Choosing the Right Watercolour Pencils: A Buyer’s Guide

Watercolour pencils offer the best of both worlds: the precision of drawing and the fluidity of painting. But with a vast array of options on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start. This guide is here to provide clarity and help you find the perfect set for your projects, whether you're a beginner, an experienced artist, or simply looking for a truly special gift.

How to Choose the Right Set of Watercolour Pencils?

To find the fine art supplies that will meet your expectations, there are three essential criteria to consider.

1. Pigment Quality and Water Solubility

The secret to a good watercolour pencil lies in its lead, a mixture of pigments and a water-soluble wax binder. The pigment concentration determines the intensity and brilliance of your colours once diluted.

• For beginners and hobbyists: Good solubility and a balanced colour palette are more than enough to get started with wash and gradient techniques.
• For experienced artists: Professional watercolour pencils stand out for their much higher pigment concentration and excellent lightfastness, ensuring the longevity of your artwork.

2. The Contents of the Drawing Kit

A watercolour pencil set is often much more than a simple assortment of colours. Some are true, ready-to-use watercolour drawing kits. The inclusion of a brush, for example, is a real bonus that lets you get started right away. The number of pencils (12, 24, 36, 72, or more) will define the breadth of your palette and your freedom to create complex blends without having to mix every single shade.

3. Packaging: Practicality Meets Presentation

Packaging isn't just about aesthetics; it's also highly functional.

• Cardboard boxes: Lightweight and economical, they are perfect for stationary use at home or in a studio.
• Metal tins: More robust, they effectively protect the pencils and are the perfect companions for artists on the go, whether for drawing classes or travel sketching.
• Wooden cases: Often the hallmark of professional lines like the Faber-Castell Albrecht Dürer pencil box, they provide optimal protection and a particularly elegant presentation. This is the top choice for an artist's gift that will make a lasting impression.

Our Top Watercolour Pencil Picks

We've scoured the market and selected three standout sets, each suited for a specific purpose.

Faber-Castell Set of 24 Watercolour Pencils + Brush

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Why it stands out: This is the perfect gateway into the world of watercolour. Comprehensive and accessible, this set includes 24 brightly coloured pencils and a brush, making it ready to use out of the box. An ultra-versatile set, perfect for switching between dry drawing and wash effects.

Benefits:

• All-in-one kit: The 24 pencils and included brush let you start immediately.
• Dual application: Use dry for precise drawing or with water for stunning watercolour effects.
• Practical and organised: The sturdy cardboard box keeps your supplies tidy and protected.
• Eco-friendly wood: A key selling point for environmentally conscious artists.

Who is it for?: Ideal for art students, crafting enthusiasts, and beginners looking for a quality first kit to try their hand at illustration, travel sketching, or mixed media.

Bruynzeel Vincent van Gogh Watercolour Pencils – Tin of 24

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Why it stands out: This is where high-quality materials meet beautiful design. This set is distinguished by its superb metal tin, illustrated with Vincent van Gogh's famous self-portrait. It's a high-performance creative tool, a collector's item, and an excellent gift for an artist.

Benefits:

• Elegant presentation: The decorative metal tin protects the pencils while being a magnificent object in its own right.
• Complete set: Includes 24 watercolour pencils and a quality brush.
• Portable art studio: Its compact and sturdy format is perfect for drawing outdoors or while travelling.
• A source of inspiration: The design, paying homage to a great master of painting, is a real creativity booster.

Who is it for?: For art lovers who appreciate beautiful tools, and for anyone looking for a gift that is as practical as it is beautiful. A must-have for artists on the go.

Faber-Castell Albrecht Dürer Wooden Case – 72 Watercolour Pencils

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Why it stands out: Here, we enter the major leagues. This case is the ultimate choice for the most demanding artists. With 72 colours, it offers an exceptionally rich chromatic range. Faber-Castell guarantees pigments with maximum lightfastness. Presented in a superb two-tiered wooden case, it establishes itself as the benchmark in professional fine art supplies.

Benefits:

• 72-colour palette: A vast colour spectrum for work full of nuance and precision.
• Professional quality: Pigments selected for their exceptional vibrancy and longevity.
• Extra break-resistant lead: Designed to be robust, it allows for detailed work without fear of breaking.
• Luxurious wooden case: An elegant presentation and heavy-duty protection, ideal for the studio or as an exceptional gift.

Who is it for?: For professional artists, illustrators, and discerning hobbyists who want to invest in high-performance materials designed to help their artwork stand the test of time.

Looking for Other Options?

Does our selection not quite cover your needs, or are you simply curious to discover other brands and formats?

Explore our complete collection to find inspiration and the right supplies for your next beautiful coloured pencil drawing.

Explore the entire coloured pencil category

Frequently Asked Questions About Watercolour Pencils

What is the difference between watercolour pencils and classic coloured pencils?

The entire difference lies in the binder used for the lead. The binder in classic pencils, which is oil- or wax-based, does not dissolve in water. In contrast, watercolour pencils use a water-soluble binder, which allows the pigments to disperse upon contact with water, just like traditional watercolour paint.

How do you use watercolour pencils?

Several techniques are available to you:

1. Draw dry, then activate with water: Draw as you normally would, then go over your work with a damp brush to dissolve the pigments and create a wash effect.
2. Apply to wet paper: Draw directly onto pre-moistened paper to achieve softer lines and more diffuse edges.
3. Lift colour from the tip: Rub a damp brush against the pencil tip to pick up colour, then apply it to the paper as you would with pan watercolour.

What paper should be used for watercolour pencils?

The choice of paper is crucial. To prevent the sheet from buckling or warping from the water, it is essential to use paper suitable for watercolour. Opt for a weight of at least 200 g/m?, with 300 g/m? being ideal. This type of paper is designed to absorb moisture without deforming, allowing you to work on washes and layer colours with confidence.