Watercolor Pencils

Thomas Hobbs
11 min readSep 28, 2024
Watercolor-Pencils-1

Welcome to our comprehensive roundup of the finest watercolor pencils on the market! These versatile artistic tools offer a unique blend of vibrant colors and easy-to-use functionality. Whether you're an experienced painter or a beginner eager to explore the world of watercolor, our carefully curated list is sure to help you find the perfect pencils for your creative endeavors!

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Reviews

Prismacolor Landscape Colored Pencils Set

Prismacolor Landscape Colored Pencils Set | Image

Bring vibrant colors to life with the Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils. These premium pencils offer a creamy core, perfect for blending and shading, and are filled with high-quality pigments for rich saturation. Their soft, thick cores provide smooth application and excellent blending capabilities, making them ideal for artists of all levels. The landscape selection includes a range of colors perfect for capturing stunning scenery. Let the beauty of these pencils inspire your creativity.

Crayola Watercolor Pencils 240-ct Class Pack

Crayola Watercolor Pencils 240-ct Class Pack | Image

Experiment with captivating colors and creative textures using the versatile Crayola Watercolor Pencils Classpack. Suitable for large groups of students, this Classpack contains 240 non-toxic pencils, each featuring 20 pencils in 12 unique assorted colors. With their sturdy wood barrels and reforested materials, you can rely on these vibrant pencils for a wide range of artistic endeavors. Pre-sharpened pencils ensure instant use, while the handy storage box keeps each color organized and easily accessible. Discover the full potential of the Crayola Watercolor Pencils Classpack for yourself and unleash your creativity today.

Faber Castell Albrecht Durer Watercolor Pencils Set of 24

Faber Castell Albrecht Durer Watercolor Pencils Set of 24 | Image

The Faber Castell Albrecht Durer Watercolor Pencil Set is a must-have for any artist seeking versatility and vivid expression in their work. With 24 high-quality watercolor pencils and a rich history of over 250 years, these pencils produce unparalleled watercolor effects and intensity. Their sturdy design, soft and vibrant color laydown, and high break resistance make them a delight to use and blend, resulting in beautiful, lifelike watercolor masterpieces.

Castle Art Supplies: 72-Piece Zip-Up Watercolor Pencils Set for Adults and Kids

Castle Art Supplies: 72-Piece Zip-Up Watercolor Pencils Set for Adults and Kids | Image

Experience the joy of being an artist with the Castle Art Supplies 72 Watercolor Pencils Zip-Up Set. This comprehensive collection of coloured pencils is perfect for both adults and kids, allowing you to create stunning watercolour-like paintings effortlessly. Each pencil is named, numbered, and colour-coded for easy selection, and they come housed in a protective, fabric zip-around case for easy access wherever you go.

Royal & Langnickel Premium Watercolor Pencil Set

Royal & Langnickel Premium Watercolor Pencil Set | Image

Experience the charm of watercolors with the versatile Royal & Langnickel Premier Box Set. This premium set is meticulously crafted, complete with a sturdy wooden box that houses everything you need to let your creativity run wild. Suitable for both beginners and professionals, this set ensures a delightful artistic adventure.

Faber-Castell Albrecht Durer Watercolor Pencil Set

Faber-Castell Albrecht Durer Watercolor Pencil Set | Image

Enjoy unmatched versatility with the Faber-Castell Albrecht Dürer watercolor pencils set. These premium pencils boast high-quality pigments that offer unparalleled light-fastness and brilliance, making them ideal for artists who demand the best. The pigments dissolve completely when brushed with water, providing a smooth color stroke that effortlessly blends for a vibrant and unique appearance. With break-resistant pencils due to a special bonding process, you can rely on their durability and the longevity of your stunning creations. These 48-piece watercolor pencils are perfect for drawing, shading, and painting, and arrive safely tucked away in a convenient wooden storage case. Try Albrecht Dürer watercolor pencils for an exceptional artistic experience that you won't soon forget.

Faber Castell Albrecht Durer Watercolor Pencils Set

Faber Castell Albrecht Durer Watercolor Pencils Set | Image

Experience unmatched watercolor pigmentation and vibrancy with the Faber Castell Albrecht Durer 12 Watercolor Pencil Set. Crafted from high-quality materials, its soft grip zone provides comfort, while the ergonomic triangular shape ensures a perfect grip. Each pencil boasts a smooth color laydown, perfect for blending and creating intricate compositions. The set is protected within a sturdy metal case complete with a unique locking feature, making it the ideal choice for on-the-go artists.

