Why don't I use these More? Using Caran D'Ache Neocolor 2 Watercolor Crayon to Paint a Poppy

You can find a real time lesson on this painting, as well as 50 others, in Critique Club: lindsayweirich.teachable.com/...
*This new lesson covers everything you need to know about getting started in watercolor crayons. I hope you enjoy it!
As for watercolor crayon recommendations, my first choice is Caran Dache: shrsl.com/2ugxf , as they have open stock and sets, and the quality is outstanding. Another very comparable budget alternative to Caran Dache is the Lyra watercolor crayons available in sets: shrsl.com/2ugyj They are about 95% as good for half the price
*But if you want a really budget alternative you can try the Crayola Portfolio water-soluble oil pastels, they are awesome and a good way to test out this type of medium for a song: shrsl.com/2ugxy
If you want to transfer a pattern to a toned surface white transfer paper is handy: amzn.to/3bLOJzi
Reference photo: unsplash.com/photos/4TxN-S-QrzY
*Affiliate links used
#thefrugalcrafter #watercolor #art
Want more inspiration? Here are some classes!
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Credits:
Video production and Craft ideas: Lindsay Weirich
Music: Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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[@confidential5897]

Semi-random tip: next time you paint your wall red or orange, get the primer tinted with some red too. I'll look pink, of course, but the transparent red will cover better because it's not reflecting stark white 😋

[@joannewakefield1528]

Or even more random, some paint manufacturers recommend mid grey undercoat.

[@weirdamy4555]

I really love how the Neocolor II's look when I use the Derwent Inktense pencils for underpainting...it makes my ok art look like I know what I'm doing! LOL

[@justacatwhocantype]

"Why don't I use there more?" - LOL, I think this is what we all ask ourselves about our wc crayons. They seem to be this amazing medium that everyone loves but rarely ever actually uses. I also have the Neocolor 2 and I absolutely LOVE them, but somehow I usually end up reaching for regular watercolors or even watercolor pencils more often. The crayons are so good though!

[@TwilightAngel_89]

I don’t have any water colours so think I’m just gonna treat myself and buy these lol

[@justacatwhocantype]

@@TwilightAngel_89 They're lots of fun, I'm sure you'll love them. I definitely need to start using mine a lot more, too.

[@TwilightAngel_89]

@@justacatwhocantype yeah I’m gonna buy some definitely 😄might as well buy the best ones first time

[@FreeSpokenOne]

Same question I keep asking myself about the full set of Inktense I just had to have, but now I think the time has come to put all these amazing kits to good use. I don’t have to be a master painter to have a good time creating, and being the rebel I am a lot of this all is going to be combined until they cry uncle! It’s as if I’ve been locked away on an island, oh wait, I kinda was, but now that I’m back in the real world again and see all the fantastic things on the market it’s time to go bonkers with it.

[@marytesta3003]

I just had to do it. I ordered from Blick.

[@Msboochie2]

Another great video and right on time for me. I was feeling a little down, and then I saw the notification. Your chipper happy disposition always puts me in a better mood and makes me want to create. Thank you for the videos.

[@NelaDunato]

I'm a big fan of NII watercolor crayons, but it took me several attempts to realize something you've also mentioned in the video: if I'm not happy with how the drawing has tuned out, it means it needs more layers! I have a very limited collection of individually purchased colors, but they're so easy to mix that it's really all I need. They're a lovely medium for quick art studies and art journaling.

[@nancyloomis3046]

Love my Neocolor 2...all the Caran D’Ache are “the best” and a bit pricey...but really worth it. But I’m lucky to have a local art supply store that carries them open stock. So when they put them on sale ($1.80?) or even not, I can afford to build my set a few at a time. I have around 30 or so now. I’ve got to do that with their other color products too. Thanks Lindsay! Great instruction! You just make everything so accessible. 👍

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you:)

[@crimejunkie1]

Oh wow I have these and totally forgot about them 😮 I remember they were spendy too. TFS beautiful.

[@hberbac838]

It's fun to watch the poppy develop into such a beauty. Can't imagine achieving anything even close, but do enjoy seeing it happen.

