How to remove Pencil lines from a watercolor painting

Can you remove the pencil from your watercolor? Great question! In this video, I am doing a few experiments with pencils and watercolor. Seeing if you can erase it and alternatives to cover up the pencil lines.
These techniques are great when you are working with loose watercolor florals like I do because you can regain a bit of control while still keeping it loose and light.
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SUPPLIES
Paper: Canson Montval 300g Coldpress
Brush: Size 1 Round Synthetic brush
Paint: Daniel SMith Quin Rose
Pencil: 2H, 3B and 6B from Bruynzeel
Alternatives to pencil: Watercolor pencil from Derwent Sketching, Knetted eraser, Watercolor pencil in color from Caran D'ache
Other: Water, cotton cloth, eraser
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LEARN MORE
Online Courses (learn watercolor from your sofa!): camilla-damsbo-art.teachable....
Book Ink and Wash Florals: www.camilladamsboart.com/book
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CONNECT
Facebook student group: groups/watercolorandwhimsy
Instagram: camilla_damsbo_art
Pinterest: www.pinterest.dk/camilladamsbo/
Website: www.camilladamsboart.com
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FREEBIES (YAY!)
How to prepare for your next loose floral masterpiece: camilladamsboart.com/freebie-...
What comes first - line or wash?: camilladamsboart.com/landingp...
Breathe life into your floral sketches: camilladamsboart.com/landingp...

[@user-dn9bo3sd2t]

I'm getting started with water color and trying to build confidence, so discovering i can erase pencils lines is a game changer. Thanks so much!!

[@chodeshadar18]

I would also recommend using a kneaded rubber eraser and a long handled dusting brush to clear the crumbs without getting oil from your skin onto the paper.

[@treesapgrl]

Wow, thank you for posting, this is a great video. It's something I, too, have been wondering about, so I doubly thank you for doing all the experimental legwork for us!

[@CamillaDamsboArt]

You are welcome! I use pencil so often that I felt a few experiments would be perfect :)

[@suzannerobillard4185]

Perfect tutorial - Pace and demonstrations are interesting and helpful. Bonus information on pencil types and eraser options. Thank you Camilla!

[@CamillaDamsboArt]

You are so very welcome 😍🌸

[@natlisan]

I use Col-erase coloured pencils for my sketch! I have never had any issues removing the lines, for the most part my lines also stay clearly defined without lifting and mixing with my paint. I tend to work with tons of water and glazes and it stands up to that.

[@CamillaDamsboArt]

Oh exciting! I'll check those out :D

[@mssmiley5691]

I like my pencil lines and usually let them be. They were part of the artwork, too. In certain pieces, pencil lines can add looseness to your painting.

[@CamillaDamsboArt]

Yes true. I really love the pencil/watercolor look too 😍

[@fizzlestyxx8507]

I am very new to art. I'm learning to sketch and draw and I just recently got my very first small set of watercolor paints. A blank page seems so very intimidating so as I move forward, I will stop worrying about pencil lines. I'll sketch out at least general shapes to guide me and not stress over it. Thank you so very much for this video. I very much appreciate it.

[@CamillaDamsboArt]

I think pencil lines are a great way to get over that fear of the blank page :) And I still use them because it's always super nice to have guides when you paint :)

[@lyseclement6628]

Camilla, you are so resourceful and talented. Thank you for sharing your art

[@CamillaDamsboArt]

Aaaw thanks! That is so sweet ❤️

[@iammoog]

I came by for the art tips but got the bonus of a wonderful, calming ASMR type video. Lovely. I'm absolutely going to try some watercolour pencils!

[@CamillaDamsboArt]

Haha I had to google what ASMR type videos are ;) but I take that as a huge compliment! Thank you ❤️

[@lindadudman1624]

A very useful video , thank you 👍

[@mieczyslawapascoe7234]

Wow! That's one myth out the window. Very grateful to you for this gem, Camilla.

[@CamillaDamsboArt]

You are welcome 😍

[@anasel-mahdi7908]

basic but essential art lesson.Thanks

[@CamillaDamsboArt]

Yes and sometimes basic and nothings more is just what we need :)

[@mixedthreadart]

The kneaded eraser will pick up excess watercolour pencil so it blends into brushwork better. _ __Graphite paper doesn't erase at all so to transfer a drawing to watercolour paper I use the charcoal method. A kneaded eraser picks up loose charcoal. Brush work often spreads the charcoal so it is hard to see with darker hues of paint.

[@CamillaDamsboArt]

Oh cool, thank you for the tip ❤️

[@user-hm2tg8kz1l]

Very helpful, thanks. Have a nice day :)

[@CamillaDamsboArt]

You are welcome :) have a nice day too

[@roselynbaruch3697]

I'mcurrently tracing my very linear fantasy drawing of trailing mermaid's hair in the sea. Here's hoping her blond hair willnot showup the pencil! Thank you for sharing😊

[@CamillaDamsboArt]

Crossing my fingers for you and the mermaid ❤

[@susannaartist9447]

Some staining colors such as Aureolin Yellow will not erase pencil no matter how hard you erase.

[@CamillaDamsboArt]

True. As I say in the video you gotta experiment with the paints you have in your stash. Because paints do act differently especially those staining ones :)

[@myeung530]

I am assuming that you can also use an in-between lead softness B and 2B, it should still erase easily?

[@CamillaDamsboArt]

Yes definitely :)

[@user-jk1xh4kx5i]

Thanks! I’m a beginner and the sketched lines bothered me 😊

[@CamillaDamsboArt]

I'm so glad it helped ❤️🌸

[@goldpig1964]

I normally use pencil for my painting and leave it. By the time the painting is done I don't see it. My style tends to be rich saturation as opposed to a more pastel or transparent finished piece.

[@CamillaDamsboArt]

Aaah ok so the paint covers it up? That is clever and would work for oil and acrylics as well :)

[@grahamwelsh4258]

The best way to remove pencil lines: DONT USE THEM IN WATERCOLOUR!

[@CamillaDamsboArt]

Haha that is all up to you ;)