What supplies to use with watercolor pencils? My top 7 favorites.

I'm thrilled to share with you my favorite watercolor pencil supplies. They have helped me level up my painting game, that's why I think your supplies are important.

First, did you know that with watercolor pencils, you can recreate all the mesmerizing watercolor paintings you've ever dreamed of? Unlike traditional watercolors, watercolor pencils offer a unique approach, making them easier to use for those accustomed to working with pencils. Plus, they have their own set of properties. Watch the video above to find out how I use them in a landscape.

Now, let's dive into my top seven must-have supplies for creating stunning watercolor pencil artwork!

1. Watercolor Pencils

My go-to brands are the Faber Castell Albrecht Dürer and the Caran d'Ache Museum Aquarelle watercolor pencils.

Out of all the brands I have tried, these pencils stand out for their creamy texture, durability, and vibrant pigments, making them a joy to work with.

2. Paper

I recommend to opt for drawing or watercolor papers with a weight of 270 to 300 GSM to prevent buckling.

In the watercolor department, cold press watercolor papers, with brands such as Arches and Saunders Waterford, offer the perfect texture for watercolor pencils, although for some subjects, my preference goes for hot press papers for their smoother texture.

3. Palette or Scrap Paper Pieces

With a palette or a piece of paper, you can create swatches of paint to speed up your painting process and achieve smooth and even colors.

This technique eliminates the streaks often left behind by watercolor pencils, and this helps with flawless blends.

4. Pencil Sharpener

While watercolor pencils don't always require sharpening, a reliable sharpener ensures precision when detailing small areas. Opt for a simple one that produces a fine point without breaking the lead.

For coloring an area without any need for precision, I prefer to work with a blunt lead.

5. Towel

Keep a paper towel or a rag handy to control the amount of water and prevent colors from mixing into a muddy mess. Blot excess water to maintain clarity and preserve the vibrancy of your colors. I invite you to check out my watercolor pencils playlist on YouTube for many demonstrations of the technique. Mastering this will ensure more control and better paintings. That's why a paper towel (or rag) is so important.

6. Water-Soluble Graphite

Water-soluble graphite pencils add depth and definition to a painting, especially for creating shadows and enhancing details. They also offer versatility and ease of application, enhancing the overall quality of your artwork.

Check out my Patreon to see how I use them alone. I also have a water-soluble graphite pencil figure painting class on Skillshare.

7. White Pencil

The white pencil is a game-changer for adding highlights and creating subtle accents in your paintings.

Soften the lead with water for a crisp highlight effect or use it dry for more discrete ones.

These seven supplies have been instrumental in my watercolor pencil journey. They have allowed me to unleash my creativity and achieve stunning results. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist, investing in quality supplies can make all the difference in your watercolor pencil art.

If you're eager to learn more about watercolor pencils, don't forget to check out the various tutorials and classes I offer here.

Happy painting!