[@Linda-qq5mg]

I am looking forward to this afternoon when I can go to Critique Club and try this! Thanks so much for all the wonderful tips and suggestions on how to use these crayons!. Your poppy is beautiful! Thank you so very much Lindsay. I really appreciate your advice!

[@maryellenshippee8676]

Oh my goodness. Love watching your tutorials. Thank you for sharing your vast amount of knowledge. I always learn something new when I watch your videos. ❤️

[@telenaeldridge3737]

I'm just starting to play around with these and also with oil pastels. This was a beautiful project! Thanks for the inspiration.

[@azzuparis]

This poppy is so beautiful! I have a few of these watercolor crayons but I’ve never used them. Now I really want to give them a try. Thanks Lindsay 💕

[@ireneurban3599]

what a glorious flower😍 and neocolors at their best! I love these crayons, but I have not yet seen such a pleasing example as yours, thank you for demonstrating!

[@pattytolliver2651]

I love listening to your tutorials while I'm working. Makes my day better. Thanks for the tips on alcohol markers. I'm just beginning to use markers so this was right on target for me.

[@janetlitchfield1774]

Oh Lindsay...... I love your enthusiasm (and your are work). Watching you produce beautiful art and giving all the hints and tips along the way - just fantastic. Currently there is not room in my craft room for more art supplies, so it's highly unlikely I'll ever give this a go. But never say never....! Thank you for sharing.

[@angelaf5040]

I'm so super happy to see this video!!! I love the idea of this medium but hadn't seen it used! Now I'm so excited!!! Thank you so much for sharing this Lindsey!!! Happy crafty hugs!

[@baldwinleatherworks]

Gorgeous poppy painting! I’m so thrilled to see you using watercolor crayons. I followed your recommendations from the last time you posted a video using these. I use a watercolor ground on my canvases and then seal the finished piece with an aerosol archival permanent fixative. Love working with these! Thank you for being such an amazing teacher! ❤️

[@rhondita95]

Such a beautiful poppy! I love watercolor crayons! Hello, Spring!

[@nightsun7009]

I'm impressed. You did a beautiful painting with these colors, i never knew before. Now I've a new wish on my purchase list. Thanks very much. 🥰

[@Julie-vy3oz]

I love my Neocolor II. I bought the Is for resist with watercolor but the 2s are my precious. :)

[@therisingphoenixlovedbynat121]

Ok I’ve never seen these used like this and now the price tag makes way more sense. Wonderful video thanks for sharing❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@reppeplucw]

Yet another beautiful piece of art and wonderful tutorial -- yet another art medium I have to try! I don't plan on rushing out right away for the Caran Dache, but I think I'm going to try with my oil pastels. This is just lovely! Thank you Lindsay!!!!

[@sondrabrown442]

I love your poppy paintings! I need to pull out my watercolor crayons too. Thanks Lindsay!

[@blahblahart5]

Wow! I'm impressed. The amount of pigment layering with wax watercolor crayons is amazing. Very pretty pretty.

[@claritzairosario68]

I've never seen a tutorial or demonstration video about carand'ache Neocolor! wow! they look so spectacular! it's amazing how they are pigmented, being watercolor! The truth is that I would love to have them. I never imagined they would be like this! I loved them! Thank you for this video!🥰👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@juliemckinley3895]

That is so stunningly beautiful. Absolutely amazing!

[@cyndiagilbert6216]

Wow, that’s beautiful! So vibrant.

[@garciasales]

It is a Very comprehensive tutorial! Is more like an entire course! Thank you, Lindsay! Xoxo

[@leannemitchem8865]

That was really cool to watch. I have never seen water colour crayons like that before. It was very cool to watch when you added the water. Your flower is gorgeous. Thank you for sharing

[@LipsitaArt]

Beautiful painting process. Thoroughly enjoyed. A very new medium for me. Will definitely give it a try. Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful day

[@TheArtGearGuide]

As always beautiful work and I love the Caran D’Ache Neocolor II, I’ve never tried the Neocolor I but I have never really tried anything with oil or wax pastels.

