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Watercolor pencils are a versatile tool loved by beginners and professional artists alike. They allow artists to color with precision similar to regular colored pencils, and then blend and shade like watercolors. However, not all watercolor pencils are created equal. Their performance can vary significantly based on factors such as pigmentation, blendability, lightfastness, and more.
The optimal watercolor pencils must have rich pigmentation, excellent blendability, high lightfastness, and durability. They should offer a smooth application on different paper types without causing excessive wear to the pencil or the paper. Furthermore, the watercolor pencils should be able to layer easily and sustain a good edge after sharpening.
Consideration should also be given to the composition of each pencil. The lead must consist of high-quality pigments, binders, and a good balance between wax and water-soluble elements. This combination ensures that the color is vibrant and the pencil dissolves smoothly when water is applied.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best watercolor pencils. Our team has meticulously researched, tried, and tested a variety of watercolor pencils to identify the ones that can deliver a superior painting experience. By the end of this article, you will be equipped with all the necessary information to select watercolor pencils that will help you bring your artwork to life.
Best Watercolor Pencils
Picking the right watercolor pencils for your artwork is crucial for achieving the desired effects. These pencils need to offer rich and pigmented colors, excellent blendability, and be durable. With an overwhelming number of options in the market, finding the perfect fit could be a daunting task. Based on our intensive testing and research, we have compiled a list of the best watercolor pencils that offer outstanding performance and quality. This list will assist you in making a well-informed decision for your artistic pursuits.
Faber-Castell Goldfaber Aqua Watercolor Pencils – Tin of 12 Colors, Pre-Sharpened Water Colored Pencils
If you’re looking for a high-quality watercolor pencil set, the Faber-Castell Goldfaber Aqua Watercolor Pencils are definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The Aquabord watercolor paper ensures that colors are vibrant and do not bleed.
- The pencils have a soft lead that makes them easy to use and produces consistent results.
- The tin case is portable and easy to carry around.
Cons
- The set only comes with 12 colors, which may not be enough for some users.
- The pencils are on the expensive side compared to other watercolor pencil sets.
- Some users may prefer a set with more neutral colors.
We’ve used the Faber-Castell Goldfaber Aqua Watercolor Pencils for a few weeks now, and we’re really impressed with their performance. The colors are vibrant and true to life, and the pencils are easy to use. We love that the set comes with a variety of colors, including some bright and bold options that add a lot of personality to our artwork.
One of the things we really appreciate about these pencils is the Aquabord watercolor paper they come with. It ensures that the colors are vibrant and do not bleed, which is really important when you’re trying to create high-quality artwork. The pencils also have a soft lead that makes them easy to use and produces consistent results.
The tin case is also a really nice touch. It’s portable and easy to carry around, which is great if you’re someone who likes to sketch or paint on the go. Overall, we would definitely recommend the Faber-Castell Goldfaber Aqua Watercolor Pencils to anyone who is looking for a high-quality watercolor pencil set.
Zenacolor Professional Watercolor Pencils, Set of 72, Metal Box with Brush – Drawing Set for Coloring, Blending and Layering Books, Adult or Kids
If you’re looking for a versatile and high-quality watercolor pencil set, the Zenacolor Professional Watercolor Pencils Set of 72 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The set includes 72 bright and vivid colors, making it perfect for creating a wide range of artwork.
- The pencils have a thicker core, which allows for better color layering and blending.
- The metal case is sturdy and durable, making it a great choice for both kids and adults.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the pencils can be difficult to sharpen.
- The pencils can be quite soft, which can make them prone to breaking if not handled carefully.
- The case is quite large, which can make it difficult to pack and transport.
Overall, we highly recommend the Zenacolor Professional Watercolor Pencils Set of 72 for anyone looking for a high-quality watercolor pencil set. The set’s bright and vivid colors, thicker core, and sturdy metal case make it a great choice for both kids and adults. While the pencils can be difficult to sharpen and prone to breaking, these minor drawbacks are outweighed by the set’s many strengths.
ARTEZA Watercolor Colored Pencils For Adult Coloring, Set of 48 Presharpened, Triangular-Shaped Drawing Pencils for Teens, Art Supplies for Sketching and Painting
If you’re looking for a versatile set of colored pencils that can be used for various art projects, the ARTEZA Watercolor Colored Pencils Set is a great option.
Pros
- The set includes 48 bright and vibrant colors that can be blended and layered to create unique effects.
- The triangular-shaped pencils are easy to hold and provide a comfortable grip for extended use.
- The pencils are presharpened, so you can start using them right away without having to sharpen them first.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the pencils are not waterproof, which may be an issue for certain types of artwork.
