Watercolor Pencil Tips for Journaling and Sketching

[@MyLifeInTheDesert]

I use watercolor pencils for sketching in bed, when I’m sick (and I’ve had long covid so that’s been a while), because it’s so much easier to do than set up a water cup and the brushes etc. I love it so much. I also like the Derwent Graphite water solubles. Creates a moody tone.

[@robertsloan8923]

That was a great giveaway kit! I often carry Prismacolor watercolor pencils. I bought the full range of 36 and it was very easy to carry and use them all in a Niji pencil roll that only cost $5 and change at Dick Blick. If you like a larger range of pencils, those rolls are fantastic. They have a texture close to Prismacolor Premier, are very soft, and if you want a full colored pencils burnished effect can be layered, washed, layered again and burnished with any brand of colorless blender. One thing I like to do is sketch and shade before washing. I'll lay in very soft shading and strong linear accents, often overlapping to get certain mixtures. Purple is a friend to green! When I'm doing foliage I love to put a strong dark violet into the deep darks and then shade it up into the greens. Earth reds that lean toward orange are good for muting them. I like to pay attention to the hues and values of tree trunks and bark and often mix complements to get it right. I like a large palette because it lets me use different combinations for what I'm doing at the time. It's easy to get muted colors mingling saturated color but sometimes a blue-gray is a good base or I want to use bright green to mute a red. I may not use many pencils in a given sketch but I'll choose them for that subject, the light and my mood. The light colors in the large set are very useful, they have a little opacity but are elegant for soft effects in clouds.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Robert Sloan Excellent comments! Thanks for the input.

[@mindofwatercolor]

And the GIVEAWAY WINNER is??? - Ashley Lewis Thanks for participating everyone. I appreciate all the great comments and look forward to more fun like this in the future.

[@ZannerBatman]

Hi Steve, I just discovered your videos, been watching them since last night and all today so far. I really enjoy your approach to watercolour and like your technique as well. Can I just say that, as a Christian person, I love your Biblical quotes at the end of each lesson, that's a great addition and such a rarity these days. Thanks for that !

[@ClintRoseCarving]

That paper palette thing got me! That is brilliant, glad I found this video, thank you.

[@molliestrotkamp6700]

Thanks for the demo. Rather new to watercolor and just started journaling. Your tips on watercolor pencils is very helpful.

[@elliemay1229]

Thanks for your video! I also teach my students that you can take pigment off of the pencil and onto your paint brush to paint with. This allows you to do a nice wash when you may not have paints with you. You can also dip the pencil into water and get a bolder line when you draw. Finally, I love using watercolor pencils to finish details in my watercolor paintings that I might not be able to do with a brush!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Good tips, thanks Lori. I demonstrated taking pigment off the brush in my Graphitint review. Very useful.

[@happyone444able]

Another wonderful video Steve! Thanks! When one is new to watercolor, I think starting out with quality watercolor pencils is economical in that you can make a good quality, portable "watercolor palette" on heavy watercolor paper with a nice choice of colors.....I also carry along palette paper that I pick up from Joann's crafts (of course with a coupon!) where I can mix colors or change the values using the waterbrush of choice. This works great for my "emergency sketching watercolor kit" I have in my purse. I also have a Peerless watercolor palette that I made (I cannot say enough how much I LOVE these!!) and a Neocolor II palette to complement the watercolor pencil palette. One never knows when I might need to break out with my art and feed my soul! Now all I need to do is practice, practice, practice. I started getting involved with art journaling, watercolor and nature journaling about a year ago. Your inspiration is really helpful and I am appreciative for your expertise!

[@mindofwatercolor]

RuthAnn R. Yep, sounds like you're all set. Glad to take a part in your inspiration.

[@donnad7373]

Love this demonstration. Like working with wc pencils & mixed media for my travel sketching.

