Don't forget to download your Free Watercolor Pencils Guide (link in video description) and watch this next: Watercolor Pencils (7 Mistakes Beginners Make!) ua-cam.com/video/8IjZa6p1exI/v-deo.html
Why as a beginner do I enjoy watercolour pencils? Because even drawing in graphite pencil, it feels like I'm extending my practice of drawing. And my drawing is improving. And by colouring in with the pencil I've completed a lot of the picture and feel in control. Your teaching style is excellent. And after a confident beginning and middle.. I can use your tutoring to help me with the brush. I feel even though I'm really building my pencil work.. I'm building experience and confidence in painting too
Hello! I find water colour pencils intriguing because they are kind of without a mess. I live in a tiny studio apartment where my kitchen table serves as workspace, craft space, additional counter top... you name it. If you use those water brushes and a small sketchbook you are set for a “painting” session in a moment. It’s great benefit for beginners if you want to practice drawing regularly and easy to carry around. I’m not surprised your videos are so popular! I have checked other tutorials on water colour pencils here on UA-cam - they are few, not really good. Yours are on a completely different level! I learnt a lot again, thank you!
The Heart of an Artist. This is one of those times that sneak up on you and shower you with as much delight as it does surprise. A few months ago I decided to prepare (insulate) myself during the chilly Massachusetts months ahead by returning to my self-taught drawing practice. Foraging through UA-cam the other evening I had the good fortune to come upon your channel. I have binged for hours now on the feast of information and inspiration you provide! I am a jazz musician/singer and, for me, Tone is everything. May I say that the warm inviting inclusive sound of your voice has provided a wonderful feeling of what might be possible if I only apply the same Love I have for the study of Music, to Painting. Your generosity and patience instantly reminded me of a teacher I studied with in grad school whose guidance significantly changed my artistic life. It also prepared me for a lifetime of teaching music as well. All I can say is Thank you for all that you do and for possessing one of those loving creative hearts that embraces everything and everybody. For me, this is the creative equivalent of striking gold! I look forward to spending the months ahead learning and laughing my way through the mistakes into becoming a student of Watercolor!
I just love you. Your sense of humor is spot on. I truly enjoyed this video. It was helpful and amusing. I too have seen 80 year old zombie babies and dogs on Facebook. It actually has kept me from venturing into these subjects. I will stick to quantum physics for the time being. Thank you for all of you great videos. I have learned so much. And keep that delightful sense of humor.
I don't think I've told you how happy I am to have found your channel, your videos are relatively shortyou are always prepared, to the point avoid a lot of jabbering, and are respectful of our time all while dispensing so much incredible information I have learned more from you in I think five videos (I'm binging) than in many, many books, classes, and youtube videos thank you so much!!
I recently went on vacation and wasn't able to bring my watercolor paints. Instead I opted to bring my watercolor pencils. After watching several of your videos, I felt confident enough to use the set I had been given by my sister. It was nice to be able to continue to paint while traveling.
Thank you so much for these videos. I think some may be obvious but perhaps not for newcomers. I am so appreciative for the more intermediate tips though, which will be applied to me pushing my art forward. 🧑🏻🎨🎨🥰
Oh my gosh! I just came across your channel and it's a lifesaver! I'm a self-taught artist who just started drawing and watercolor at the beginning of this year and your channel has answered so many of my questions. Your videos are so useful and thorough and your experience really shows. Thank you for making content that people would normally pay for free! It really helps since I've been struggling to afford actual classes.
I'm so glad it's helpful to you. I do have paid courses, but I always make free stuff available too. I have benefited from free tutorials (and still do) in the past myself :-)
I'm a beginner and have experimented a couple of times with watercolor pencils without much success. Your tips will help my next try . Thank you so much.