[@JA-ed1tj]

Thank you Lindsay! I have been wanting more tutorials using CD Neocolor II. I would like to know WHAT and HOW various medium plays well with the Neo II. I would also like to know what DOES NOT play well with this medium. It would make a very good YT tutorial. I am hard pressed to find good content painting with these. Bravo! Thank you again.

[@billienuhfer447]

Beautiful!!! I hope that you have a blessed week!!!💟

[@carolsoutar4719]

Beautiful colours. Very pretty flower. Thanks Lindsay.

[@pokey3010]

Wow, just gorgeous and fun to watch! Love this!

[@Vanessaprohaska]

I got myself a set after an artist reccomended them. Love them too. I tried my hand at first with mungyo aquarelle oil pastels . Thick and bright and more affordable. Love my watercolor crayons. !

[@patriciaschoenberg1261]

Wow! This is really beautiful! I am going to dig out my Neocolors! Thank you!

[@shannonwolff2599]

quick tip if you're using the watercolor pencils, if I have any break I keep the tips as well as the shavings if I need to sharpen a lot on a color and can use them later for washes etc. If you are like me and have a fair number of different sets a single palette won't do it all so I keep them in very small ziploc bags or an old pill bottle and only put them in a palette when I need to use them. Quick tip with the broken pieces I crush them up a bit first using an old pill crusher. Hope that helps!!

[@rnee1000]

This is so pretty!! I love the texture in the petals and I think that's easier to achieve with the watercolor crayons than watercolor paint. I"ll try this out.

[@katzbaugh9806]

Absolutely beautiful, Lindsay! I haven’t seen watercolor crayons before.

[@stanky6261973]

That's it! I'm moving to Maine So I can be near a marden's! Gorgeous drawing and painting, Lindsay. I really do love it. Thank you so much.

[@sharoasis]

Thanks for the beautiful and inspiring work, I never thought to reuse the shaving!

[@agnesbar1988]

Magnifique, je n'aurais jamais cru que l'on pouvait faire une si belle création avec les neocolor 2 😲 Trop trop beau 🥰

[@baxtersmomma]

So beautiful Lindsay! What a pleasure to watch! Seeing the building the layers is just amazing! Still haven't gotten the Caran D'ache...but fingers crossed! Do have the Portfolios though! So may give that a try! Thank you so much! Can't wait to watch in Critique Club! 🥰

[@Jendollla]

Oh my goodness. This is gorgeous. Time to put these on my wish list.

[@cassiesmith4826]

Wow. This is beautiful! I actually have those crayons but have never used them. You just inspired me. And also thanks for the water tip.

[@susanhamilton1822]

They work really great on fabric along with GAC 900 fabric medium by Golden.

[@destresswithyoga]

This is so beautiful and all of the info you gave was something I couldn’t find when I had my Neo II’s. I do have the Jane Davenport color sticks. I may try those. This finished poppy is so vibrant. I love your channel!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Those should work!

[@DAYbreaking_Ideas]

I bought the 84 set last month. Excited to try this project on flower reference. Thank you.

[@ArtBrain]

The detail on this drawing is amazing. The Instagram picture shows it better. Love it!

[@JC-il4or]

So glad you did this vid. Wanted it when I saw your last SatChat 😊 so thank you! Picked up open stock at my Tampa Blick store (basic warm/cool RYBG & white) about a month ago, then watched every YT I could find on them. I've used them a bunch and love them. For the direct brush to crayon I use the flat end so as to not mess up the pointy end 😁. Also found they are awesome for splatter -flicking. Good tip on brush moisture and type!!! Found the wrong way before I saw your vid LOL.

[@Jennifer-wr9si]

love how you demo'ed this. I am used to drawing with graphite and painting w/watercolour and was sort of bored of WC. do not like acrylics and was totally attracted to oils but don't want to deal with chemicals and long drying times. the neocolor ii looks like a great compromise.

[@lizziedae91]

I struggle with using mine too so I love when you do these videos.