[@haleybrown2836]

Actually you can mix, scrape two colors into the well of a palette, add water, voila you have a green, etc., same as with regular watercolor. Want to apply a glaze, scrape the appropriate color into the well, add water,and glaze.

[@mukwah1111]

Thanks for the referral to this vid. Love the journal with the raggedy pages. I feel so drawn to this scene. I can almost feel like I am there - stepping up the rocks towards the trees ... sun shining, light breeze, bird singing.... living the dream if you will. Fabuloso !!

[@karentemplesnow8960]

I absolutely LOVE your vignette style!!! Please do more of them. I'm having trouble with composition. A video on that would be really welcome. Yo're my favorite YT artist. Thank you for your invaluable videos! xx

[@maryriley6163]

A dandy demonstration of water color pencil. Kinda hard to get the hang of. I have been a colored pencil user for so many years that making the switch is challenge, but it's a challenge I enjoy. Thank you.

[@RandySandknop]

I just watched this one this morning and I'm so happy to have your expertise with watercolor pencil! I have some that I've never tried because I had no clue how to begin. NOW I can get to it! Thank you!

[@yasmincoats1115]

This was an awesome demonstration, thank you very much Mr. Mitchell. I hope you do continue to explore watercolor pencils as it seems woefully difficult to find solid information on them, and your results are much better than most of what I've seen so far. I'm still new to watercolor itself and regret that I never pursued it years ago when I was being taught to sketch and today I can only describe the area I live in now as a desert for artistic supplies. No art stores, no studios, nothing which leaves me with teaching myself everything. And I truly appreciate what you share on KZbin. Thank you.

[@nc6585]

Dear Steve, Your videos are so inspiring and relaxing at once. Lots of useful and interesting information, it helps to be a bit more brave and get more fun from painting. I'm almost used to turn on your channel when painting. Thank you so much and keep on -painting and telling about it. Greetings from Russia. Elen.

[@samaafarghaly685]

You re such a decent person...a true artist in spirit. I am living in Saudi Arabia and wanted to start watercolor for the joy it brings...as a teacher I can definitely say ...you are a great art teacher.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Samaa Farghaly Very kind, thank you! You are so right about the joy it brings.

[@joanporter916]

I love everything you create and appreciate how you share your knowledge in such a friendly calm manner.

[@Trickboy36]

Very nice. I like the minimalism of the materials. Personally I have a tendancy to bring way too much stuff when I sketch in a coffee shop or plein aire.

[@mindofwatercolor]

I do to. Always bring far more than I ever actually use.

[@Disirablepossessions]

Thank-you for this video. I have had watercolour pencils for a long time and couldn't get to use them properly. I am taking a weeks vacation and will take my watercolour pencil s with me.

[@heartsaliveart]

Hi Steve. I loved your video. I have found that if you take some of your pigment off your pencil with the brush, you can paint rate on the paper and the colors are more vibrant.

[@GingerCupcakeCards]

Your videos are informative and your voice is incredibly relaxing to listen to while I paint. Thanks!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Nicole "GingerCupcake" LOL! Thanks for watching!

[@carollippincott4699]

I know this is an older post but its new to me. it has been years since I have done any art work,I have thought about it. now after seeing a few of your viedos I have been slowly buying watercolor supplies, need a few brushes and a board I cannot wait to be able to go out and paint. thank you for inspiration!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Enjoy!

[@dfraser9784]

I was a bit hesitant about trying watercolor pencils but you made my mind up. Your tutorial made it look easy and now I’m excited to get started. Thank you! 🤗

[@jrherman3rd]

Thanks Steve. I bought some Derwent watercolor pencils a few weeks back but, I haven't done anything constructive with them yet other than test the colors.

[@mindofwatercolor]

jrherman3rd Go for it!

[@BerndWeede]

I just begun to use watercolor pencils and water brushes. The idea for your picture is amazing.

