The best watercolor pencils for drawing

While traditional watercolor pans and tubes will likely always be the preferred form factor for watercolorists, there is no denying the versatility, convenience, and performance of watercolor pencils.

The watercolor pencils are affordable and very simple to use. You can the watercolor pencils like normal graphite pencils, but with the peculiarity that when in contact with water they create a visual sensation similar to watercolor applied with a brush.

From my experience, they offer very apparent results and also serve as the perfect complement to small details on other types of watercolors.

As in the case of watercolors, the concentration of pigment is also a differential fact between the different brands.

For all those who may have problems with supplies from Amazon, you will find a large number of these products on the page dedicated to watercolor pencils, grease pencils, and pastel pencils.

How do you use watercolor pencils?

Normally, when painting a drawing, we use colored pencils. This is usually the most common technique to carry out this work, but let’s see more alternatives, let’s see the possibilities that these products offer us.

First step: The first step is to make a drawing with the watercolor or watercolor pencils you are going to work dry, that is to say, that you will not wet the tip of the pencil, something that I do not recommend doing since the leads dissolve in water when treated from pencils to watercolor.

Second step: The second step involves the use of a watercolor brush, which you must previously moisten in water.

Third step: Pass the brush over the areas you want, which will make the pigment react to contact with water, leaving those areas watercolor.

Recommendations when painting with watercolor pencils

Paint and draw with watercolor pencils using watercolor paper. Take a look at this link to find out which paper is best suited to this technique.

It is important that before the process of painting or drawing you fix your paper with masking tape or masking tape to prevent your watercolor paper from deforming with the use of water.

Do not apply excessive pressure when painting with watercolor, if you mark too hard on the paper, it is possible that when you brush, the pigment will not dilute and the deeper lines will be revealed.

As a support, it is better to use watercolor paper previously taped on the sides to prevent it from deforming.

The best watercolor pencils on the market

Finding a good watercolor pencil set is not as simple as it may seem. Because there are many different models on the market. For this reason, I have selected only the best and those that will give you optimal results. So, without further ado, we are going to start with the analysis in detail so that you can choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. Are you ready? Let’s start then.

Faber-Castell Albrecht Durer

Faber Castell Albrecht Durer Watercolor Pencils

Faber-Castell is one of the best-known brands of art supplies. And her watercolor pencils are no different!

You will not be disappointed with these quality pencils. Faber-Castell has existed since 1761. With 2.5 centuries of experience, this company knows what it is doing!

These pencils have a very thick lead, ideal for shading and blending. You can quickly cover large areas of the page, saving you time.

But it is also possible to layer colors for an impressive effect. The colors themselves are vivid and true to realistic shades.

Due to its maximum resistance to light, your art does not fade over time. And with 24 different shades, you have the freedom to draw anything!

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Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils

If you want a wide range of colors, this Prismacolor set is for you! You get 150 different pencils at a very low price.

This set contains all the colors and shades you could want. So you can draw anything you can imagine. There are no limits to your creativity!

In addition, these pencils are not fragile or susceptible to breakage. The mines are strong and durable.

So you get a superb color transfer and smooth application. So you can create impeccable watercolors.

And because the pigments are fade-resistant, they should stay just as vivid over time. These pencils are a great choice for any artist.

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Arteza Professional

Arteza Professional Watercolor Pencils

In this set, you get 48 pencils with an excellent color gamut. They come in a canister with two layers of pencils. The pencils themselves have a comfortable, ergonomic design and a great grip.

Each pencil has the name and number engraved so you never mix up the different shades.

The pencils are wear-resistant. They can withstand significant pressure. The mine will also not break if you drop them.

With the addition of water, these pencils blend perfectly. You can create attractive watercolor effects with minimal effort!

Arteza takes pride in its customer service. It offers a 100% refund if customers are not happy with their purchase. It’s a real vote of confidence in their products!

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Cretacolor Aqua Monolith Refill Set

Cretacolor Aqua Monolith Refill Set

This set from Cretacolor is another great option for artists. You can choose from packs of 12, 24, or 72 pencils.

You get a great range of colors in this watercolor pencil set. Best of all, the pencils are completely wood-free. So you get more pencil lead for your money!

