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Comparing Art Mediums: Watercolor Paint vs. Watercolor Pencils

1/31/2018

15 Comments

 
Comparing Watercolor Paint with Watercolor Pencils
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Confused about the differences between watercolors and watercolor pencils? Are you curious if the skills you have acquired with either of these mediums translates into the other? Or, perhaps, you already bought a set of either and don't know how to use them for optimum results?


This blog post will help clear up most of the doubts that revolve around these two water-soluble artistic mediums. I will be comparing the two in terms of preparation of supplies, painting process, and will finish up with a side-by-side comparison of the finished art studies. 

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While I find it totally awesome that there are constantly new kinds of art supplies being produced and that an artist's options continue to grow, such a diversity in products may be overwhelming at times.

All of these options can cause confusion, not to mention spending money on products that we may not end up using, which is always a bummer. 

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I'm a huge proponent for encouraging artists to try every type of medium they can. Experiencing supplies first-handedly is definitely the best way an artist can come to conclusions about personal likes, dislikes and overall needs.

Artists have to discover not only what artistic mediums suit their styles best, but also their preference in brands (what may be good for one of us may be terrible for the other). 

However, art supplies can be very expensive and I certainly don't recommend investing in a new medium out of whim (unless you have the money to do so).

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We don't want to waste our money on materials that we may not enjoy using, which can happen even if the medium at hand is often compared to another which we have experienced and liked. 


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30 Day Sketchbook Challenge

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So, in order to save you some of the hassle, I will share my process as I create a simple painting using both watercolor pencils and watercolor paints. Then, I will compare the final outcomes and explain my conclusions. 

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This way, you can decide for yourself if either of these is worth looking into. I'll also share some tips and tricks that may help you enjoy these mediums more and achieve more effective results. 


​To find a list of my favorite art supplies so far, read my blog post titled My Favorite Art Supplies (So Far). ​


To find a list of my favorite free online photo resources go to my post titled My Favorite Free Image Sites & Two Examples of References with Finished Illustrations. 

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Apple reference picture
Click on the image to download reference picture.
Picture
Outline drawing I created showing light and dark areas. Click on image to download pdf.

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Painting Process Using Both Art Mediums


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If you enjoyed this video and found it helpful, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel. I share a brand new video every week with art tips, drawing and painting tutorials and mindset/productivity tips for artists. *Subscribe HERE*



Check out this watercolor pencil rose painting video I shared over on YouTube, too!


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Watercolor Pencil Study


Supplies 
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-Pencil
-Eraser
-Watercolor paper
-Brush (stiffer bristles)
-Watercolor pencils
-Sharpener
-Water 
-Rag (for lifting)


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Process

a) Create your pencil sketch lightly and select the colors you'll be using (this will depend on the reference photo you're working with). Lay down your colors as needed, leaving the whitest areas free of color.

Imagine you're using regular colored pencils and start creating color mixtures as you see fit, being careful not to "burnish" or press on your paper too hard.
Start off with a good amount of color right off the bat. You really don't have to think about it too much because the color will be moved around.

b) Once your initial layer of color has been added, use a paintbrush with a small amount of water to move the pigment around your paper. I like using a combination of straight/curved paintbrush strokes as well as scrubbing in small, circular motions.

Try to pay attention to where the colors/values are in your reference picture so that you don't drag a color too far from where it should be. Look at your reference continuously. 

c) Allow initial paint layer to dry COMPLETELY and place more pigment on areas you'd like to make darker. However many layers of detail you decide to add is up to you, just make sure to allow them enough drying time in-between. Focus on creating needed values, as well as creating washes of color wherever needed.
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*When placing your deeper values, it's useful to wet your brush and take the pigment straight off the pencil tip! You can also use a watercolor pencil directly on your wet paper wherever you need a very dark value to be, but make sure that you are careful when doing this because you don't want to damage your paper.

d) Finally, it's up to you if you'd like to use your watercolor pencils to create any final details, outlines or expressive line work that you feel could compliment your painting!
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Picture
Check out my FREE Patreon-exclusive tutorial and class samples here.


