Learn About Watercolor Pencils

All copyrights are retained by the artist,
Mona Majorowicz of Wild Faces Gallery.

The artwork or content in this lens may not be used or reproduced, either
in part or in whole, without the express written consent from the artist.

Watercolor pencils look pretty much like colored pencils. The main difference being the water-soluble nature of the lead. They can, in theory, be used multiple ways. I say in theory because I have only found the first three ways as being really useful. I've included the others because in certain situations, they may be the way to go.

* Use them like colored pencils

* Color or draw, then add water for watercolor effect. This is my primary way of working with them.

* Wet brush, then lift color off the pencil. Occasionally I do this, especially for putting in long hairs or signing my name.

* Wet pencil then draw. I use this for putting in white highlights, such as in the eye.

* Wet paper then draw. Not recommended for most situations. This puts far too much pigment down, and will hinder any blending.

* Color on separate paper, then lift color with wet brush. I've never tried this technique. It seems a little illogical.

I thought I would take a moment to mention watercolor paper, as it goes hand in hand with watercolor pencils.

There are three types (surfaces) in watercolor paper, and what I use exclusively with watercolor pencils is Hot Press. The smooth surface allows for smooth blending and since I am primarily an animal painter it is easier to create all those little detail hairs. The rougher texture papers tend to grab more pigment off the pencil and deposit it in the divets on the paper. I could see this being a fun effect for some, but I am a woman who is set in my ways. Hot Press only for me.

The Watercolor Paper Paper Types
* Hot Press. This is the smoothest texture
* Cold Press. This has more texture and is most commonly used by traditional watercolorists.
* Rough. Pretty much just what it says. This has by far the most texture.

Watercolor paper also comes in varying weights. I have not experimented with a lot of different weights. Since I tend to work my pencils quite dry, I generally use #140 weight which is a rather light weight paper comparatively speaking. Papers can vary between 90# to 300# and more.

I would suggest using a heavier weight paper if you are fond of using a lot of water, or if your finished pieces are buckling. Another option would be to stretch your lighter weight paper while painting, by taping or stapling it to a board. This will allow the paper to dry flat and tight.

Lightfastness is rated using the Blue Wool (BW) Scale. The highest BW value is 8. Values of BW6 or higher are considered lightfast.

Where available Links will be provided for each companies lightfastness rating.

Blue Wool Scale
According to wikipedia

"The Blue Wool Scale measures and calibrates the permanence of coloring dyes. Traditionally this test was developed for the textiles industry but it has now been adopted by the printing industry as measure of lightfastness of ink colorants. Normally two identical dye samples are created. One is placed in the dark as the control and the other is placed in the equivalent of sunlight for a 3 month period. The amount of fading is then measured by comparison to the original color and a rating between 0 and 8 is awarded. Zero denotes extremely poor color fastness whilst a rating of eight is deemed not to have altered from the original and thus credited as being lightfast and permanent."

Various Brands Of Watercolor Pencils

I have primarily two brands that I use. Rexel Derwent (photo right) and Faber Castell. (photo left) After many years working with watercolor pencils I needed to change it up a bit and so I set them aside for awhile. Now several years later I'm back to using my pencils. The reason I mention this is that there are loads of new high quality pencils on the market that I haven't tried.

If anyone has any brands they have tried and liked I would love to hear from you.

A Few Other Brands of Watercolor Pencils

Caran d'Ache Watercolor Pencils and Crayons
Cretacolor Aqua Media Products
Derwent Watercolor Pencils and Sets
Faber-Castell Watercolor Pencils and Sets
Koh-I-Noor Mondeluz Watercolor Pencil Sets
Prismacolor Watercolor Pencil Sets
RaffinWatercolor Pencil Sets
Stabilo Tone Watercolor Crayon Sets
Staedtler Karat Watercolor Pencils and Crayons

Derwent 72 Watercolor Pencil Metal Tin Set

Derwent Watercolor Pencils were the first set I bought myself. They are a mid-range brand of professional pencil. Personally, I feel the colors are a little more flat looking (not as vibrant) compared to the Faber Castells. Other than that, I really like these pencils.