With these pencils, you can create detailed and precise drawings. But you can also use them to shade larger areas.

The vividness of the color depends on how hard you press. You can achieve anything from a pale line to a bold image.

The lead is not very soft, so these pencils last a long time. This factor also makes it easier to mix your colors.

Mixing your colors is easy to do as you go. Simply add water and mix with a brush for exceptional results.

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Derwent

Derwent Watercolor Pencils

These Derwent Inktense pencils are a great alternative to regular watercolor pencils. The big advantage of this set is that the colors dry instantly.

With most products, the colors will blend if you add more water. But with Derwent Inktense pencils, once dry, the colors don’t mix.

This feature allows you to easily layer colors to create exciting new effects. And you don’t have to wait long! The pigments dry very quickly.

That’s not all that Inktense pencils have to offer. They produce intense colors with eye-catching results.

Moreover, you can also use them on different materials. These pencils are ideal for working with silk and cotton. So you can afford to unleash your creativity!

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Caran d’Ache Classic Neocolor II

Caran dAche Classic Neocolor II

If you don’t know Caran ‘Ache, it is a top art supplier. With over eight decades of experience, their products still impress.

Neocolor pencils are perfect for any artist, from hobbyists to pros. They produce beautiful, bright shades with excellent opacity.

These water-soluble pencils have a very high concentration of pigment. Thus, they will not appear faded or fade over time.

As a bonus, they are very affordable. If you value quality but are on a tight budget, you must buy this set!

You can use these pencils on a variety of materials. In addition to paper, these pencils draw smoothly on paper and cardboard.

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Zenacolor tool set for beginners or professionals

Zenacolor tool set for beginners or professionals

Before analyzing this case I must tell you that it only brings 24 watercolor pencils of the 63 pieces it brings. If you wonder why I put it on this list I will tell you because it is a very economical product so that those who start, whether they are children or adults, start having everything they need to draw.

Regarding the things that this pack brings, mention its 24 watercolor pencils, 12 coloring pencils12 graphite drawing pencils12 metallic, and 3 charcoal pencils, hook pen, box cutter, grinding board, double-headed pencil extender, 3 stumps of paper mix, coloring books and eraser.

As you can see it is a complete drawing set to start at school, drawing school, academy, etc. But in addition to all this, it can be a great Christmas, birthday, etc. gift for friends, family, students, etc. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.

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LYRA Watercolor Pencils

LYRA Watercolor Pencils

If you’re looking for something a little different, try these watercolor wax crayons. They are a great alternative to regular pencils.

These pencils are highly pigmented. This factor results in vivid and bright colors on the page.

They are also pleasant and creamy in the hand and have a gentle application. You can blend these pencils with ease for a polished result.

The main disadvantage is that they are not the most resistant to colors.

Crayons require more attention than regular crayons. You will need to keep them in a cool place.

But it’s not too difficult when you know how to maintain the pencils. Then they should last a long time. Overall, they create a stunning effect – especially when you add water.

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Watercolor or colored?

They are commonly confused with colored pencils.

While these two products will look almost identical from the start, their foundation makeup is very different.

When looking at any colored pencil, you will almost always find that the pencil’s pigment is dependent on an oil or wax (source) binder.

As you may recall from your 4th-grade science class, water, and oil don’t mix particularly well.

So if you try to induce water into a piece made with a traditional colored pencil, you are likely to see water on the surface.

Unlike colored pencils, the reason you are here is the watercolor pencil.

Instead of wax or oily substances as a binder, watercolor pencils rely on a water-soluble binder.

So they can use a soaked watercolor brush to easily blend the colors (more on this in just a minute).

Do you already have it clear?

At this point, you may already know exactly which model of markers for painting rocks you are going to buy. However, you still don’t know where to buy it, and I am going to recommend doing it directly on the Amazon platform. Because that way you will have the best comfort and the lowest prices guaranteed.

In any case, if you still have not made a purchase decision, I invite you to see the opinions of other users about it. Thus, making a decision will be much easier. You will do it correctly, based on the experience of other users about the markers.

Please do share this article with your friends and on social networks. This way, they too can buy the best permanent markers to paint stones without having to go anywhere else.

And don’t forget to share your opinions with us. You can use the comment section below. Thank you.