Have you ever wondered about the different watercolor supplies like pencils, markers, sticks, and even crayons? If you're curious about how they work and whether you need them for your art journey, you're in the right place! In this guide, we’ll break down each one, their differences, similarities, and most importantly, whether you really need them.
What Are Watercolor Pencils?
Watercolor pencils may look just like regular colored pencils, but they hold a hidden secret—add a little water, and they transform! These pencils are made with water-soluble pigments, which means you can activate them with water to create beautiful watercolor effects.
You can:
- Draw with them like normal pencils
- Activate them with water using a brush for a soft, blended look
- Use them alongside regular watercolors to add fine details
Pros:
- More portable and less messy than traditional watercolors
- Less expensive
- Easy to sharpen for detailed work
Techniques:
- Draw first, then blend with a wet brush
- Dip the pencil tip in water for texture
- Layer two colors and activate them with water for unique blends
What Are Watercolor Markers?
Watercolor markers work similarly to watercolor pencils, but they’re even more vibrant and pigmented. You can use them to create bold lines or fine details depending on the nib style. Plus, you can easily use them on the go with a water brush for quick sketches or urban painting sessions.
How to Use Them:
- Draw directly and activate with water for a watercolor effect
- Scribble onto a mixing palette and then use it like traditional watercolor
Pros:
- Vibrant colors
- Portable and convenient for travel
- Suitable for loose painting or detailed designs
Tip: Play around with the amount of water you use to achieve different levels of transparency.
What Are Watercolor Sticks?
Watercolor sticks are like a hybrid between watercolor paint and oil pastels. They’re soft, creamy, and water-soluble, allowing you to apply them directly to the paper and then activate with water.
How to Use Them:
- Apply them directly to wet or dry paper
- Use a wet brush to pick up pigment from the stick for more control
Pros:
- High-quality pigments (especially brands like Daniel Smith)
- Great for creating texture
- Can be versatile when used like regular watercolors (e.g., break off pieces and put them in a palette)
Cons:
- May be harder to create fine details
Watercolor Crayons: How Are They Different?
Watercolor crayons may look like regular crayons, but they behave similarly to watercolor sticks. However, their performance can vary greatly depending on the brand, and they’re typically not as high-quality as professional watercolor sticks.
Pros:
- Fun and experimental for beginners
- Can be a creative tool for loose, playful sketches
Cons:
- Harder to achieve vibrant or precise results
- Quality varies based on the brand
Do You Really Need These Supplies?
The key takeaway is that each of these supplies—watercolor pencils, markers, sticks, and crayons—has its own personality. If you’re a beginner, watercolor pencils can be a great starting point to get familiar with using water and pigments. For those already experienced with watercolors, all of these tools can be fantastic for mixed media, travel, or experimenting with your style.
Should you buy them all? Not necessarily. It’s about finding what works best for your personal style. Try out different supplies to see what sparks your creativity!
Ready to Dive Into Watercolors?
If you’re still not sure which watercolor supplies to start with, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide to watercolor supplies. You can download my free watercolor supplies PDF guide here to get started on your watercolor journey.
Thank you for reading! Happy painting!