Watercolor Pencils

Watersoluble colored pencils that behave just like watercolor. They also double up as an expressive drawing tool. Achieve sharp pencil lines and watercolor washes all with a single pencil.

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Watercolor Pencils: Popular Questions from Artists


What Are Watercolor Pencils?

Watercolor pencils combine the precision of traditional pencils with the fluidity of watercolor. These versatile pencils consist of pigmented cores that can be used dry for detailed drawing or activated with water to create vibrant, fluid washes.

Made from pigments mixed with a water-soluble binder, watercolor pencils offer portability and ease of use. They allow artists to work both on the go and in the studio. Whether you're sketching intricate details or layering colors for depth, watercolor pencils provide the flexibility to achieve a wide range of effects.

Artists use watercolor pencils for their ability to add intricate detail and versatility to their work. Watercolor pencils offer precise control for creating fine lines, textures, and subtle gradients. These pencils are also ideal for enhancing mixed media projects, allowing artists to layer and blend colors seamlessly on top of traditional watercolor paintings.

Whether used independently or in combination with other mediums, watercolor pencils expand an artist’s toolkit, enabling creative experimentation and detailed expression.


‘I love watercolor pencils and I make no secret of it. They’re easy to use, full of color and have real mark-making potential. I often wonder why they aren’t used more often.’

— Lisa Takahashi, Jackson's Art Supplies Expert


Watercolor pencils are a relatively modern addition to the art world, having been introduced in the mid-20th century as artists sought more versatile and portable mediums.

Unlike traditional watercolor paints, which require separate brushes and palettes, watercolor pencils integrate drawing and painting into a single tool. This innovation has been embraced by contemporary artists, illustrators, and designers who appreciate the ability to create detailed work alongside fluid washes.

As materials and formulations have improved, watercolor pencils have become a staple in both professional and hobby art supplies, offering endless creative possibilities.


At Jackson's Art Supplies, we are dedicated to providing artists with the highest quality watercolor pencils from trusted brands. Our extensive selection ensures that whether you are a beginner or a professional, you will find the perfect tools to elevate your artwork.

- Premium Quality: We stock top watercolor pencils from brands like Faber-Castell, known for their Faber-Castell, known for their Albrecht Dürer range, Caran d’Ache, Derwent, and many more.
- Extensive Selection: Our range includes a variety of colors and sets, allowing you to build a comprehensive palette tailored to your artistic needs.
- Competitive Pricing: Enjoy access to high quality watercolor pencils at affordable prices, making professional supplies accessible to all artists.
- Customer Trust: With a 4.8-star rating on Trustpilot, Jackson's Art Supplies is trusted by artists worldwide for our exceptional products and outstanding customer service.


Shop Watercolor Pencils from Jackson's Today

Ready to enhance your artwork with high quality watercolor pencils? Browse our extensive collection of watercolor pencils and find the perfect shades and sets to suit your creative needs. Start your order online today and enjoy fast shipping, competitive prices, and exceptional customer service.

Need more help? Visit Contact Us and Help & Advice pages for expert guidance on selecting the best watercolor pencils for your projects.


What Effect Can Be Achieved When Watercolor Pencils Are Used Dry?

When used dry, watercolor pencils function similarly to traditional colored pencils. They allow artists to create detailed drawings with precise lines and textures. Dry application is perfect for sketching, shading, and adding intricate details without the need for water. This technique enables artists to build up layers of color gradually.

What Effect Can Be Achieved When Watercolor Pencils Are Used Wet?

The dry-on-wet technique involves applying dry watercolor pencils directly onto wet paper. This method allows the pigments to spread and blend naturally with the water, creating soft, diffused effects and subtle gradients. It is ideal for achieving a harmonious background or integrating transitions within a drawing.

What Is the Dry-on-Wet Watercolor Pencil Technique?

The wet-on-wet technique involves applying paint onto a wet surface. This can be wet paper or a layer of paint. This method allows colors to blend and flow freely, creating soft transitions and diffused edges.

Landscape artists often use this technique to create realistic skies, water reflections, or atmospheric effects like mist and fog. It encourages a spontaneous and fluid approach to painting.

What Is the Wet-on-Wet Watercolor Pencil Technique?

The wet-on-wet technique involves using watercolor pencils on already wet paper or over a layer of wet paint. This approach enables the pigments to flow and blend seamlessly, creating smooth transitions and vibrant, fluid washes. It is particularly effective for landscape paintings, abstract art, and any work that benefits from soft, overlapping colors and a more spontaneous, expressive feel.

Can I Use a Watercolor Pencil with a Brush?

Yes, many artists use watercolor pencils in combination with brushes to enhance their artwork. One common method is to draw with the pencils first, then use a brush dipped in water to lift and blend the pigments, creating more vibrant and dynamic effects. Alternatively, you can drag a wet brush over the head of the pencil to pick up the pigment, like you would with a watercolor pan. This allows for greater control and precision.

How Are Watercolor Pencils Different from Regular Coloring Pencils?

Watercolor pencils differ from regular color pencils in their composition and functionality. While regular colored pencils are typically wax or oil-based and cannot be activated with water, watercolor pencils are water-soluble and dissolve when exposed to water. This allows watercolor pencils to create both precise, detailed drawings and fluid, blended watercolor effects, providing artists with greater versatility and creative options.

What Is the Best Paper for Watercolor Pencils?

Watercolor paper is the ideal choice for using watercolor pencils due to its weight and absorbency. This type of paper can handle water without warping or buckling, ensuring a smooth and stable surface for both dry and wet applications.

Cold pressed watercolor paper offers a textured surface that enhances the blending and layering capabilities of watercolor pencils, while hot pressed paper provides a smoother finish for detailed work.

Can Watercolor Pencil Marks Be Erased?

Watercolor pencil marks can be lightly erased when used dry, similar to traditional colored pencils. However, once the pencils are activated with water, the marks become more permanent as the pigments dissolve and blend with the water. It is important to plan your artwork accordingly, as erasing wet marks can be challenging. For precise corrections, consider using a white gel pen or opaque paint to cover unwanted areas.

What Is the Best Way to Sharpen a Watercolor Pencil?

Watercolor pencils can be sharpened using a regular pencil sharpener, but it is important to be gentle to prevent damaging the soft, pigmented cores. For optimal results, use a high quality sharpener that creates a fine point without excessive pressure. Alternatively, a craft knife can be used to carefully trim the pencil tips, allowing for customized shapes and preventing breakage.