- The set does not include a pencil case or any other accessories, so you will need to purchase those separately if needed.
- The pencils may require frequent re-sharpening, depending on how heavily they are used.
We found that the ARTEZA Watercolor Colored Pencils Set is a great choice for anyone looking to experiment with different art techniques. The colors are bold and easy to blend, and the triangular-shaped pencils are comfortable to hold and use for extended periods of time.
One thing to keep in mind is that these pencils are not completely waterproof, so if you’re looking to create artwork that will be exposed to water, you may want to consider a different set of pencils. Additionally, while the set does not include any accessories, it is still a great value for the price.
Overall, we highly recommend the ARTEZA Watercolor Colored Pencils Set for anyone looking to explore their creative side and try out different art techniques.
36-Color Watercolor Pencils, Water Color Pencils Set, Artist Drawing Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Sketch Drawing Pencil Art Supplies, Coloring Pencil Set for Painting,Teens Child
If you’re looking for a versatile set of watercolor pencils, the 36-Color Watercolor Pencils by Teens Child is a great option.
Pros
- The set comes with 36 vibrant colors that are easy to blend and layer, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced artists.
- The watercolor pencils have a soft and smooth core that allows for easy shading and blending, resulting in professional-looking artwork.
- The set is non-toxic and safe for use by children and adults alike, making it a great choice for families and schools.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the pencils are prone to breaking if they are not stored properly.
- The pencils require a bit of pressure to produce a solid color, which may not be ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch.
- The set does not come with a pencil sharpener, which may be inconvenient for some users.
Overall, we highly recommend the 36-Color Watercolor Pencils by Teens Child for anyone looking for a high-quality set of watercolor pencils. The vibrant colors, soft and smooth core, and non-toxic formula make it a great choice for artists of all skill levels.
Winsor & Newton Studio Collection Artist Pencils, Watercolor Pencils, Set of 24
If you’re looking for a versatile set of watercolor pencils that can be used for both traditional and modern techniques, then the Winsor & Newton Studio Collection Artist Pencils, Watercolor Pencils, Set of 24 is a great option.
Pros
- The vibrant colors and consistent pigmentation make it easy to create rich and detailed artwork.
- The blendable and layered colors allow for smooth transitions and shading.
- The water-soluble and non-water-soluble nylons allow for a variety of textures and effects.
Cons
- The pencils are a bit on the soft side, which can make them prone to breaking if not stored carefully.
- The packaging could be more durable to protect the pencils during shipping.
- Some users may prefer a set with more colors, while others may find 24 to be sufficient.
We’ve used the Winsor & Newton Studio Collection Artist Pencils, Watercolor Pencils, Set of 24 for both traditional and modern techniques, and we’re impressed with the results. The vibrant colors and consistent pigmentation make it easy to create rich and detailed artwork, and the blendable and layered colors allow for smooth transitions and shading. We also appreciate that the pencils are water-soluble and non-water-soluble, which allows for a variety of textures and effects.
One thing to keep in mind is that the pencils are a bit on the soft side, which can make them prone to breaking if not stored carefully. Additionally, the packaging could be more durable to protect the pencils during shipping. However, these are minor drawbacks considering the quality of the pencils.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile set of watercolor pencils that can be used for both traditional and modern techniques, then the Winsor & Newton Studio Collection Artist Pencils, Watercolor Pencils, Set of 24 is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best watercolor pencils, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind when making your purchase:
Quality of Pigment
The quality of the pigment is an important factor to consider when choosing watercolor pencils. High-quality pigments will produce vibrant colors that are easy to blend and mix. Look for pencils that use lightfast pigments, which are less likely to fade over time.
Hardness of the Lead
The hardness of the lead is another important factor to consider. A harder lead will produce a finer point and will be less likely to break or wear down quickly. However, a softer lead may be easier to work with and produce a smoother, more blended effect.
Water Solubility
Water solubility is a key feature of watercolor pencils. Look for pencils that are highly water-soluble, as these will produce the most vibrant and blended colors when used with water. However, be careful not to choose pencils that are too water-soluble, as these may be prone to bleeding and smudging.
Color Range
The color range of the pencils is also an important consideration. Look for sets that offer a wide range of colors, including primary colors and shades of each. This will give you the most versatility when creating your artwork.
Packaging and Durability
Finally, consider the packaging and durability of the pencils. Look for sets that come in a sturdy case or box, which will help protect the pencils and keep them organized. Additionally, choose pencils that are durable and can withstand regular use without breaking or wearing down quickly.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best watercolor pencils for your needs and create stunning artwork with ease.
