A Beginner’s Guide to Watercolour Pencils: Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve ever walked past a set of watercolour pencils and wondered what all the fuss is about, this one’s for you. Watercolour pencils are one of those wonderfully surprising art supplies that look simple on the outside but open up a whole world of creative possibility once you get started.

They’re approachable enough for complete beginners, versatile enough for experienced artists, and satisfying enough to keep you coming back for more. At Forum Stationers, we stock a range of watercolour pencils that are perfect for anyone looking to try something new, and we’re here to help you get started.

Here is everything you need to know before you pick up your first set.

1. What Exactly Are Watercolour Pencils?

Watercolour pencils look just like ordinary coloured pencils, and in many ways, they work like them too. The difference is in what happens when you add water. The pigment in watercolour pencils is water-soluble, which means that when you apply a wet brush over your pencil marks, the colour dissolves and blends into a soft, painterly wash.

The result is something truly beautiful, the precision of a pencil combined with the fluidity and softness of watercolour paint. You get the best of both worlds, without needing to be an expert in either.

Tip: You can use watercolour pencils dry, just like regular coloured pencils, and only add water when you’re ready to blend. This makes them incredibly flexible and forgiving for beginners.

2. What Do You Need to Get Started?

One of the best things about watercolour pencils is how little you need to get going. You don’t need a fully equipped art studio or years of experience, just a few basic supplies and a little curiosity.

• A set of watercolour pencils, start with a basic set of 12 or 24 colours
• Watercolour paper, thicker paper handles water much better than regular paper and prevents warping
• A small round paintbrush, a size 4 or 6 is perfect for beginners
• A jar of clean water, change it regularly to keep your colours clean and bright
• A cloth or paper towel, for blotting excess water from your brush

Tip: Find watercolour pencils, watercolour paper and brushes all in one place at Forum Stationers. Our team is always happy to help you put together a starter set.

3. How to Use Watercolour Pencils: 3 Simple Techniques

The beauty of watercolour pencils is that there is no single right way to use them. Here are three simple techniques to get you started, try them all and see which one you love most.

Technique 1: Colour First, Water Second

This is the most popular technique for beginners. Simply draw or colour your design onto watercolour paper using your pencils, then go over it with a wet brush to blend and soften the colours. The more water you use, the softer and more transparent the result. Less water gives you richer, more intense colour.

Technique 2: Wet Paper First

Wet your paper with a clean brush before you start drawing. When you apply your pencils to the wet surface, the colour immediately dissolves and spreads in a soft, organic way. This technique creates beautiful, dreamy effects and is perfect for backgrounds, skies and landscapes.

Technique 3: Dip the Pencil Tip in Water

For intense, vibrant colour, dip the tip of your pencil directly into water before drawing. The wet tip releases a concentrated burst of pigment that gives you bold, rich lines, perfect for detail work and outlines.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment. Watercolour pencils are very forgiving and some of the most beautiful effects happen by accident.

4. What Can You Create With Watercolour Pencils?

The short answer is, almost anything. Watercolour pencils are incredibly versatile and suit a wide range of projects and skill levels.

• Botanical illustrations: flowers, leaves and plants look stunning in watercolour
• Landscapes and skies: the blending technique creates beautiful, natural colour gradients
• Greeting cards and gift tags: handmade and truly personal
• Journal and planner decoration: add colour and personality to your pages
• Portraits and figure studies: for more experienced artists looking for a new medium
• Abstract colour play: perfect for kids and adults who just want to explore and have fun

Tip: Start with something simple like a single flower, a leaf or a basic landscape. You’ll be amazed at what you can create in just one afternoon.

5. Watercolour Pencils vs Watercolour Paint: Which is Better for Beginners?

This is one of the most common questions beginners ask, and the honest answer is that watercolour pencils are generally a better starting point for most people. Here’s why.

• They are easier to control, you draw first and add water after, which gives you more confidence and precision
• They are less messy, no open paint pots, no accidental spills
• They are more portable, pop them in your bag and create anywhere
• They are more forgiving, mistakes are easier to correct before you add water
• They are more affordable, a great quality set costs less than a full watercolour paint set

Tip: Once you’ve built your confidence with watercolour pencils, you’ll find the transition to watercolour paint much easier. Think of them as the perfect stepping stone.

6. A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Before you dive in, here are a few practical things to keep in mind that will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

• Always use watercolour paper, regular paper will buckle and tear when wet
• Let each layer dry completely before adding the next, patience gives you cleaner, brighter results
• Keep your water clean, dirty water dulls your colours
• Sharpen your pencils carefully, the tips are slightly softer than regular pencils
• Store your pencils in a dry place, moisture can damage the tips over time

Tip: The most important thing is to enjoy the process. Watercolour pencils are meant to be fun, so relax, experiment and see where your creativity takes you.

Ready to Give Watercolour Pencils a Try?

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced artist looking to explore a new medium, watercolour pencils are one of the most rewarding art supplies you can invest in. They’re approachable, versatile and endlessly satisfying, and once you try them, we promise you’ll wonder why you waited so long.

Find watercolour pencils, watercolour paper, brushes and everything else you need to get started at your nearest Forum Stationers branch. Our team is always happy to help you find the right supplies for your skill level and your budget. Come in and let the creating begin.