[@Ruby-wise]

Great tips, thanks!..my favorite water brushes, by far, are the Aquash , by Pentel. They come in three sizes. What qualifies them as best, is the flow regulator..not too much or too little. Good for on the go or armchair Line and Wash.

[@mindofwatercolor]

👍

[@brandytaylor1986.]

Caran dache makes a mixing pallet just for watercolor color pencils

[@michellefg5197]

Hello Steve - you can use a Caran d Ache plastic palette to scratch off colours and mix them in the palette - you probably know that by now 🤗😁

[@cindykingsland766]

You have inspired me to do more watercolor. I hope to get some watercolor pencils and water brush and try them out.I love the way you review the different items available. Please do some more complete paintings.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Will do Cindy. Thanks for watching!

[@suzierawlinson1386]

Your making my 70's fun, your videos are helping me to learn again. Keep it up!

[@BadBuq]

your videos are a blessing! pls keep making them!

[@carolesauter9148]

I think you have great teaching methods. Keep it up. I appreciate your information and I love to watch you paint and draw. Thanks

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks so much!

[@savannahfederico585]

You look like Robert Deniro I’m new to water coloring i ordered a huge set of watercolor pencils and I can’t wait to get started.

[@nordicpink]

You did a great job on that piece. That was a new perspective of using watercolor pencils for me.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+nordicpink 👍

[@nancyvrba8865]

Would love the walter colored pencils.

[@tgstudio4781]

Thank you thank you thank you for all of your videos. Your personality and spunk make these so enjoyable, like a comfy fit for my art journey. Keep on creating! Thanks for sharing.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Will do. Thanks for your encouragement!

[@darlenelaursen6856]

I love your videos and you scriptures at the end of each. They get the day off to a great start. Praise the Lord for the gift of painting!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks! Glad you enjoy them.

[@eliserunge1905]

Hi i loved your video, you seem to be a great person! And I’m a total beginner with watercolour pencils, but I’ll try to draw more or less what you did there:)

[@ajlomas7185]

What a great and relaxing video, i always enjoy watching your videos. The artwork is always fantastic and in this video that work is no exception. Beautiful work and great art tips, thankyou so much for sharing your vast knowledge and great art expertise.

[@msdeedee1808]

I just found your channel today and I'm so glad!. I find your style and voice relaxing and humorous in attempts. I'm a subscriber and I thank you for teaching us humble artists, albeit amateurs!

[@gilbertranch1906]

Love this technique.

[@Teajan]

Love your style and videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Jan Teaford 👍

[@sharoncoffman1920]

I’ve been binge-watching your videos! I’ve painted in oils many years and wanted to return to watercolors for a while to loosen up. I’ve gotten so “tight” in oils it was frustrating! Now I’m loving the watercolor medium and results! Thanks for your dedication to the journey! You’re helping me on my creative journey.

[@deanneradam7444]

*Im so thankful i came across this video!*

[@uliktanasklone]

Thank you a lot! You are awesome :) your tutorials are my way into watercolor pencils - I was very confused of which technique should I use with it.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Daria Demkina Try them all and see what works best for YOU! 😊

[@chercat37]

Im so glad that I came across your video, its fantastic. I might give this set a try as it makes water colour painting a lot easier than those I have came across. Thank you for sharing!

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Lei Tianzi You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@25madvilla]

Thanks for taking the time to do this. You have really helped me a lot.

[@mindofwatercolor]

25madvilla Glad to be a help. Thanks for watching!

[@katepanthera7265]

This is really informative. I'd like to see you actually do the drawing of the tree tops - I really like that part. Whole piece is really nice.

[@melodytoolson9069]

Just discovered your channel these past few weeks and have enjoyed your demonstrations, reviews and tips. Very informative and pleasant.

[@rebeccaelliott4332]

Tip for using a water brush ... empty it if you are leaving it unused for a while. If you live in a hard water area the tiny holes that allow the water through to the brush may block with limescale and you can't clean it out!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Hmm, good to know. Thanks for the input.