Derwent has recently added a new line of watercolor pencils called Signature. They are all made to the highest standards and all have the highest lightfast rating possible. There are only 40 colors available currently. If I continue to work regularly in watercolor pencil again, I will definitely be getting a set.

Some qualities that I like about this brand are

* Common in most art supply stores, so they are easy to get open stock replacement pencils.
* Dense lead offers a fine point with minimal breakage
* Pencil can be sharpened with most standard pencil sharpeners. (Note: Faber Castell have a bigger barrel and require a larger sharpener.)
* Large assortment of colors. (72)
* You can download a lightfastness chart off their website
* hexagonal shape minimizes rolling.

Albrecht Durer Watercolor Pencils by Faber Castell- Set of 120

Why I Like Faber Castell Watercolor Pencils
Faber Castell Watercolor Pencils are my favorite brand because of their luminous color. They are a little more spendy than some, but they are of the highest quality. And the way I see it is, you get what you pay for. The pigment density is excellent which means less layering and the intensity and brightness of color is exceptional. I can actually tell which watercolor pencil paintings I used these pencils on. It is obvious to my eye the artworks created before Faber Castell watercolor pencils and which artworks were after I discovered them.

When I first purchased these watercolor pencils they were quite hard to find as open stock, but now a lot of art supply stores are carrying them this sway so they are easy to replace now, as well.

Watercolor Pencil Amazon Product Description
These beautiful pencils by Faber Castell offer high quality pigments that are bright lightfast and acid free. The colors are fully water soluble- simply draw on any surface that is suitable for watercolor and then blend colors with a wet brush. The leads are bonded down the complete length of the pencil which prevents breakage. This also ensures that the color leads will not slip out of the wood casing during use. Colors layer beautifully and can be used with or without water.

Faber Castell is my favorite brand because of their luminous color. They are a little more spendy than most, but they are of the highest quality. And the way I see it is, you get what you pay for.

Some qualities that I like about this brand are

* Dense high quality pigment with the lightfast indicator on each pencil.
* Extensive color range (120 colors)
* Large hexagonal shape keeps them from constantly rolling off my drafting table.
* Lead is SV bonded, meaning the color is glued to the wood the full length of the pencil. for added strength and less breakage. (Note: These are still more prone to breakage than my Rexel Derwent pencils.)
* All non-toxic and acid free (ph neutral.)

The Faber Castell Lightfast Rating System uses a star rating to indicate the lightfastness of each pencil. This is printed on each pencil so you can tell at a glance just how lightfast the color is.

***maximum light fastness BW7,BW8 (100+ years)
**very good light fastness BW5,BW6 (25+ years)
*good light fastness BW3,BW4 (5+ years)

A.W. Faber-Castell Heirloom Wood Case of 120 Albrecht Durer Artists Watercolor Pencils

Caran D'ache - Supracolor Watercolor Pencils - Set of 120

My Thoughts Caran d"Ache Watercolor Pencils
Now while I don't have a full set of Caran d'Ache Watercolor Pencils I do have an extensive range of open stock that I selected to fill in the color gaps of some of my other sets.

Overall I really like these pencils well enough. They have good color and coverage as well as work really nicely as a dry pencil. Since much of my work is done primarily dry this is quite important that a sharpened pencils can maintain a point without breaking.

The lead is perhaps a touch more crumbly than Faber Castell or Derwents when applying a lot of pressure when working dry. But they have a fabulous color range and the color luminosity is really good.

Note: For Caran d'Ache Watercolor Pencil Lightfast chart visit their website and download thr PDF.

* Superior-quality water-soluble color pencils for the most exacting requirements
* Lead: water-soluble, soft, 3.8 mm, high breaking-strength, very economical thanks to their exceptional covering power.
* Bright colors, excellent light fastness.
* Techniques: crosshatching, graded applications, watercolor effects, washes, unlimited blending possibilities, mixed media
* Hexagonal, end-sealed in the same color as the lead, marked with color name and code, best cedar.

Once again I don't have a complete set of Prismacolor Watercolor Pencils so my opinions are in regards to the dozen or so open stock pencils I have on hand.

