Ever wished you could paint with watercolors without the mess? Imagine easily blending colors and creating beautiful artwork, even if you’re a beginner. Watercolor pencils make this dream a reality! They are a fun and easy way to explore watercolor painting.
But choosing the perfect set of watercolor pencils can be tricky. There are so many brands and options out there. Are they good for beginners? What colors should you get? Don’t worry! It can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. This blog post will help you find the best watercolor pencils for your needs. We’ll explore different brands and what makes them great. You’ll learn how to use these pencils to create amazing art.
By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident about starting your watercolor pencil journey. You’ll know how to pick the right supplies. You’ll also get tips and tricks for using them. Get ready to unlock your inner artist and create stunning watercolor art!
Now, let’s dive into the wonderful world of watercolor pencils!
Our Top 5 Watercolor Pencils Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Watercolor Pencils Detailed Reviews
1. Zenacolor Professional Watercolor Pencils
Rating: 8.8/10
Unleash your inner artist with the Zenacolor Professional Watercolor Pencils! This set includes 72 vibrant, water-soluble pencils perfect for coloring, drawing, and blending. The pencils come pre-sharpened and feature soft, durable 3.3mm leads. A handy paintbrush is included to help you create amazing watercolor effects. The set arrives in a sturdy metal tin, making it easy to store and take your art supplies on the go. Whether you’re an adult coloring enthusiast or a budding young artist, these pencils are a fantastic way to explore your creativity.
What We Like:
- 72 different colors offer a wide range of artistic possibilities.
- Water-soluble leads make blending and creating watercolor effects simple.
- The included brush adds extra versatility.
- The metal tin keeps pencils safe and organized.
- Suitable for various art projects like adult coloring books, sketching, and drawing.
- Zenacolor offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
What Could Be Improved:
- The included brush might not be the highest quality for professional artists.
Overall, the Zenacolor Professional Watercolor Pencils are a great choice for artists of all levels. These pencils are a fun and accessible way to experience the beauty of watercolor art.
2. Winsor & Newton Studio Collection Artist Pencils
Rating: 9.3/10
The Winsor & Newton Studio Collection Artist Pencils, Watercolor Pencils, Set of 12, are a fantastic choice for artists of all levels! These pencils combine the best of colored pencils and watercolors. You can use them dry for detailed drawings or wet them with a brush to create beautiful watercolor effects. The set includes 12 vibrant colors, perfect for various art projects. They are also safe for everyone to use.
What We Like:
- Soft texture makes blending easy, whether you use them wet or dry.
- The colors are highly pigmented and very bright.
- They have excellent lightfastness, so your artwork will last a long time.
- The pencils have a round, cedar wood barrel that is comfortable to hold.
- The 3.7mm core is break-resistant and sharpens easily.
- You can use them as dry color or with a brush to create paint.
- They are ACMI Certified non-toxic, which makes them safe.
- The set includes a good range of colors: White, Yellow, Orange, Soft Peach, Red, Plum, Azure, Lush Green, True Blue, Grass, Burnt Sienna, and Black.
What Could Be Improved:
- The set only includes 12 pencils, which might be limiting for some artists.
Overall, this Winsor & Newton set is a great product for artists. It is a versatile and high-quality set of watercolor pencils.
3. Castle Art Supplies 72 Watercolour Pencils Set
Rating: 8.9/10
The Castle Art Supplies 72 Watercolour Pencils Set is a fantastic choice for artists of all skill levels. This set has everything you need to create beautiful watercolor art. The pencils are arranged in a nice tin box. You can easily pick your color choice. The vibrant colors will bring your art to life. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, these pencils are a great tool to have.
What We Like:
- The pencils are made to be easy to use.
- Each pencil is named, numbered, and color-coded.
- The presentation tin keeps everything organized.
- The leads are strong and break-resistant.
- You can blend and dissolve the lines with water.
- A tutorial helps you improve your skills.
- The product is backed by a money-back guarantee.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some artists may want more color variety.
The Castle Art Supplies set is a great product to buy. The set has many features that artists will love. You can create wonderful art with these pencils.
4. 36-Color Watercolor Pencils
Rating: 8.7/10
Unleash your inner artist with the 36-Color Watercolor Pencils set! This set is perfect for everyone. It includes vibrant, water-soluble pencils that blend easily. The pencils are great for sketching, coloring, and creating professional-looking art. The set also includes a detail paint brush, so you can start creating right away!
What We Like:
- The pencils are highly pigmented, giving you rich colors.
- They are easy to blend, mix, and layer.
- The pencils are not easy to break.
- The unique angular design makes them easy to hold. They won’t roll away!
- The set comes with a handy storage case.
- It’s a great gift for artists of all levels.
- Includes a detail paint brush.
- They come with friendly customer service.
What Could Be Improved:
- The color selection may be limited for advanced artists.
These watercolor pencils offer a great way to explore your creativity. The set is a good choice for beginners and experienced artists alike.
5. KALOUR Watercolor Pencils – Professional Set of 72 – Beautiful Blending Effects with Wet or Dry – Ideal for Coloring Book – Water Soluble Pencils for Kids Adults Beginners
Rating: 9.4/10
Unleash your inner artist with the KALOUR Watercolor Pencils! This professional set of 72 water-soluble pencils offers a world of creative possibilities. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, these pencils are designed to bring your artwork to life. They work beautifully both wet and dry, allowing for precise lines or dreamy watercolor effects. With a wide range of vibrant colors and a convenient, portable tin box, this set is ready to go wherever your inspiration takes you. They are great for coloring books and creating amazing art.