[@kerrynseymour2383]

I so would love to buy a water color journal like that. One I can call my own. Will search online. Thanks for sharing your great vids. Darwin Australia NT.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Kerryn Seymour You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@TheCombatartist]

Watching in 2021 - still relevant and helpful 👍🏻

[@Linda-qq5mg]

Your videos are all so informative and interesting! Thank you very much.

[@glennamarrs100]

Great discussion. I have the desire for watercolor and the pens you used appear to be easily learned. Thank you for your demonstration was great.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Glenna Marrs Thank you!

[@sherronrobinson6772]

Hi Steve. New to your channel. I love watercolor. I have bought several types including some pencils. It seems I am unable to keep away form the watercolor aisle in the art store. Buying them is one thing, mastering it is another (haven't done that yet;far from it lol). Therefore I am looking forward to your tutorials. Your art is wonderful. Thank you for sharing.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks Sherron. You've come to the right place for watercolor lovers. Welcome aboard.

[@jennifermills1122]

i just have to let u know i love ur videos and u as an artist and you are a huge reason i have started to explore water colors and painting i have always drawn and colored but couldnt understand watercolor i would try to hard to control the color process but thru your teaching i have learned to be more free and let it flow and its amazing how awsome my art has become thank you so much and hey if you ever feel like giving another journal like that away im here lol jk weather i win a give away or not just watching your art come to life and learning from your gift is enough for me thank you

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thank you! Very kind.

[@artticulation]

I lean so much from you, fun fun fun! Great tips for watercolor pencils.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Glad to hear it, thanks Lola!

[@Smudgie]

Hi Steve, after watching your first watercolour pencil tutorial I decided to buy some and give it a go. I bought a set of 24 Faber pencils. I have only tried one attempt and find it difficult to mix a dark tone. My first attempt was on a fine grain 300 gram cheap watercolur paper from Canson that I had tried for normal watercolour but found it smooth. I hope it`s easier mixing darker tones on a more "accepting" surface.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Watercolor pencil does have difficulty achieving really deep tones, pretty much all brands. They never seem to get extremely dark. This is one reason I prefer to treat them as a drawing and sketching medium rather than paint and primarily activate the pencil for light washes. I often go back later and add deeper tones from standard watercolors if I want them.

[@Smudgie]

Steve Mitchell Design Cheers Steve, I was thinking that would be the way to go. Thanks for your great channel!

[@maxineglass2402]

I really love all your videos! I prefer using watercolor pencils myself but I also combine watercolor paints to my animal portraits. Learn so much from watching your videos! Thanks so much!!!!

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Maxine Glass 👍

[@JeannePaints]

I recently purchased that water brush; it came in a cool little Koi Pocket field sketch box. I agree with you; I like the way it handles very much. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@mindofwatercolor]

👍

[@definitelynotcarrie]

Great video! I'm hoping to try out some watercolor pencils soon. I've got waterbrushes on my wishlist, thanks again for the great tips!

[@SGColours]

Awesome! Thank you for sharing.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+SG Colours 👍

[@Emgee78]

I've been thinking about get a set of watercolor pencils and experimenting(messing) with them.

[@josephwalker138]

Thank you for your demo using watercolor pencil. I've have the Prismacolor set with a water brush, per recommendation from a graphic artist friend. My mistake was using them more like a watercolor application, and I was getting uncontrolled values. Your demo approaching them as a drawing/sketching medium and subsequently moving the pigment around is the answer. Better values and much softer edges. Also the 100% cotton acid free paper makes a huge difference. I'm searching for that handmade journal brand you suggested, but having trouble locating it in our area. Therefore, I've resigned to buying large sheets of paper stock and cutting, folding, and binding. Not as nice as your's but it works. Thanks...!

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Joseph Walker Great input! You've got the idea. I can't necessarily recommend this journal for its paper though. Its too absorbent. Not enough sizing. Its probably the coolest looking one I have but I think I'm going to use it only for line and wash or wc pencil.