Faber Castell Albrecht Durer Watercolor Pencils Set

Faber Castell Albrecht Durer Watercolor Pencils Set | Image

The Faber Castell Albrecht Durer 120 Watercolor Pencil Set Tin is a must-have for any artist looking for high-quality, water-soluble pencils. With extra-durable leads and bright, lightfast pigments, these pencils offer an intense and vibrant color palette. Designed for easy use and layering, the pencils glide smoothly on any suitable surface, perfect for both wet and dry applications. The set includes a variety of colors that can be used for various art techniques, making it a versatile choice for any artist. The robust tin case ensures the pencils stay protected and organized, making it easy to carry them around for on-the-go creativity. Overall, this 120-piece set is a fantastic investment for artists of all levels, offering a rich, versatile, and long-lasting art experience.

Faber Castell Albrecht Durer Watercolor Pencil in Dark Sepia

Faber Castell Albrecht Durer Watercolor Pencil in Dark Sepia | Image

Experience the magic of watercolor with Faber Castell's Albrecht Durer pencils. Their vibrant colors are fully water-soluble and leave a soft, detailed mark, perfect for blending and creating stunning effects. With a thick 3.8 mm lead, these pencils offer break-resistance and unparalleled lightfastness, making them a popular choice among artists. Use them to transform your charcoal drawings into eye-catching watercolor masterpieces. Try it out today and see the difference in your artwork!

Vibrant Watercolor Pencils Professional Set - 72 Pencils, Soft Core, Grip in Hexagon

Vibrant Watercolor Pencils Professional Set — 72 Pencils, Soft Core, Grip in Hexagon | Image

Unlock a world of unlimited color possibilities with the KALOUR Watercolor Pencils. This professional set of 72 vibrant pencils, ranging from the softest to the firmest leads, allows you to create precise lines and stunning watercolor effects with a flick of a wet brush. The break-resistant, hexagonal grip provides a comfortable handling experience, making it perfect for color enthusiasts and artists alike.

Shuttle Art 123 Pack Art Pencils Set: Watercolor, Oil Based Pencils

Shuttle Art 123 Pack Art Pencils Set: Watercolor, Oil Based Pencils | Image

The Shuttle Art 123 Pack is a versatile set for artists of all levels, featuring 36 watercolor pencils, 36 oil-based pencils, and a mix of metallic, sketch, charcoal, and graphite pencils. This comprehensive bundle also includes two sketch pads, one watercolor pad, an adult coloring book, and various tools and accessories. Great for teens, beginners, and pros alike, this Shuttle Art set offers everything you need to unleash your creativity.

Faber-Castell Watercolor Pencils Set: Quality, Versatile Pencils for Vibrant Creations

Faber-Castell Watercolor Pencils Set: Quality, Versatile Pencils for Vibrant Creations | Image

Unleash your artistic adventures with the versatile Faber-Castell Red Range Watercolour Pencils set! Created with young artists in mind, these vibrant pencils offer easy blending, shading, and stunning watercolour effects. Featuring medium-soft, 3.3mm leads, these pencils are hexagonally shaped for a comfortable grip and resistant to breakage. The smooth texture ensures a enjoyable painting experience during long sessions. Included in each set is a brush and sharpener, so you can start painting right away. With stunning pigments and an array of colours, unleash your imagination and elevate your artwork to new heights. Each set is sure to delight your creative spirit and explore endless possibilities.

Fantasia Premium 36-Pack Watercolor Pencils Set

Fantasia Premium 36-Pack Watercolor Pencils Set | Image

The Fantasia Premium Watercolor Pencils 36 PC Set is a high-quality, versatile set of pencils, perfect for adding depth and life to your artwork. With extra thick leads that blend easily without smudging, these pencils offer a soft, scratch-free application. They come with a range of colors that can be combined effortlessly to create unique tones and effects. Ideal for paper, wood, fabric, and board, this set includes thirty-six pencils neatly arranged in a compact tin case, easily portable for on-the-go inspiration. Conforming to ASTM D 4235 and imported, these pencils not only deliver stunning results but are also a delight to use.

Buyer's Guide

Watercolor pencils offer vibrant colors, blending capabilities, and the versatility to create a range of watercolor-like effects on paper or other surfaces. This buyer's guide will help you navigate the world of watercolor pencils, understanding essential features and offering advice for selecting the best set for your artistic endeavors.