What We Like:
- Versatile Effects: You can use them wet or dry to create different art styles.
- Vibrant Colors: The set includes 72 colors, all numbered and named.
- Safe and Non-Toxic: These pencils are safe for kids and adults. They meet safety standards.
- Comfortable Design: The hexagonal barrel makes them easy to hold.
- Portable Packaging: The tin box keeps the pencils safe and makes them easy to carry.
- Perfect Gift: It is a great gift for artists of all ages.
What Could Be Improved:
- No cons found.
The KALOUR Watercolor Pencils are a fantastic set for anyone who loves to draw or color. This set is a great value for the quality and versatility it offers.
Watercolor Pencils: Your Colorful Adventure Starts Here!
Watercolor pencils are awesome! They are like regular colored pencils, but with a secret. You can add water to them to make watercolor paintings. This guide will help you pick the best ones for you.
Key Features to Look For
Choosing the right watercolor pencils is important. Here’s what to consider:
1. Pigment Quality
- What it is: Pigment is what gives the pencils their color.
- Why it matters: High-quality pigments make the colors bright and rich. They also blend better.
- Look for: Pencils that say “artist-grade” or “professional.” These usually have better pigments.
2. Softness of the Lead
- What it is: The “lead” is the colored part of the pencil. Soft leads are easier to blend.
- Why it matters: Soft leads make smooth strokes and are easier to erase. They also react well to water.
- Look for: Leads that are labeled “soft” or have a low “H” number (like 2B or 4B) on the pencil.
3. Lightfastness
- What it is: How well the colors resist fading from sunlight.
- Why it matters: If you want your art to last, choose pencils with good lightfastness.
- Look for: Pencils that list their lightfastness rating. Some brands use stars or numbers to show this.
4. Color Range
- What it is: How many different colors are in a set.
- Why it matters: More colors give you more choices.
- Look for: Sets that have a good variety of colors. Consider what colors you use the most.
Important Materials You’ll Need
You need more than just the pencils!
1. Watercolor Paper
- What it is: Paper made for watercolor paints.
- Why it matters: Regular paper will buckle and tear. Watercolor paper is thicker and can handle water.
- Look for: Paper labeled “watercolor paper.” Look for at least 140lb/300gsm paper.
2. Water Brushes or Paintbrushes
- What it is: Brushes to apply water to the pencils.
- Why it matters: Water brushes have a water reservoir. Paintbrushes give you more control.
- Look for: A good quality brush with soft bristles.
3. Water Container
- What it is: A small container to hold clean water.
- Why it matters: You need water to activate the watercolor pencils.
- Look for: A small jar or cup.
4. Eraser and Sharpener
- What it is: Essential tools for correction and sharpening.
- Why it matters: You’ll need an eraser for mistakes and a sharpener to keep your pencils ready.
- Look for: A soft eraser and a good quality sharpener.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all pencils are created equal.
1. Brand Reputation
- What it is: How well-known and trusted a brand is.
- Why it matters: Established brands usually have better quality control. They also use quality materials.
- Look for: Brands like Faber-Castell, Derwent, and Prismacolor.
2. Price
- What it is: How much the pencils cost.
- Why it matters: Generally, more expensive pencils are better quality.
- Look for: Consider your budget. You may want to start with a smaller set.
3. The Lead’s Composition
- What it is: What the “lead” is made of.
- Why it matters: The formula affects the color, blending, and water reaction.
- Look for: High-quality pigments.
User Experience and Use Cases
Watercolor pencils are fun and versatile.
1. Blending and Layering
- How to use them: You can blend colors together. You can also layer colors on top of each other.
- Why it’s useful: It creates depth and interesting effects.
2. Dry and Wet Techniques
- How to use them: Use them dry like regular pencils. Add water for a watercolor effect.
- Why it’s useful: Gives you lots of options for different looks.
3. Use Cases
- What they are good for: Sketching, illustrations, coloring books, and even detailed paintings.
- Why it’s useful: They are good for beginners and experienced artists.
Watercolor Pencils FAQs
Q: What’s the difference between watercolor pencils and regular colored pencils?
A: Watercolor pencils react with water. Regular colored pencils do not.
Q: Can I use watercolor pencils on any paper?
A: You should use watercolor paper. Other paper will likely buckle.
Q: How do I use watercolor pencils?
A: You can use them dry or add water with a brush.
Q: What kind of water brushes work best?
A: Those with soft bristles are best. They give you good control.
Q: How do I clean my water brushes?
A: Rinse them with clean water after each use.
Q: Can I erase watercolor pencil drawings?
A: Yes, but be gentle, especially after adding water.
Q: Which brand of watercolor pencils is best for beginners?
A: Many brands are great. Look for Faber-Castell, Derwent, and Prismacolor.
Q: How do I sharpen my watercolor pencils?
A: Use a good quality sharpener.
Q: What happens if I use too much water?
A: The colors can become washed out and the paper may become too wet.
Q: Are watercolor pencils good for beginners?
A: Yes! They are easy to use and fun to experiment with.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.