[@marytesta3003]

I love this idea for travel and even classes❤

[@silkbod343]

Lindsay I am in total awe of your talent. I’m sitting here wondering as a beginner how many years will it take to be as talented as to be able to do a piece like this. I love watching your tutorials. Thank you for all your videos.

[@mwsdesigns]

This is so beautiful and I really want to try these crayons!

[@lotusflowerpassion]

beautiful got my self a set and excited to try them.

[@lesley523]

OMG! I have a set of these that are about 25 years old. Need to use them more, they are very versatile. Thanks for the demo :)

[@karritz1542]

Thank you. I love your poppy. Your tips will be very useful when I next try to use my Neocolour ll pastels. I had a go a few months ago but the artwork i made with them came out lumpy. I thought they might have been a bit old, or else working with my paper on my lap could have been the problem. I put them away for now. I got frustrated and did only one layer. Currently I'm waiting to get my new art table so I can sit properly and do my art work. Hopefully it'll be here next week. So discovering some more info about brushes, water use and layering will all help greatly. And I have quite a collection of photos of poppies I took a couple of years ago so I might even try a poppy. Thank you.

[@annettefournier9655]

Thanks Lindsay. I got tge Caran D'ache set of 10 when I saw a great deal. I fell in love with them now I would like more! Champagne taste on a beer budget.😆💜

[@kimbearlysoriginal4276]

This is beautiful Lindsay. Your artwork always amazes me. Makes me want to take out my Neocolor 2 too.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I'm working on a full length class with these currently too!

[@rosemcguinn5301]

Exactly what I was looking for! Love how informative you are! Thanks so much! 💝👏🏵

[@botticelli728]

I had my doubts about this medium, but your success with creating subtle, complex effects amazes me. I have some coming in the mail, and I can't wait to try them. Thank you!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Enjoy!

[@Angie-pl3uw]

Absolute,y beautiful. I love my Neocolor I's but never use my II's. This is the best motivator for me to open up my tin. Unfortunately my poppy won’t look much like yours, but I gotta try anyway. Thanks for this tutorial.

[@susansacco7583]

That’s Beautiful! I’ve been using too much water. Definitely. Thanks so much for this tutorial and the reminder.

[@kimhenderson9186]

Wow! Such beautiful work as always. I have the 40 set of the Neocolor ii and have only used them a couple of times for coloring page backgrounds. Which turned out awesome but I'm happy to learn that you have several tutorials using them. I've been subscribed to your Critique club since the beginning and I love it even though I have only painted one of the projects. There is just so much content available now that I forget about it. I'm heading there now to see what I have missed.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Awesome!

[@marilynstreight7775]

Thank you so much. I live to watch your tutorials. You are excellent at explaining. One day I am going to be brave enough to try all of this.

[@capbin146]

Start today. I started 6 years ago and wished I had started earlier. Do it and love the journey.

[@christinap6760]

Wow beautiful! You are good artist!! Amazing with his luminous colors! I've never used these pastels, maybe, because I don't like this type of pastels!!! But I noticed the results is very good!!! 👍👍☺️☺️☺️

[@jenniferakridge7092]

Your poppy Lindsay is gorgeous...thank you!

[@Ginger_McElfresh_Art]

That is one gorgeous flower! I absolutely love it!!! I wish I could do that.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You can with practise!

[@janecrisci2658]

Great tutorial! Would love to see more with the neocolors.

[@nadeaner.cowley513]

I have the 30 set of neocolor and embarrassingly I havent played with them much....I need to pull them out and do some mixed media pieces!!! Thanks for the inspiration!! Beautiful flower!!! Thanks for sharing♥️

[@susanvanschuyver7900]

Great tips! Beautiful poppy!

[@sisterslothington]

LOVE this painting!! I have the 40 set as well, I bought it last year on a site kind of like Craigslist, SEALED for about $45. I was beyond excited, and I would've happily paid double they're so good! (Plus I know they usually go for well over $100) They're also amazing because they last for an amazingly long. Ps. thank you for your advice with the arteza colored pencils with breakage, I really appreciate it and will definitely try it out! ❤❤❤

[@sfoss9470]

I ordered the etchr slate mini after your video and I saw we could order one at a time of these. I got 5 to try out. Thanks for the video!