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Watercolor Paint Study


Supplies
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-Pencil
-Eraser
-Watercolor paper
​-Watercolor paints
-Brushes 
-Paint mixing palette
-Water 

-Rag (for lifting)
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Process

a) Create your pencil sketch lightly and prepare the colors you will be using (this will depend on the reference photo you have selected). Prepare your color palette by either taking some amount of pigment from your paint set and mixing it with water to create a few different values, or by creating color mixtures yourself. 

b) Start laying down your first layer of paint, making sure to leave the lightest areas free of color. Start with your lightest and most transparent layers of paint. 

c) Allow each layer to dry before moving on to the next. Remember, the point is not to cover your previous layer of paint, but to go on adding deeper values only where you can actually see them in your reference picture.

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The amount of layers you create is up to you (depending on how detailed you want your painting to be). Remember to look at your reference image continuously. 


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Comparing Finished Studies

Apple watercolor pencil painting. Magicfly watercolor pencils on Cold Press 140 lb. Art-n-Fly watercolor paper.
Apple watercolor pencil painting. Magicfly watercolor pencils on Cold Press 140 lb. Art-n-Fly watercolor paper.
Apple watercolor painting. Sakura Koi watercolor set on Cold Press 140 lb. Art-n-Fly watercolor paper.
Apple watercolor painting. Sakura Koi watercolor set on Cold Press 140 lb. Art-n-Fly watercolor paper.

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Differences

The main difference between these two art mediums is that watercolor pencils are a drawing and a painting medium in one, when watercolor paint is only a painting medium. Furthermore, supplies needed are a bit different in that watercolor pencils require paintbrushes with stiffer bristles so that pigment can be effectively moved around the paper.

No color mixing palette is needed with watercolor pencils, as the mixing happens right on the paper. However, we do need a sharpener. 


In terms of process, the main difference noted is that the beginning stages of a watercolor pencil piece don't require as much thought and care as a watercolor painting piece does. 

​Though I really recommend pre-selecting and preparing colors before starting with either medium, a watercolor painting involves creating sets of values and mixtures on a palette.

Also, when laying down initial colors in a watercolor pencil project, the artist doesn't have to worry about being so precise because the color is going to move around a lot. 


By comparing my finished studies side-by-side, we can conclude that watercolor pencils allow for a more controlled and tighter outcome when compared to the watercolor painting piece.

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Most of the time, some amount of line work will remain visible at the end when using watercolor pencils (I did my best to soften most line work in mine because I wanted to go for a painted look). 

The watercolor painting has more of a luminosity to it, which may be related to the fact that I have more experience with this medium than with watercolor pencils. Also, brush strokes are a lot more visible, which create a more painterly effect.

Watercolor pencils are generally less messy and offer a solution for artists who want to create watercolor effects without the hassle of clean up. They can also be more portable,and don't require setting up a painting station when creating artwork in plein air. 

Differences between watercolor pencils and watercolor paints.
Differences between watercolor pencils and watercolor paint.

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​Similarities
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Because these mediums are water-soluble, both require watercolor paper for optimum results, as well as drying time in-between layers. It is also necessary for the artist to plan and protect the lightest areas before starting, in order to achieve effective luminosity and form. 

However, generally speaking, watercolor pencils require less water throughout the painting process which gives the artist more control and makes it somewhat easier to protect the whites. 

Both mediums have their learning curves in regards to water control, but once the artist has enough practice with them, realism and more expressive "loose" effects can be achieved with both. 

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Also, both mediums dry lighter than they look when they are wet, but color payoff will vary greatly depending on the quality of supplies used. Both allow lifting to a certain extent, which can be used to correct some mistakes.

Finally, both mediums require a certain amount of research in order to find quality products at affordable prices. Using lower quality products can lead to frustration and disappointment. 

Similarities between watercolor pencils and watercolor paints.
Similarities between watercolor pencils and watercolor paints.

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Final Thoughts


​Though watercolors and watercolor pencils are often compared due to their water-soluble properties, they are different in terms of how they are used and may lead to artworks with very different characteristics. 

Depending on the artist's individual style and preferences, he/she may find one medium much more enjoyable than the other.