Choosing the Right Core Size

Watercolor pencils come in various core sizes, ranging from ultra-fine to jumbo. The core size affects the pencil's precision, intensity, and shading possibilities. For detailed and intricate work, opt for smaller core sizes like 0.5mm or 0.7mm. Larger core sizes, such as 2.2mm or 3mm, offer more precision and bold lines, which is ideal for backgrounds or larger areas of a drawing.

Wax-Based or Water-Soluble Pencils

Watercolor pencils can be either wax-based or water-soluble. Wax-based pencils are more suitable for coloring, as they offer better coverage and vibrant colors. However, water-soluble pencils can be used to create watercolor-like effects by blending the colors on wet paper, making them ideal for watercolor painting techniques.

Color Variety and Quality

Consider the color variety offered by the set, as well as the quality of the pigments used. High-quality pencils will have a wide range of colors and will produce vibrant, true-to-life hues. Opt for brands that use lightfast pigments, which protect the colors from fading over time even when exposed to sunlight.

Blending and Layering Capabilities

To achieve the desired watercolor effect, look for pencils that blend and layer well. Practice blending on a scrap of paper to evaluate the pencils' performance, considering both the smoothness of the blending process and the ability to create a range of color variations from light to dark shades. Additionally, assess the pencils' ability to layer without smudging or disrupting the underlying layers.

FAQ

What are watercolor pencils?

Watercolor pencils are unique drawing tools that combine the features of both traditional pencils and watercolor paints. They are designed with a water-soluble core that allows the pencil lines to be blended with water just like watercolor paints, creating soft, smooth color transitions and beautiful shading effects.

These pencils are versatile and can be used for a wide range of techniques, from traditional pencil drawing to watercolor painting. They are suitable for artists of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals, and allow for a variety of artistic expressions through their different colors and blending capabilities.

What are the benefits of using watercolor pencils compared to traditional pencils or watercolor paints?

One of the primary benefits of watercolor pencils is their versatility. They can be used for traditional pencil drawing, as well as watercolor painting. This means that artists can easily create both precise line work and blended shading in one tool, making it ideal for mixed media projects or experimentation.

Another advantage is that watercolor pencils are more portable than traditional watercolor paints. They are easy to store and transport, and they can be used directly on paper without the need for water or other tools. Additionally, watercolor pencils offer a wider range of colors compared to traditional pencils, with many sets featuring several shades and tones to choose from.

What are some tips for using watercolor pencils?

One of the most important tips is to use a light touch when applying color to the paper. This allows the pencil lines to be easily blended with water, creating soft, smooth transitions and allowing for more control over the final result. It's also essential to keep the pencils sharp for better precision and line quality.

Another tip is to experiment with different techniques, such as layering colors to create depth and dimension, or blending colors with water to create unique effects. It's also helpful to practice on scrap paper before diving into your final project to familiarize yourself with the pencils and their capabilities.

Which are the best watercolor pencils?

There are several top-rated watercolor pencil brands and sets available in the market. Some of the most popular options include Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolour Pencils, Derwent Infinity Watercolour Pencils, and Faber-Castell Albrecht Durer Watercolor Pencils. Each brand offers a wide range of colors and features, so it's essential to consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing the best option for you.

It's also helpful to read reviews and ask for recommendations from other artists and art communities to get a better understanding of which sets perform best and which one might be the best fit for your individual style and projects. Additionally, some artists prefer certain brands or sets due to their unique qualities or performance in specific applications.

How do I maintain and clean my watercolor pencils?

To maintain your watercolor pencils, it's essential to keep them sharp and dry when not in use. Store them in a pencil case or container with a tight-fitting lid to protect the pencils from dust and moisture. It's also a good idea to avoid leaving your pencils in direct sunlight, as this can cause the color to fade over time.

To clean your watercolor pencils, simply wipe the lead tip with a clean, dry cloth before and after use. If you notice any smudges or marks on the pencil, you can gently rub the tip with a soft eraser to remove them. Be sure to use a light touch when erasing, as excessive pressure can damage the pencil tip.

Are watercolor pencils easy to use for beginners?

Yes, watercolor pencils are generally easy to use for beginners. They offer a wide range of colors and blending options, and their versatility makes them ideal for various artistic expressions. Additionally, many beginner watercolor pencil sets come with a guide or tutorial to help new users learn about the different techniques and applications of these pencils.

It's essential to practice and experiment with different techniques and color combinations to become proficient with watercolor pencils. With some practice and patience, even beginners can create beautiful and expressive art using these versatile tools. Additionally, there are plenty of tutorials and resources available online for beginners to learn about watercolor pencils and various techniques.

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