They have a nice color line and again good coverage. They have a little more of a softer lead so they don't hold a point well without crumbling. That being said, I still have managed to use several of these pencils and felt the need to replace them once used up.

Note: I could not find a colorfast rating chart for these watercolor pencils.

Romeo, (the zebra image to the left) is an example of a watercolor pencil painting that I did. To see more of my work please visit my website Wild Faces Gallery.

Or if you would like to learn more about working with watercolor pencils please visit my blog Fur In The Paint

Other Water Soluble Media

Derwent Inktense 72 Pencil Tin Set

MY Thoughts On Derwents Inktense Watersoluble Ink PencilsThe color is as the name name indicates Intense. I tend to use these for my base color. Where I used to apply several layers of traditional watercolor Pencils washes. Now, generally it requires only one layers of Inktense to get the job done. Having discovered these little beauties my time spent working on base coloring was greatly diminished.

Inktense Watersoluble Ink Pencil Amazon Product Description
Combining the brilliant intensity of pen and ink with the versatility of line and wash this pencil can be used for dry rich intense color or washed out with a little water to create a vivid translucent effect. The rich pigment extends further than traditional watercolor pencils and is more opaque for a true ink effect. Permanent once dry.

I recently bought some open stock of Derwent's Inktense, watersoluble ink pencil. After trying a few I immediately went out and bought some more.

They are indeed intense when it comes to laying in color. So it is best to start of with a "less is better" approach until you get a feel for them. I find them excellent for laying in backgrounds as they require far fewer layers of color to give you that rich tone.

Inktense comes in a range of 71 brilliant colors, plus a non-soluble outliner (which I haven't tried) that allows you to draw outlines that are permanent. For the most part I use them just as I do my watercolor pencils and intermix them often.

Note: It is best not to wear light colored clothes when working with Inktense pencils. Much like the ink stains your substrate, they also stain your clothing. This is probably one of those common sense things most people already know. But since watercolor pencils are such a clean and dry medium it has never been an issue with them. Inktense pencils it is.

According to Derwent

"Aquatone offers you four times more useable material than a (traditional) woodcased version. This solid stick of pure, watersoluble colour can be used wet or dry, and you can apply broad sweeps of colour in seconds. For even faster colour lay down, simply peel off the protective wrapper and apply Aquatone on its side. In a range of 24 vibrant colours with absolutely no wastage, Aquatone is great value for money and will give you many hours of creative pleasure. "

I also bought a few of these to try out. I was a little dubious but found them to work quite nicely. The only real issue I have with them is I keep breaking them. Apparently they weren't designed for the kind of punishment I give out. I have however talked with a few other folks and they didn't have this problem so perhaps it IS just me.

Other Woodless Watercolor Pencil Brands That I Haven't Tried

The Cretacolor Aquamonolith pencils come in 72 colors
Caran d'Ache Neocolor II Crayon Sets

Neocolor Ii 126 Watersoluble Crayon Set

Neocolor II Water Soluble Wax Pastel Amazon Product Description
Caran d'Ache Neocolor II Aquarelle water-soluble artists crayons have exceptional covering properties. Mixable for infinite variety and works on any material. Ideal for numerous watercolor techniques. This set contains all 126 colors available in the Neocolor II range - the widest range of wax-based, water-soluble pastels anywhere! Housed in a metal box.

* Superior-quality water-soluble wax pastel
* Soft and easy to work pastels with strong bright colors.
* Techniques: Dry or wet drawing on all materials, watercolour effects, washes, scraping out
* Made in Switzerland

Recently, I bought a few of the Caran d'Ache Neocolor II Wax Pastels and fell in love. They lay down pigment beautifully. They are not as soluble as I am used to with my watercolor pencils, but make up for it with ease of application and pigment coverage.

I have found them most useful when applying them over other colors, as they have really good opacity. The downside is you can't really layer much color over the top because they are rather waxy.

I'm not sure if they are "technically" considered pencils since they totally look like crayons, but you will find them in the same area as watercolor pencils in most art stores and catalogs. Also I have used them in conjunction with my pencils on several paintings and when done properly they work flawlessly together.

Note: The Neocolors II have excellent Lightfast Ratings. Visit the Caran d' Ache website and download the PDF file to view.