I personally wouldn't recommend watercolor pencils to artists that are specifically interested in painting techniques. 

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However, watercolor pencils present a versatility that may be very appealing to artists that enjoy sketching/drawing and line work, as well as those looking to combine different techniques into one same project. 
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apple_outlines_watercolor.pdf
File Size: 438 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

apple-unsplash-reference_1.jpg
File Size: 44 kb
File Type: jpg
Download File


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15 Comments
Mary link
2/5/2018 01:10:05 pm

Loved this post, what a great reference! You are very talented <3

Reply
Erika Lancaster
2/6/2018 07:52:31 am

Hi Mary,
I'm so happy that you found this post useful!
Thank you for your kind words and please do come visit my blog, soon for more helpful content! :)
Have a great day!

Reply
Helen Hicks
5/5/2019 08:36:20 am

Hello Erika.
This was such a brilliant review for me to read, as I do card making and have seen watercolour pictures done on quite a lot and I fancied trying it out but wasn’t sure if the pencils would be any good.
After reading all you wrote I can now see that the pencils look good too and would be also handy for my husband who is disabled and a less messy type would be ideal especially with one of those aqua pens maybe.
Thank you so much for sharing such great information with us, much appreciated.
Warm regards.
Helen :-)

Reply
Erika Lancaster
5/9/2019 09:33:43 am

Hi Helen,

I'm so happy to hear you found this post helpful. :)
Watercolor pencils are very practical and versatile. I think your husband would really enjoy them. Their vibrancy and ease of use depends a lot on their quality.
There are brands that offer good quality for accessible prices, though!
Water-fillable paintbrushes are a great option for him, too. I love using them when I'm painting while out and about.

Stay in touch, Helen! I'd love to keep hearing from you.

Have a great rest-of-the-week!

Erika

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Jane
11/4/2019 12:18:35 am

Great article! As a coloured pencil artist for many years, I transitioned into watercolour pencils much easier than watercolour paint. I love how easy and fast the pencil medium is, and I find the planning of a piece much easier in pencil form as I usually lay out all my pencil colours before going over them with water. I am not opposed to trying regular watercolours, but I'm not sure where to start.

Reply
Erika Lancaster link
11/5/2019 11:55:58 am

Hi, Jane!

Thanks so much for checking out my blog post and taking time to comment. It really means the world. :)
I feel that, though watercolor paint and watercolor pencils definitely share some similarities (being water-soluble, color vibrancy, etc.), they are also very different.
Watercolor pencils definitely allow for more control, and I feel are also more practical in many ways (less clean up, easy transportation, etc.).
If you're ever interested in starting with watercolors, I'd recommend checking out my free Mini-Course for the Total Beginner, which you can find in the top banner here at my blog. It's completely free for my email subscribers. :)
I also have lots of beginner-friendly videos on this medium over at my YouTube channel, such as this one: https://youtu.be/63MjnM3tw2Y

Wish you tons of enjoyment and progress in your journey and thanks again for popping by!

Erika

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Felipe Adan Lerma link
1/19/2020 10:36:45 pm

Erica, do you have a post / videos on combining both watercolors and watercolor pencils on one image? Thanks so much! - Adan

ps - loved the comparisons ‘tween the two! 😊

Reply
Erika Lancaster link
1/26/2020 12:17:22 pm

Hi, Felipe! :)
Thanks so much for checking this post out. So happy you liked it.
I haven't created any videos combining the two. I've written this idea down in my list for future YouTube videos so that I can make it happen soon, for sure!
Thanks for your suggestion. It's super helpful for me to know what you guys are interested in seeing!
Wish you a lovely day!

Erika

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Neil link
4/15/2020 08:21:01 am

You can use watercolor pencils like watercolor paints, essentially. Take the pencil, get a mixing area, and use the wet tip of a brush to put the pigment from the pencil in the mixing area. Using this technique you won't see any line work and your piece will look like it was done with watercolor paint.

Watercolor pencils are extremely versatile, There are lots of ways to use them and many different effects one can get. This is a big reason why I personally don't bother too much with watercolor paint. Good quality pencils can get you the same effects and more from my experience. However, I totally understand people who are used to paint sticking with that, and there are advantages. Paint is typically more convenient if you're doing big washes or working on a huge surface, because building up big puddles of watercolor pencil pigment would just be hassle.

