\":{\\\"@type\\\":\\\"Answer\\\",\\\"text\\\":\\\"\u003cp\u003eWatercolor pencils were not designed to be dipped in water. Instead, color with watercolor pencils as you normally would with regular colored pencils, then bring the water to the paper with the watercolor pencils. You will get the best results by applying water to the pencils that have been applied to the paper.\u003c\/p\u003e\\\"}},{\\\"@type\\\":\\\"Question\\\",\\\"name\\\":\\\"What are the best watercolor pencils?\\\",\\\"acceptedAnswer\\\":{\\\"@type\\\":\\\"Answer\\\",\\\"text\\\":\\\"\u003cp\u003eThe most critically acclaimed and popular watercolor pencils used by artists worldwide are:\u003c\/p\u003e\\\\n\u003cul\u003e\\\\n  \u003cli\u003eCretacolor\u003c\/li\u003e\\\\n  \u003cli\u003eDerwent\u003c\/li\u003e\\\\n  \u003cli\u003eFaber-Castell\u003c\/li\u003e\\\\n  \u003cli\u003eRoyal \u0026 Langnickel\u003c\/li\u003e\\\\n  \u003cli\u003eWinsor \u0026 Newton\u003c\/li\u003e\\\\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\\\"}}]}\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"faber-castell-watersoluble-graphite-pencils-set-of-5","title":"Faber-Castell Watersoluble Graphite Pencils - Set of 5","description":"\u003cp\u003eFaber-Castell Watersoluble Graphite Pencils are ideal for classical watercolor painting, preliminary sketches and mixed media projects.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #d12c01;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSet of 5 -\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e This pencil set includes on each of the following sizes: HB, 2B, 4B, 6B and 8B. This set also includes a no. 6 round brush.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"faber-castell","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42204447178806,"sku":"FC117897","price":12.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0577\/5772\/8822\/files\/fc117897_1.jpg?v=1712153620"}],"url":"https:\/\/journeyartstuff.mom\/collections\/painting-and-painting-accessories-watercolor-painting-watercolor-pencils.oembed","provider":"Journey Art Stuff","version":"1.0","type":"link"}