[@josephwalker138]

+The Mind of Watercolor Thanks for that, I did notice the 100% cotton rather thirsty. So I decided to cut up 300lb acid free for my homemade journals... Kind regards!

[@kathiehayes865]

I just found your art lessons. Thank you. I'll be viewing all your older posts and looking forward to new videos.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Kathie Hayes Glad to have you aboard!

[@ztang233]

I am now excited to try h2o pencils. Until your video I was a little Leary to try them but u have given me the confidence by watching your tutorialige. It looks like a professional illustration from a book! You explained exceedingly well how to make just a hint of suggestion of what u are drawing and that one does not have to draw or paint everything we see...leave some up to the imagination of the viewer. I now feel confident and excited to try this especially getting in deep within the drawing with the tiniest lines these pencils can conjure!!! Btw I have a rare disease that causes lots of pain....watercolour has made me able to relax! Th so much for putting this up. I have learned a lot and look forward to watching more I wish I could enter the giveaway contest but alas I refrain from FB. Ty and God bless.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Zeze Tang Sorry for your pain but so glad that you can cope with watercolor. And thanks for the kind words on the episode. Glad to have you watching.

[@janegadd1681]

Loved your Chick a Dee demo, I have a Pental and some colour pencils, can you do one mixed media too? You are so easy to listen to especially as I find most American video voices too harsh and difficult to follow, whereas you have a more European tone and manner, in my opinion. I know I'm too late for the giveaway but have now liked you on FB. Love that you like Scottish music too have you seen Clanadonia group on KZbin?

[@enhancingcreativity5515]

I love you work! I have been experimenting with Moleskine watercolour pencils are a little while now and loving it! and still figuring out the techniques. I've uploaded a few videos so far :)

[@Alonso89]

Im learning so much with ur videos ! thank you so much for the content !!!

[@mindofwatercolor]

👍

[@mrcoffee5909]

i am really enjoying this channel. would you consider doing a segment on how to sharpen the watercolir pencils...for example...recommending a particular sharpner and also how to get a very sharp point like the one you are using here in this lesson...thank you...great inspiration for us beginner's...👑💖👑💛👑

[@alidakuipers6005]

Thank you- appreciate your presentation!

[@zoilacaceres1653]

So amazing,thank you for the demostration!!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Glad you like it. Thanks for watching!

[@katmegumi2764]

Thank you for making this tutorial. I always draw with pencil, black and white. I'm gonna try to draw with colours now, and this will help a lot! I will explore more of your videos. And now you inspired me to make art videos too.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Kat Megumi Cool! Have fun!

[@yannie1012]

I started off with water colour pencils but I noticed that the colour blending wasn't great and left quite harsh patches or colours that didn't mix quite well.. one thing that was handy when I wanted to detail with a lot of pigments with a very inky defined line, I'd dip my actual watercolour pencil into a bit of water and apply it directly to the paper. The result I got was a really intense smeary effect.

[@kimberlilly1127]

Im really enjoying your videos. Thanks for teaching and sharing. I love your sweet kind spirit. I have a feeling you walk with the One who endowed you with this precious gift!:)

[@ruamcdill7871]

Love the paper palette idea!

[@cuca1957]

Hi! I'm a beginner, trying to learn water color for the very first time. In my opinion, you are great! Thank you so much for this video, I'll give it a try. Thanks again

[@mindofwatercolor]

+cuca1957 Thanks!

[@autumnphoenixart2165]

You can also touch the tip of the waterbrush to the tip of the watercolor pencil to pick up a little color. Thank you for sharing your tips with us.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Ashlee Colors 👍

[@muralistl]

I think you are fantastic!!!!! You have taught me so much. Thank you for all your videos! Please keep posting your paintings! Thank you!

[@mindofwatercolor]

+muralistl Thanks so much!