Reply
Erika Lancaster link
4/15/2020 04:34:12 pm

Hi, Neil! :)
Thanks so much for checking this one out and taking time to leave your valuable comment.
You're SO right!
Watercolor pencils are an extremely versatile medium that can be used in so many different ways. They are tons of fun, provide a lot of space for experimentation and, at the same time, are practical and provide more control than paint.
For me, though, they are not interchangeable with watercolor paint. I love the idea of the wet-on-wet, more organic effects that can be created easily with regular paint, and being able to complete a piece using only paintbrushes, as opposed to pencils and brushes.
This said, I do consider myself more of a painter than a draw-er. Haahah
Lots of people love watercolor pencils and I totally get why, though!
Thanks again and have a lovely day,
Erika

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Andreea Birladeanu
5/4/2020 01:13:14 pm

Hi Erika. Quite an helpful article you wrote here. For someone who never painted since primary school, and even then I wasn't very talented, what would you recommend for a start:pencils or paint? I only want to do it as a way of meditation and relaxation, but I also wish to be somehow proud of the final result.

Reply
Erika Lancaster link
5/5/2020 10:07:32 am

Hi, Andreea!
Thanks so much for checking out this blog post and for your question. :)
Generally speaking, I would say watercolor pencils are easier, as they provide the user way more control. Watercolor paint requires we master water control (staying mindful of the amount of water in our paint mixtures, on our paper, and in our paintbrush bristles at all times). It's also important to be aware of drying times throughout the process and how the level of water/dampness will create different effects.
Sometimes we have to work fast to create certain effects (especially when working wet-on-wet) and sometimes we have to slow down and allow layers of paint to dry completely before going back in.
It can take a while to get used to.
It also lot easier to overwork and damage our watercolor paper when using paint, when compared to using watercolor pencils. You can, however, always accidentally scratch your paper with your pointy pencil tips, so this is something to be aware of.

All this said, it depends on your personal tastes and goals.
Though these two mediums are both water soluble and similar in many ways, and many people believe that you can create the same effects using both, I think they are very different. I can always tell when a painting was created with paint vs. watercolor pencils.
For me, painting has always been my end goal. I love the mess, filling up large areas of color quickly and enjoy using paintbrushes.
And though I love the versatility of watercolor pencils, they will never replace paint for me.
However, these are my personal tastes and goals.

If you like greater control and enjoy both sketching and painting simultaneously, I would say start with watercolor pencils. You'll enjoy them very much!
Later on, once you start getting to know the medium and building up your confidence, you can decide if you want to explore regular paint. :)

Hope this helps!

Much love,
Erika

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Ann Kovarik
5/14/2020 07:53:32 am

Erika,
Thank you for your reply of comparing watercolor paints to watercolor pencils. I just started with watercolor pencils and love the control but the fun surprises of the final outcomes. Since retired, I’m using this new medium just for meditation and relaxation.

I am not a sketcher so I’m using graphite paper to draw my favorite areas of interest. I would eventually like to learn how to draw freehand with some ease. Any beginner pointers on that subject?

Reply
Erika Lancaster link
5/20/2020 04:59:05 pm

Hi, Ann!
Thanks so much for checking out this blog post and leaving your valuable comment.
Happy to hear that you're enjoying using watercolor pencils.
If you're interested in developing your freehand drawing skills, I would definitely start with the basics I go over in my Drawing Mini-Course for the Total Beginner.
You can find it by clicking on the banner at the top of this blog page, or by copying and pasting the following in your Internet browser:
https://lancaster-e85-gmail-com.ck.page/2a06aa492f
It's completely free for all of my email subscribers. :)
Hope you enjoy it and find it helpful!
Have a lovely day,
Erika

Reply
Adam Golightly link
9/21/2021 05:31:02 pm

My cousin has been thinking about learning how to watercolor. She would really like to get some help from a professional in order to be safer. I liked what you said about how pigments should only be made darker when the initial paint layer is dried completely.

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