Watercolor Pencils

For watercolor artists, only the best art supplies will do. Alongside paints and brushes, that also includes high-quality watercolor pencils that provide intense color pigments and smooth application. When you're away from the studio or wish to add details to a painting without water, these pencils are perfect to have on hand. They're incredibly easy to use and have the versatility watercolor painters need from their supplies. We carry options from popular brands like Derwent, Faber-Castell, Royal & Langnickel, and Cretacolor.

Our selection of watercolor pencils includes a variety of sets from as small as six pencils to as large as 120. For those just getting started in incorporating pencils into their watercolor painting, the smaller sets are a great way to try them out. Professional watercolor artists, however, will benefit most from the larger pencil sets so their selection of colors is widespread. Art students, illustrators, and designers love these pencils as well, as they're perfect for pen and wash style drawings and artwork. With watercolor pencils, you can achieve the delicate nuances of floral, portrait, and scenic artwork as you would with a brush. Shading is a breeze and color can be lifted when water is reapplied (even after they've dried). Just sketch out your image, add water, and create a stunning piece without the worry of pencil lines. This is what makes them ideal for travel, as you can sketch your daily inspirations in an album or sketchbook and finish the painting later at home. If you're shopping with us to find the perfect gift for the watercolor artist in your family, the Faber-Castell Albrecht Durer Watercolor Pencil Set is sure to make a lasting impression.

Shop this collection to try something new with our 365 Day Return Policy in mind. If it turns out you don't love working with pencils in you watercolor, just return them! Love our watercolor art supplies? Sign up for our email newsletter, where you'll receive special offers on our "art stuff," as well as be the first to hear about announcements. For questions regarding our watercolor pencils collection, please contact us for further assistance.


Watercolor Pencils FAQs

Q: How do you use watercolor pencils?

A: There are a few different ways to use watercolor pencils. The first is to draw a spot of color on your paper, and then add water with your brush. This will allow you to then paint. The other you take your brush and rub it on the tip of the pencil to get the paint off the pencil and transfer it to the paper. Finally, you can take your pencils to create the outline of your image, add in colors and depth, then activate the colors with water and a brush. Once you have the outline, adding water will bring the pencil drawings to life in a beautiful watercolor for you to finish your painting.


Q: What is the difference between watercolor pencils and colored pencils?

A: Unlike colored pencils, watercolor pencils are water-soluble. While they both can be used for drawing and for filling in color, to really get the best use out of watercolor pencils, you’ll need to brush over it with water.


Q: What are good watercolor pencils?

A: There are many good watercolor pencils on the market currently. We personally like and offer Cretacolor, Derwent, Faber-Castell, and Royal & Langnickel. These are all high-quality options that we offer at great prices.


Q: Can you use watercolor pencils dry?

A: Yes you can use watercolor pencils dry. You can use them dry to outline, as well as fill in color for your artwork, then you will add water to create the watercolor look to finish and really draw out the rest of the painting. You also can use them in place of colored pencils for regular drawings as well.

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