Thank you for your wonderful tutorials, they’re helping my journey into using watercolour pencils. I have only taken up painting again because of the pandemic; I am in my 70’s and haven’t done any type of painting for nearly 40 years! I decided to try the pencils and I really like their versatility, but I have made mistakes and your videos are helping me to understand where I am going wrong. I would really like to know how to achieve misty, frosty and/or snowy scenes using the pencils if you have time please. Thank you again, you are a brilliant artist and teacher 😊
My experience is very like Wendy's. I've had these watercolor pencils for years and didn't know what to do with them. Your tutorial really helpful and appealing. Thanks
Hi Wendy, we have plenty in common, through this pandemic painting gives me purpose. It has also re-introduced a photography hobby of mine from years gone by. Although at times it's overwhelming, thinking so much time has passed; now I'm in a hurry trying to catch up. I'm happy with art supply sales, which in the old days were non existent. Take care and have a healthy prosperous new year. Vancouver BC
@@fionacarvell2033 they are good value for the money, however the pigment payoff is much less than for more expensive brands such as Derwent, Faber Castell etc. At the end of the day it's the pigment you are paying for.
In your spare time !!!!! I wonder if a manufacturer would be able to print in very light tone a colouring book which is of the right kind of paper for watercolour paints. Your way of drawing and painting is so very lovely and I feel that many 'not too confidents' would really enjoy using such a book. But only in your SPARE TIME !!!!!
Spare time, I do not recognise these words :-) I have actually looked into this in the past, Giclee printing isn't possible as the paper is coated and doesn't respond well. The process itself is possible but my regular printers cannot do it. Let's say I haven't abandoned the idea altogether, although it won't happen this year.
I've only used WC pencils a couple of times - borrowed from my son. But I do use water soluble graphite pencils quite often for sketching if I'm trying to save weight in the mountains. Thanks for this Michele. I might go on the borrow again LOL.
I just got a set of 120 Arteza from the post office on our way out of town from New Hampshire to Florida for the winter. If I hadn't seen this video, I would never have used them properly. I have always enjoyed your videos, Michelle. I'm at my drawing table now ready to test out my new knowledge. Great tutorial. I feel like I have a fighting chance and will post it on your Facebook page once I'm done and you can decide if I am a good student. 😄
I am a hobby colorist. I prefer to work in color pencil, but I absolutely love the look of watercolor. To me it seems natural progression. I have been enjoying and learning so much from your channel. Thank you.
I just found your video. I am so happy that I found because I really wanted to try the water color pencils I have learned alot. You do a great job teaching.
I am indeed a beginner and have just discovered the watercolor pencils. And you are right, I like them because I do seem to have much more control. But I have struggled controlling the brush and water with the paints. Because of this frustration, I am taking a break and giving the pencils a go. I also enjoy discovering the change from pencil scribbles to a smooth paint texture. The layering is also quite fun as I built up the color for contrast and variety. I hope you will do more tutorials with pencils, landscapes and realistic flowers. Thanks so much for teaching me so well, Michele. Linda
Hi Linda, I can't put links here, but try looking at some of my other watercolor pencils videos, pop it in the search bar with my name and they should come up, both tutorials and tips :-)
I have the same set you have, but haven't used them yet. I watched the video and thought it was a good idea to make a color chart. I had so much fun seeing the colors wet. I am starting a beach scene and plan to follow all of your ideas. Thanks for the help. I have been water coloring for a few years, not very good but I'm having a great time.
I have always liked the idea of watercolour pencils but have never understood quite how to use them. I have seen many videos "how to..." with many examples but its just several examples on a white paper, 37 seconds on each technique in a 5 minute video, you actually shown on a real painting. For example how to do bricks in a wall, dots in a flower, for the background and so on. I know (sort of🙂) how to paint, but not when to use pencils. And its the same for salt, or to drop a little drop of water, if its use for effect and not an accident, I know I can use that technique, but I don't know *when*. Your channel and videos with watercolour pencils is showing just that to me.👍 And long videos is good, I start to paint at the same time and sometimes I just have your voice in my ear buds and look at the video time to time if its something I already knows.
I have liked using Derwent Inktense watercolour pencils for an initial wash. Once dry, they are permanent so they do not bleed at all into subsequent layers of regular watercolour pencil. The Inktense pencils are quite vibrant which is nice.
