Wet-on-wet is a captivating technique in watercolor pencil art that allows colors to blend seamlessly on wet paper. This method is perfect for creating soft washes, gradients, and intricate effects that can bring your artwork to life. Let’s dive into three diverse examples of the wet-on-wet watercolor pencil technique that will inspire you to explore your creativity!
In this example, we’ll create a beautiful gradient of colors that resemble a sunset sky, perfect for landscapes or abstract art.
Start with a piece of watercolor paper and wet it thoroughly with a clean brush or a spray bottle. Use warm colors like yellows, oranges, and pinks to create a sunset. Begin by lightly applying the yellow watercolor pencil to the top of the wet paper, then use the orange pencil to blend it in, followed by the pink pencil. The wet paper will allow the colors to bleed into each other, creating a soft gradient.
For added effect, you can sprinkle a little salt onto the wet colors. As the paint dries, the salt will create an interesting texture, enhancing the dreamy quality of your sky.
Notes: You can experiment with different colors for various times of day. For a night sky, try deep blues and purples.
This example focuses on creating vibrant, textured leaves using the wet-on-wet technique, ideal for botanical illustrations.
Begin by sketching simple leaf shapes on your watercolor paper. Using a clean brush, wet the area inside your leaf shapes. Choose a bright green watercolor pencil and add color to the wet area. The color will spread beautifully, giving a natural look to your leaves. To add depth, use a darker green pencil on the edges of the wet leaves, allowing it to blend in.
For a more dynamic look, you can add a few drops of water to the leaves after applying the color. This will create soft edges and a more organic appearance.
Notes: Try using different shades of green and even mixing in some yellows for highlights to make your leaves pop.
In this example, you will create a calming water effect using the wet-on-wet technique, perfect for landscapes featuring lakes or ponds.
Start by wetting a section of your watercolor paper where you envision the water. Then, choose a blue watercolor pencil and apply it generously to the wet area. You can add variations of blue or even a splash of green to mimic reflections from trees or the sky. Use a clean brush to blend the colors, allowing them to flow naturally.
To create ripples, use a dry brush lightly over the wet paint, or you can lift some color with a tissue for a more dramatic effect.
Notes: Experiment with the intensity of the colors and the amount of water on the paper to achieve different water effects.
These examples of wet-on-wet watercolor pencil techniques showcase how versatile and fun this method can be. Whether you’re painting skies, leaves, or serene waters, the ability to blend colors seamlessly opens up a world of creativity. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different colors and techniques to find your unique style!