Watercolor pencils are a versatile art medium that can be used to create beautiful and vibrant works of art. However, choosing the right paper is crucial for getting the most out of your watercolor pencils. The paper you use can make a huge difference in how the colors blend and the overall look of your finished piece.
What are Watercolor Pencils?
Watercolor pencils contain water-soluble pigments that are encased in a wooden pencil. They can be used dry for regular coloring or sketching. But when water is introduced, the pigments dissolve and the colors blend and bleed in a watercolor-like effect. Watercolor pencils allow you to achieve the look of watercolor painting but with the control and precision of a colored pencil.
Paper Considerations for Watercolor Pencils
There are a few key factors to consider when choosing paper for watercolor pencils:
- Texture – The texture or tooth of the paper will affect how the colors blend. Rough paper allows the pigments to settle into the grooves for beautiful granulating effects. Smooth paper results in softer, more diffused blending.
- Sizing – Papers with internal sizing tend to be less absorbent, allowing you to move and blend the colors more. Unsized papers rapidly soak up the moisture, limiting your working time.
- Weight – Heavier weight papers, around 140 lbs or higher, tend to withstand the moisture better without warping or buckling.
- Acid-free – Acid-free paper is archival quality and will help preserve your artwork for years to come.
Best Papers for Watercolor Pencils
Here are some of the best papers to use with watercolor pencils:
Hot Press Watercolor Paper
Hot press paper has a smooth, non-textured surface that allows for vibrant, saturated washes of color that bleed and blend softly. The colors will not lift back up once dried, so it’s ideal for layering.
Cold Press Watercolor Paper
Cold press watercolor paper has a moderate texture that creates nice granulating effects while still allowing for smooth blending. It’s a good middle ground paper suitable for most watercolor pencil techniques.
Rough Watercolor Paper
Rough watercolor papers have a pronounced texture that allow the pigments to settle into the valleys of the paper. This creates beautiful granulating and mottling effects. The rough surface also helps to lift color for textured effects.
Watercolor Blocks
Watercolor blocks consist of multiple sheets of paper adhered together to form a pad. The glue sealing the edges prevents the paper from buckling when wet. They provide a convenient surface for watercolor penciling that stays flat as you work.
Aquabord
Aquabord is a specialty clay-coated surface made specifically for watercolor techniques. It has a fine texture that allows for beautiful bleeds and blooms. The Aquabord is extremely rugged and can withstand vigorous scrubbing and lifting.
Tips for Choosing Watercolor Pencil Paper
- Consider the subject matter and level of detail. Smooth paper works best for soft, blended backgrounds while textured paper excels at detailed work.
- The paper should be 100% cotton rag for the best results. Wood pulp papers are too fragile when wet.
- Use heavier paper weights where possible. This prevents buckling and allows you to re-wet and lift color if desired.
- Sample different papers to see how the colors look when blended. Seeing the results firsthand can help guide your selection.
- Store your paper flattened and protected from moisture. Wavy or damp paper can cause problems when working.
Other Supplies for Watercolor Penciling
In addition to paper, you’ll need a few other essential supplies:
| Supply | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Paintbrushes | For blending and moving the wet pigments around |
| Water container | For wetting your brushes as you work |
| Paper towels or rags | For blotting up excess moisture and cleaning brushes |
| Spray bottle | For spritzing the paper with water instead of a wet brush |
| Pencil sharpener | For keeping your watercolor pencils sharply pointed |
Watercolor Pencil Techniques
Here are some common techniques used with watercolor pencils:
Wet-on-dry
Apply watercolor pencil strokes to dry paper first, then use a wet brush to dissolve and blend the pigments. This allows you to control where the colors flow.
Wet-on-wet
Wet the paper first before applying pigment. The colors will bleed, blend, and create soft effects as they mingle on the damp paper.
Layering
Build up multiple layers of overlapping colors to create depth and luminosity. Allow each layer to fully dry before applying the next.
Lifting
Use a damp brush or sponge to scrub away pigment and reveal the white of the paper. Great for creating highlights and textures.
Glazing
Apply a transparent wash of diluted color over existing layers to subtly shift a hue or unify areas of color.
Splattering
Load a wet brush and tap the bristles to fling droplets of paint onto the paper. Creates the look of speckled texture.
Conclusion
The paper you choose can make or break your watercolor pencil painting. Look for acid-free papers with the texture, sizing, and weight suitable to your artistic goals. Be willing to experiment with different surfaces to find which ones you enjoy working on the most. Equip yourself with quality brushes and other essential supplies. Mastering watercolor pencil techniques like layering, lifting, and glazing will allow you to make the most of your papers. With the right paper and some practice, you’ll be creating gorgeous works of art in no time!