Watercolor pencils might just be the art medium you've been waiting for. They allow the artist the precision of pencils with the added capability to blend and soften like watercolors. Here are some tips on different ways of coloring with watercolor pencils.
1. Dry Coloring
This method mimics the way you would use ordinary colored pencils. Simply draw on your paper without any water. The result is precise and vibrant color that is characteristic of traditional color pencils.
**Tip:** Start with light layers and gradually build up the color intensity. This way, you'll have more control over the final result.
2. Watercolor Wash
One of the key advantages of watercolor pencils is the ability to create a watercolor wash. Sketch your drawing, then use a wet brush to go over your lines. The water will dissolve the pencil color, creating a wash effect.
**Tip:** Use a higher quality, watercolor-specific paper for this method as ordinary paper can warp or tear when wet.
3. Color Mixing
Combine different colors of watercolor pencils to create unique shades and gradients. Start with a lighter color and gradually add darker tones on top, blending them with water.
**Tip:** Experiment with different color combinations on a separate piece of paper before applying them to your main artwork.
4. Watercolor Pencil as Watercolor Paint
For this method, you'll dip the tip of your watercolor pencil directly into water before drawing. This will create vibrant, intense lines that mimic the look of a paintbrush with watercolor paint.
**Tip:** This technique uses up more of the pencil pigment, so it's best for occasional use or for certain parts of your drawing where you want intense color.
5. Textured Effects
The texture of the paper can greatly influence the final result of your artwork. Dry color on a rough paper for a granulated, textured effect.
**Tip:** Keep in mind, the more textured the paper, the harder it can be to get fine details with your watercolor pencils.
The joy of art is in exploration and personal expression, so don't be afraid to experiment and find what methods and techniques work best for you. With these tips and a set of watercolor pencils in hand, the only limit is your imagination. Happy creating!