Wow a great tutorial on Toadstools with watercolor pencils. I think that the reason for watercolor pencils vs watercolor paint is they are more portable for folks. Especially if you’re using them for color books. You can work on the go or while waiting in the car pickup line for school without the need for water right away, despite having watercolor brushes that hold water. (At least here in America.) I am thrilled that you used the Arteza brand pencils. I have been leaning towards that brand because my first set of 24 Watercolors was the Arteza Brand, which I still use quite a bit in addition to some of the other brands of watercolor paints. I also agree with you that the pencils give a little more control over where you can put the colors to see how it looks before activating it with the water. I have yet to really do or use the watercolor pencils because I tried a 6 pencils set and found it difficult to get the amount of color that I wanted in the area of my painting. After watching your videos I am finding that I do enjoy using various techniques & mediums with watercolor paints. Thanks for sharing this with us and making art fun to learn.
I started with watercolor pencils (a ink based version (Dewert Inktense), but had too many issues with my carpal tunnel - so I moved to paint and love the flexibility more. This gives me a few techniques to use to supplement, without having to use them alone. Thanks!
Lovely tutorial. The pencils look quite vibrant. I really enjoy using WC pencils, because I can work slower. Sometimes I have to work too fast in watercolor, and if I haven’t planned well enough ahead or mixed enough paint, it can be a problem. WC pencils also let me work out a sketch ahead of time too. Thanks for all your videos, they are wonderful.
Thank you for an interesting demonstration. I especially appreciated the way you sharpened up the edges to gently add contrast rather than by harshly outlining shapes. That's pure treasure to add to the tip jar.
Good morning thank you for doing this video for us during your move.i also would rearrange my pencils for same color ranges, I see these pencils alot on amazon and always wondered if they were decent, I also use the gray watercolor pencils to draw my painting designs out now I know that others do it too. I thought I was the only person doing that .Wow color me impressed, totally impressed that your a teacher, video producer, house mover, your very good at multi tasking...lol mikelle newyork mom staying home and fingers crossed for america to return back to human decency in nov😷✌🎨
Almost as beautiful as you are. I've noticed that you don't talk much about pigments. I got ito watercolor painting a year or so ago and got involved with a lot of artistes that were overly focussed on pigment numbers and lightfastness. Not my cup of tea. I love the way you approach your work. And I am glad I found you as you and Charles Evans have inspired me to pick up watercolor pencils and try again.
Charles is great. I do talk about watercolor pigments, but there's not much point with the pencils since most people buy a set, not individual pencils :-)
Wow, I again learned so much from your tutorial. I appreciate your multi-media examples. I like watercolor pencils because the sets come with so many colors. It is much cheaper than that many pans or tubes of water color paints. But I still buy and add to my watercolor paints. From your tutorials, I have learned to use a limited pallet, even when tempted to go for all those beautiful watercolor pencils. This has helped my work look much more cohesive and less like a ransom note. Your suggestion on how to organize pencils by color helped me too, I am doing that with my pencils and matched to my watercolor paints and adding to my swatches, row of paint, row of similar watercolor pencils. I agree that you must still learn to draw. At times, I draw with a sepia or light-colored watercolor pencil instead of a graphic pencil. I love watercolor painting the most as I have learned so many techniques from you, the multi-media approach just enhances the ability to create. I think I will try this brand of pencils.
Excellent! I learned so much. I watched videos by others but never learned the very useful things I learned here. I was going to give up. Thank you very much for sharing.
Thank You for this wonderful tutorial! I have just gotten the arteza watercolor 120 set when I happened across your very informative UA-cam videos. You did ask to comment as to why watercolor pencils vs watercolor paint. For me, I color for relaxation and I am a beginner for sure. For me, using watercolor pencils is much less time consuming than using regular pencils, and this is a big plus for me. There are quite a lot of adult coloring books that can handle using watercolor pencils. A few to mention are Kerby Rosanes Fantomorphia, Colin Thompsons Colouring Book as well as many of Johanna Basford's coloring books. My goal is to finish all of Colin Thompsons wonderful Colouring Book using these Arteza watercolor pencils. Again, thank you so much for this very wonderful and informative tutorial, it has helped me immensely!
Thank you! I have been working on learning to paint for less than a year and found the pencils you used in this tutorial. I like them very much and work back and forth between pencils and watercolors. Your tutorials always give me ideas and encourage me on to the next project. Lots to learn and I started this all rather late in life. But what fun! Thank you again. Always enjoy your tutorials!
