Watercolor pencil art can be a delightful and creative way to express yourself. However, mistakes can happen, whether it’s an accidental smudge or a color that didn’t blend as you intended. The good news is that many of these issues can be fixed with a little creativity and patience. Below, I’ll walk you through three examples of fixing mistakes in watercolor pencil art. Each example will provide practical strategies you can use to rescue your artwork and give it a polished finish.
Sometimes, while applying colors with watercolor pencils, you may accidentally smudge an area, leading to unwanted marks. In this case, you can use a kneaded eraser to gently lift off the excess pigment.
Start by identifying the smudged area. Take a kneaded eraser and gently press it onto the smudge without rubbing. This will lift some of the pigment without damaging the paper. Once you’ve removed the smudge, you can reapply the color more carefully. To ensure a smooth finish, lightly layer the color rather than applying too much pressure at once during your initial application.
Notes: If you don’t have a kneaded eraser, a clean white eraser can work, but be cautious as it may tear the paper if too much pressure is applied.
Imagine you’ve created a beautiful sunset scene, but the colors in the sky didn’t blend well, creating harsh lines. To fix this, you can use a wet brush to blend the colors seamlessly.
First, take a clean brush and dip it in clean water. Gently brush over the area where the colors meet, applying a light touch. This will activate the watercolor pencils and help the colors to merge. You can use a paper towel to dab away excess water or pigment if needed. If some areas still seem harsh, you can repeat the process, adding a bit more color if necessary to maintain the vibrancy.
Notes: It’s best to work in small sections to maintain control over the blending process. If you over-blend, you might lose some of the details, so keep an eye on your progress.
When adding shading to your artwork, it’s easy to go too dark in certain areas, which can throw off the balance of the piece. If you find yourself in this situation, you can lighten the area with a damp brush and a paper towel.
Identify the overly dark area and lightly dampen a clean brush. Gently apply the brush to the dark area, using a soft touch to lift some of the pigment. Blot the area with a paper towel to absorb the excess water and pigment you’ve lifted. You may need to repeat this process multiple times until you achieve the desired lightness. Once you’re satisfied, you can add lighter tones or highlights to restore balance to your artwork.
Notes: Always remember to work slowly and in layers when attempting to lighten areas. It’s easier to gradually lighten a color than to fix an area that has become too light after too much lifting.
By applying these techniques, you can effectively fix mistakes in your watercolor pencil art and turn potential frustrations into opportunities for creativity. Happy drawing!