Understanding the watercolor effect with colored pencils
Watercolors are a popular art medium preferred by artists around the world. But, did you know that you can also achieve a watercolor effect using colored pencils? The best part about this technique is that it’s easy to execute, and there’s no need for expensive art supplies. In this guide, we will teach you the simple steps to creating a watercolor effect with colored pencils.
Choosing the right colored pencils
To create a watercolor effect, you must use water-soluble colored pencils. These pencils have a water-soluble pigment, which dissolves into water, creating a paint-like texture. Brands such as Faber Castell, Staedtler, and Prismacolor have excellent water-soluble colored pencils that you can use for this technique. Make sure to choose a color palette that complements the image you want to create.
Creating a base layer
Before you begin adding water to your colored pencils, create a base layer by coloring your image with the pencils. Start by using light colors to create the outlines, and then gradually build up the layers to make the colors more vibrant. Remember to blend the colors with a blending tool before adding water to make the base layer smoother.
Introducing water to your colored pencils
After creating your base layer, it’s time to bring out the water-soluble effect in your colored pencils. Here’s how to do it:
- Dip your brush, preferably with synthetic bristles, in water and then dab off the excess water on a paper towel.
- Next, brush the colored pencils you want to blend with the wet brush, starting with the lighter colored pencils first.
- As you apply the wet brush, notice the colors dissolve, creating a watercolor effect that blends effortlessly.
- Since the pencils are water-soluble, you can add more water to dilute the color, creating a lighter tone or add more pigment to create more vibrant colors.
Adding the final details
After blending the colors, let the image dry completely. Once the image is dry, use a dry colored pencil to add the final details. These details can include highlights on the image, shadows, or any other elements that need to pop more. To make the details more realistic, layer the pencils in multiple shades to create depth and dimension.
And there you have it, a watercolor effect created using colored pencils. It’s an enjoyable technique that you can personalize and create unique pieces of artistry. With practice, mastering this technique will be natural, and you can create stunning images effortlessly.
