Watercolour pencils: are they worth the hype?

Watercolor pencils have gained popularity among artists and enthusiasts alike, offering a unique blend of convenience and creativity. However, as someone deeply invested in the world of watercolor art, I can't help but wonder:

Are watercolor pencils good?

Let's delve into this debate, exploring the merits and drawbacks of watercolor pencils compared to traditional watercolor paint applied with a brush.

The Promise of Watercolor Pencils

Watercolor pencils boast versatility and ease of use. With these pencils, artists can achieve both precise lines and soft washes of color, making them ideal for both detailed work and expressive pieces. Additionally, their portability makes them convenient for artists on the go, allowing for creativity whenever inspiration strikes.

Advocates of watercolor pencils often praise their ability to combine the control of drawing with the fluidity of painting. They argue that these pencils offer a smooth transition from sketching to painting, eliminating the need for multiple tools and simplifying the artistic process.

The Reality Check: Efficiency and Effectiveness

While watercolor pencils certainly have their place in the artist's toolbox, I believe that using traditional watercolor paint with a brush reigns supreme in terms of efficiency and effectiveness.

First and foremost, painting with watercolor directly from tubes or pans allows for a more fluid and spontaneous approach to art-making. With a brush in hand, artists can quickly lay down washes of color, blend pigments seamlessly, and achieve a wide range of textures and effects. This direct application of paint onto paper facilitates a deeper connection between the artist and their work, fostering a sense of immediacy and intuition that can be lost when working with watercolor pencils.

Moreover, the process of painting with watercolor is inherently faster than using watercolor pencils. With paint, artists can cover large areas of paper with minimal effort, whereas achieving the same coverage with watercolor pencils often requires tedious layering and blending. Time is a precious commodity for artists, and the efficiency of traditional watercolor allows for more spontaneous experimentation and exploration of artistic ideas.

Conclusion: Embracing the Brush

In conclusion, while watercolor pencils have their merits, they simply cannot match the speed and effectiveness of traditional watercolor paint applied with a brush. The tactile experience of painting directly onto paper, coupled with the fluidity and spontaneity it affords, makes the brush an indispensable tool for watercolor artists.

That being said, art is ultimately a deeply personal pursuit, and different artists may find different mediums and techniques that resonate with them. Whether you prefer the precision of watercolor pencils or the expressive freedom of traditional watercolor, the most important thing is to embrace what brings you joy and allows you to express your creativity to the fullest.

So, are watercolor pencils good? Absolutely. But for those seeking speed and efficiency without compromising on artistic expression, the humble brush and a palette of watercolor paint remain the ultimate choice.