For this week’s article I thought I would do something a little bit different, and compare some different ways of using one product. My product of choice was watercolour pencils. There are lots of different brands available. I did my drawings with Derwent watercolour pencils. I love watercolour pencils, much less mess than paint, especially with a young child around.

There are some different ways of using watercolour pencils, and a lot depends on the look you are going for. So what I have done is use the pencils in three different ways on the same surface, in this case watercolour paper.



The first technique is to colour in the picture with the pencils dry, then use a paint brush dipped in water to wet the design and blend the colour. This technique gives the most ‘watercolour’ style of look. It is also the best for blending colours together and graduating the colours smoothly.



The second technique is to wet the paper and then colour over it with the pencils. I find that this technique gives a rougher appearance and shows up the texture of the paper a lot more. Two or more colour blends are fairly difficult to do this way.



The third technique is to dip the pencil in water and colour in the bead of water that comes off the end, sort of like making the paint as you go. You do need to keep dipping the pencil to keep it ‘flowing’. This technique uses up more pencil, but gives a more intense colour and thicker paper coverage. It is also great for getting more defined lines. You can blend colours and graduate, but not as well as with the first technique.

If you want the true ‘watercolour’ look the first technique is the way to go. If you want more texture the second is good. If you want intense colour, especially with black and dark colours, and good coverage, go with the third technique. Any way you go, watercolour pencils are great fun with minimal mess.
 

Photos courtesy of Jennifer Mercer

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Watercolour Pencil Techniques
13 January 2010, 3:04 am
Source: Jennifer Mercer, Handmade News Columnist
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Ahh I miss my Derwents! I had Studio and Watercolour. Of course, there's better out there, I just don't know what they are but I will find out if I ever find my old art teacher!!


Have you tried using alcohol with the water paint/colour yet? Don't forget wax crayons .