Ive just discovered the watercolour pencils....oh the feeling of control!Unlike the balance of water & pigment, semi dry, dry, soggy....been there done it all...enjoying the process....thanks for your clear explanations why, where and indeed why not...!
I myself love the colored pencils because of the magic did I see when I apply water thinly! Thank you Michelle for all your work & all of your teachings....
Yes, always rearrange big sets to have similar colors together starting at blues, greens, yellows, oranges, reds, violets, browns, blacks, and finally, whites.
Toadstools video: The thing I love about watercolor is that it is transparent and watery. And wc pencils do give that watery look when water is applied. The dry wc pencils leave “bumpy” texture that I don’t care for. I would add water to smooth out that gritty look. I’m still not certain that pencils are for me. I do appreciate your work and knowledge of color properties and blending info. Thank you for the video.
The cheaper brands blend less smoothly, but this can be an advantage if you are working in mixed media and need your lines to stay. For more smoothness try a pricey brand or even a Derwent Inktense (these are permanent but beautifully smooth because they are ink.)
Thank you so much for your tutorial, Michelle - you always give me something to think about! 👍🎨 I like watercolour pencils because they are easier to control - as you said, and they are so versatile. Sketch or paint - dry or wet. Even to use them as watercolours, dipping a wet brush on the tip of the pencil. 👍 So easy to bring outdoors too, with only a pad, a waterbrush and a cloth. 🌞
So lovely! Just found you! Thank heavens!! Just started dipping my toes into other mediums and recently purchased water colors and water pencils!! Much respect and love from Alaska
i used to use watercolor pencils in life drawing sessions years ago. i have never seen a tutorial on w/c pencil technique... so thanks for this! what i love about them is the textures you can get, plus the linear aspect of pencils juxtapositioned with painted passages... i find that very appealing! i better dust off my pencils lol!
Really enjoyed, tried out various methods you showed us, very many of your watercolour videos, this was after doing your watercolour course, ( should have perhaps firstly viewed) but, found them all super informative. Thanks.
I’ve spent a lot of money to try to learn watercolor; this is the first time these techniques have been “broken down” from baby basics! Thank you? The reason ve always wanted to learn watercolor is the softness it has. Is there a particular sharpener you prefer?
P Hamm/// in the old days the masters used a small knife to chisel the wood to keep more of the pencil's core. I use this technique, however I love to chisel wood, especially when I venture to the forests. Lately I've encountered a few videos on UA-cam with instructions how to make your own watercolors...I will be doing more research on what flora and fauna can provide for color pigment. Take care. Vancouver BC
Hello Michelle, am enjoying your tutorial and the length is no problem, especially as it is full of information, hints a d tips. I'm not an artist in any way but a senikr home card maker who makes cards to send to family,y and friends. I use stamps and dies to create my cards and am often frustrated by the poor resu,to due to my colouring. Watching this video and your beginners water colour painting video, has taught me so much. I'm beginning to understand where many of my attempts at colouring my cards has gone so drastically wrong. Mine may only be small pieces of card for short lived enjoyment, but improving the colouring will give me more enjoyment and hopefully the recipients also. Good luck with your move, hope it goes as smoothly as moves can go. Your time in teaching and sharing your talents is much appreciated, thank you. You've brought a smile to my day that will be repeated each time I recall and use your information shared.
I like watercolor and I love pencil. Watercolor pencil is like an entirely different animal than those two! I’ve struggled with the technique. I really needed this tutorial!
Huzzah! An informative, interesting, and well presented video about watercolor pencils. With the advent of adult coloring books combined with the pandemic, a lot of people are coloring using various media. There aren't enough publications on these pencils. A demonstration as extensive as this is certainly appreciated! Thank you 😊
Hello. I gave your video a thumbs up. You really deserve it. I usually just watch videos and rarely comment. These tutorials are perfect. My son bought me watercolor brush pens. I’m a newbie with watercolor. I would love to see a video with you using the watercolor brush pens. These brush pens already have colors inside. The set also comes with brush pens to use with water. I would appreciate if you have time to respond. Bye for now from California
Hello Cynthia in California! I don't have brush pens currently but do plan to get some and will certainly do a video on them, thanks for liking the video!