Books, Supplies And My Other Tutorials To Get You Started

My name is Mona Majorowicz I am a professional artist who has been making my living selling my work for some time now. I am an animal artist, (meaning I paint critters) who works primarily in Oil Pastel or Water Soluble Pencil.

I own and operate Wild Faces Gallery with my husband Mike in a small rural town in Iowa. There we sell my original artwork and prints, as well as do quality custom framing and offer Giclee printing for other artists as well as for ourselves. I have over 20 years in ate art and framing industry both as a business owner and as a working artist.

I maintain a blog called Fur In The Paint, as well as write a regular column for the equestrian magazine Apples 'N Oats about painting horses.

Animals are my passion and art is how I chose to express it.

Art Materials, Techniques and Supplies
How To Paint Fur In Watercolor Pencil
Learn About Watercolor Pencils
Using Watercolor Pencils on Suede Board
Inktense: Water Soluble Ink Pencils
Neocolor ll Water Soluble Wax Pastels
Oil Pastel Technique
Oil Pastels: Some Basic Information
Tips and Tools for working with Oil Pastels
3 Ways To Frame An Oil Pastel Painting

Art Business & Art Marketing
How To Know If You're Ready To Make Prints Of Your Art
Artwork Framing Guide
How To Care For Your Artwork and Prints
Creating A Collaborative Economy For Artists
How To Draw Remarques
Art Marketing: 6 Personality Traits For Success In The Art Market
Art Marketing: When Selling Art Predictable Is Popular
Art Marketing:The Two Most Common Myths
Selling Art: Tips From An Art Fair Veteran

Art Fair & Art Fair Gear Lenses
An Art Fair Primer
All Good Things Come From Art Fairs
20 Things I've Learned From 20 Years of Doing Art Fairs
Choosing The Right Art Fair
Preparing Art Fair Slides & Digital Images For The Jury
Artwork Display Panels
Directors Chair Resource
Art Fair Equipment Essentials
Art Fair Tents And Canopies

Lenses About Me And My Art
Artwork To Benefit Equine Rescue
Wild Faces Gallery Art Lensography
Animal Totems: An Art Series
The Horse Paintings Of Wild Faces Gallery
The African Wildlife Art of Wild Faces Gallery
The Zen Horse: An Art Series
The Draft Horse Art Of Wild Faces Gallery

Art & Critter Related Books, Movies and Music
The Art Books Of Robert Vavra
Hidalgo: The Movie
My Favorite Horse Movies
The Classic Horse Books Of Marguerite Henry
Music For The Art Of Creating
Author Diana Gabaldon's Outlander Series
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
The Art Books Of Robert Bateman
House Of Night Vampire Book Series
Vampire Academy Books Series
The Best Books For Women Who Love Horses
The Best Books For Horse Lovers
Oliver: The Original Gallery Cat
Chicory The Wonder Horse
A Tribute To My Faithful Friend Brutus
Is Declawing A Cat Cruel?
The World Percheron Congress 2010
My Dog Cisco: A Day In The Life Of A Retired Farming Dog
Your Cat Related Questions Answered By Budda The Cat
Meet The Budda
Budda's Dream Time Wish List

Picture Framing & Misc. Artsy Fartsy Stuff
How To Make Paper
How To Collect Your Own Reference Photo Library And Why You Should
Organizing Your Photo Reference Library
How To Stretch Mount A Cross Stitch
Mat Cutting: How To Cut The Basic Mat

Christmas Card, Ornament and Gift Lenses
Create Your Own Christmas And Holiday Art Cards
Alphabet Block Christmas Tree Ornaments
Hanpainted Victorian Christmas Tree Ornaments
How To Make Heart Button Pillow Ornaments
How To Make Felt Carousel Christmas Tree Ornaments
Free Crochet Snowflake Patterns
Handmade Christmas Ornaments, Cards, Gifts & Decorations Lensography
Antique, Vintage & Victorian Postcards
Create These Easy Vintage Postcard Christmas Tree Ornaments
Carousel Horse Christmas Tree Ornaments
Color Fun With Crayola
Art Supplies For Kids
Breyer Collectible Holiday Horses