[@gwensimmons_gigi1629]

I love your poppy, Lindsay! Thanks for sharing!

[@marileemck]

I agree, "why don't I use these more?" I'm so glad you reminded me to pull these out. I didn't know I was getting such a bargain, but I had a sense that the set of 15 for $5 I found at an estate sale 15 years ago might be fun to try out. Once home I fell in love with them and used them often. But it's been a while and you have inspired me to pull them out and have fun again! Love the poppy and your tips and tricks. Thanks. ~Marilee

[@1Letter23Numbers.]

I have shavings in 1/2 pans for travel and I use them as watercolors. I love their opaque quality which is sort of like gouach, but I am not familiar with gouache and only recently bought some gouache. I've had some of these crayons for almost 10 years with no noticeable difference between the really old ones and newer ones.

[@samanthaglorioso8440]

I got a set of 30 of these on sale a couple of years ago, but only ever used them for backgrounds. I had no idea you could layer and layer these like this! I will have to give these a try on a picture all their own.

[@tynaheadrick-phipps6768]

Wow, I love this creation, can’t wait to attempt this. I am in Critique Club, so I look forward to using these crayons.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks!

[@Horsewoman-pt2ku]

I finally took the plunge and ordered the large set yesterday as everyone raves about them. I am going to use them also as gauche like you suggested.

[@denaheck1506]

Pretty folds. Lovely. I have a set of 8 or 10. Played with them 3 or4 times. Kind of like my lipstick tube things. Never created anything but smooshing backgrounds. I’ll have to check out your card paintings see if I can do anything that way.

[@TwilightAngel_89]

Beautiful poppy ☺️I’m gonna buy some of these

[@Skinnychelle48]

I have Neo’s and Lyra, love them both.

[@diannedupuis2960]

Great video, thank you for a great demonstration of the neocolor II’s!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ashtoncousins54]

I have literally spent the entire week deciding if I really neeeeeeed the 84 set... my little set has been very welll loved. This is my sign 😂🙃

[@ginettemelody1035]

Beautiful, thank you. A light box is excellent to copy directly.

[@neenahjay5712]

Gorgeous!

[@leanneland]

Great tip with sharpening over the palette. 🌟😊

[@marysplace-simplymary3561]

Thank you for this- I never heard of these! Lol I use standard pastels. Gray information as always!❤️

[@acatinthecradle]

I purchased the whole set of these about 3 years ago and they literally sat on the shelf untouched since the day I bought them. I ended up selling them but honestly they were very lovely colors. I just couldn't find much of a use for them since I use my watercolors way more.

[@kstewart3901]

Beautiful work!

[@KellieMarie33]

Such a pretty flower.

[@terrytipton-guthmiller6851]

I love your paintings! 💞

[@susancrackedeggletj5556]

Omg I have these crayons I had to have them and then... I never used them 😭🤣🤦‍♀️ I just wasn’t sure what to do with them except for the one tiny reason I got them... so I’ll be watching this!! 👍🏼 thanks!

[@kristasee]

Thank you….for your demonstration I really learnt a lot from it I really Caran D’Ache Neocolour 11, on toned surfaces

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@adoradearable]

Beautiful. I hope I can do this someday.

[@NaomiCoutureArt]

I love how soft your poppy came out, it looks so lovely. I think I have a small set of these tucked away somewhere. I think I got them at one point to use for backgrounds in colored pencil pieces. I'm going to have to pull these out and play with them now :)

[@jackiegarroutte8970]

Can you put colored pencil over these?

[@NaomiCoutureArt]

@@jackiegarroutte8970 you should be able to put colored pencils over these but you could not put these over colored pencils as they are wax or oil based and these are water based 😃

[@catherineraper]

I finally bit the bullet and bought myself a set of these pastels as I’ve seen you’ve use them often in your videos and they looked really good. I bought a set of 40.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Enjoy! You'll love them!

[@georgesgentry5835]

Beautiful Lindsay! TFS