[@jeffreyfranks3169]

Thank you for this! I have some watercolor pencils but have never figured out how to use them. This has inspired me to try your technique. It actually might work out well for an upcoming project. And I LOVE your style!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Jeffrey Franks Thank you !

[@jufRicky]

Just discovered your channel! A little late for the giveaway but I dint mind... I'll be watching your videos in the future. I have been looking for a journal really like the one you have. Happy New Year!

[@lpsmaniac998]

I love your videos so much! Definitely learned a lot from watching your videos.

[@chantellove9570]

Aw missed the give away! Glad I found your demonstrations though 😀 thank you!

[@rayquesada506]

I have enjoyed your videos, and this video is very informative. I've just recently took up watercolors as a medium and the watercolor pencils have really sparked my interest. Looking forward to your future tutorials with interest. Subscribed. Thank you, Ray.

[@plekang1]

Great video! I really (REALLY) need to resolve for 2017 to sketch much more! I've recently retired and want to make art a big part of my weekly "schedule." I've heard you say many times that we need to sketch and paint in order to get better ~ and we need to be willing to make "mistakes" in order to learn. I need to convince my brain of this truth. I really like to watch your videos as well as many others - my grand daughters often like to watch with me ... and one day Josie said "Papa - how about you paint a picture instead of just watching him?" (Youch! :) So please keep up the great work and I will work WITH you! Paul

[@mindofwatercolor]

Hahaha! Out of the mouth of babes...!

[@dbrady6172]

Very interesting and helpful

[@carolcynova3805]

Thank you. First day...... just looking to begin thinking about this.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Carol Cynova 👍

[@PeterPalmiotti]

Another great video Steve.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Peter Palmiotti Thanks Peter!

[@redmetalicrobotdemon6409]

Copy places can and will print a 10% ghost-line on thing smooth watercolor paper from a dark line pen or pencil sketch. I draw sketches and fill in with watercolor later. Must be the thin smooth paper to fit in the copy machine. ; = )

[@tjyuuki2608]

I recognize that sweater ;) Either you one one of your family members worked there? I enjoyed learning more about watercolor pencils. I use watercolor paints, but never really used watercolor pencils. I really like the sketchy quality to it. I just started watching your videos I'm really enjoying them and just subscribed. Thanks for making these videos!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yeah, my daughter.

[@judyptak7118]

Love it. Thanks.

[@eddiecoss4002]

ive love the thought watercolour pencils.id wish i had recorded my past paintings.thanks for showing records.

[@andymandyandsheba4571]

hi Steve i some times use my water brush off the tip of the pencil i have three brushes a fine a medium and a flat i some times use water soluble oil pastels with my water color pencils

[@mindofwatercolor]

Andy Coakes Good tips, thanks!

[@andymandyandsheba4571]

your welcome it works well

[@peggyborel3964]

I love watercolor pencils. I have a quick question. What is your pencil sharpener? I notice you have a wonderful fine point.

[@mindofwatercolor]

This is my Amazon Store page. The two pencil sharpeners in it are what I use. The School Smart is the best but only usable for standard size pencils. I use the Xacto for fatter pencils. www.amazon.com/shop/mindofwatercolor?ref=ac_inf_hm_vp

[@arina-vg1sn]

Good tips!! Love and Kiss from the Netherlands xxx

[@racheldavis4173]

thank you for all the information about water colors

[@mindofwatercolor]

👍

[@anamariablevins5775]

Steve, what a great video! I'm delighted to discover your channel! Your verse at the end is Amazing! What do you advise for Artists who are studying the Business of Art? People who want to sell?

[@ruthiepooh86]

Thanks for the tutorial and the Scripture. Maranatha.

[@mindofwatercolor]

pooh@22 Yes, Maranatha! Thanks for watching.

[@judihopewell7148]

Interested to see you demo artgraf watercolour graphite with koi brush or good brush in journal setting..... Love your channel...

[@mindofwatercolor]

👍