Watercolor pencils are a fantastic medium that combines the precision of colored pencils with the beautiful, fluid qualities of watercolors. Mixing colors effectively can elevate your artwork, giving it depth and vibrancy. In this guide, we’ll explore three diverse examples of color mixing techniques using watercolor pencils.
Layering is a fundamental technique in watercolor pencil art that allows you to create rich, complex colors. It’s especially useful when you want to achieve a darker shade without losing the vibrancy of the base color.
Imagine you’re working on a landscape with a sky that transitions from light blue to deep indigo. Start by lightly applying a layer of light blue watercolor pencil to the area where you want the sky. Once you’ve covered that area, take a darker blue or indigo pencil and gently layer it over the areas you want to deepen. Use a wet brush to blend these layers together, allowing the colors to mix seamlessly. The result is a beautifully gradient sky that’s full of depth.
Notes: You can experiment with different colors in your layering process. For instance, adding a touch of lavender in between the blues can create a stunning sunset effect.
The wet-on-wet technique is perfect for creating soft, blended colors that mimic the flowing nature of watercolors. This technique works well for backgrounds or abstract pieces, where you want colors to flow into one another.
Start by applying a light wash of clean water over your paper where you want to create a dreamy background. Next, take your watercolor pencils and lightly draw in the colors you want—think about using greens and blues for a serene water scene. As the colors touch the wet area, they will begin to diffuse and blend together. You can use a clean brush to help push the colors around, creating soft transitions and interesting shapes.
Notes: Try adding more water to see how the colors disperse. You can also experiment with using a sponge to dab colors, which adds texture to your artwork.
Color lifting is an excellent technique for creating highlights and correcting mistakes. It allows you to remove some of the color and bring back the paper’s original brightness. This technique is especially useful in portrait painting or when working on intricate details.
Begin by applying your watercolor pencil to the area where you want to create a shadow or darker color. Once you’re satisfied with the color, take a clean, damp brush and gently scrub the area you want to lighten. You’ll notice that the color lifts away, revealing the lighter paper beneath. You can repeat this process to achieve the desired highlight effect.
Notes: For a more controlled lifting, use a paper towel to dab the area instead of scrubbing. This can help you achieve delicate highlights, such as the shine on an eye or a glimmer on water.
Mastering these examples of color mixing techniques with watercolor pencils can significantly enhance your artistic abilities. Experiment with layering, wet-on-wet, and color lifting to create stunning artworks that showcase your unique style.