I cant draw very well, so I use these pencils in my nice coloring books, using a waterbrush so I dont get too much water on it. I love watercolor and appreciate your technique videos. I really wish I had the talent to draw to make my own artwork, but I am thankful for the coloring books made for people like me with high quality paper that allow wet mediums. Have you tried derwent inktense? I love them too!
I haven't tried Inktense yet but they have amazing reviews. It's never too late to learn to draw, start with simple shapes like leaves and flowers and practice often :-)
I do have both "soluble graphite" and watercolor pencils and used them, but I didn't come to them first. Realize that I'm an odd mix of writer and educator and blacksmith/welder, so my 2D art is "playground". My arc of 2D art development has been pencils and pen (what does a writer have around?) then into the Tombo watercolor pens simply out of curiosity and for the control. Then into watercolor (cheaper, right?) and then started playing with the pencils. What I like about the pencils is more the portability. I can have a few sheets of watercolor paper tucked in the sketchbook/journal and a box of pencils. Do a sketch dry, or use them to enhance pencil/ink work, even add some water with a waterbrush pen. Takes up less space, no open containers of water, etc. Very handy at the confines of a coffee shop table or even standing in the field or inside my truck. If I need or want more brushwork and wet work I can do that later at home, but I have the color laid in to remind me. Because I'm often in "rough" circumstances when doing this, I tend to use the woodless Arteza watercolor pencils because, first, they're much less expensive so if something unfortunate happens (water and spilled coffee finds art supplies first!) I've not ruined the Fabers. Second the pigment is "pretty good" I find. Third the woodless are more versatile and when I'm out and about I prefer tools that have versatility (less in my bag). Sorry to go on so long. Thank you for this and another video because they sorted some things I've been having problems with. Like a lot how you give reasons for doing things the way you do.
give it another go . I just starting. we have a wonderful community of amateur artists in Herne- Bay. The people on the sea front, are really kind and interested. such affordable art, to produce and perhaps sell or trade. Great community . stay well. I am a subscriber, as from today. Canterbury The Range , provideds all that one needs ( during these dark lockdown times ). I know Canterbury has specially shops ( but we avoid the main shops).... sadly I shop , independent, if it was an option. .X.
This is the first time I’ve watched one of your videos about watercolour pencils, I’ve found it very interesting and now I have a better idea of what to do with my pencils. I realise I’ve been using them incorrectly which of course didn’t give me the best end results. Thank you for taking the time out from moving house to produce this informative video. I look forward to seeing more.
Thanks Michele! I did my sketch ( I put in 3 ) listened to the tutorial, pulled and swatched the pencils to get the pallet. Practiced the techniques. Chose the brush that works the best. Then got interrupted. Sigh. Why do these people need to eat!?. I'll have to get back to it tomorrow because I've lost the light. 😔🥴
Love this. I purchased this set about a month ago and have not really used them yet. However, I did use them yesterday after watching another of your videos using a technique you were showing. Love these techniques. As is wrote you yesterday, I am new to your channel and am just really excited about new things I am learning from your tutorials. I am doing Christmas cards at the moment...would you be able to give a lesson on cards using pencils? Thanks again for your sharing of your talent. ❤️
Nice drawing/painting. Love painting mushrooms. I do prefer conventional WC. Got a small W&N WC pencil set, but never really got the hang of them, find it difficult to avoid pencil marks. Reserve them for little details in WC painting. My next one is going to be a shaggy mane, a bunch of them appear each autumn near our farm.
Answer to question about what I like about watercolor pencils: I like the portability. They are dry, so no spills, and no worries about smashed tubes, easy to sharpen, water demands are small. Blending is done solely with water (as far as I know) so no smelly spirits to travel with. Price of pencils usually is modest for a pretty decent set, and they work well on cheaper paper as well as pricey paper. Control is greater over edges, and some mistakes seem easier to fix. When the pencil is used up, there is less waste and less environmental impact from metal or plastic. All in all, they are the perfect medium for people like me.
p.s for the things I would love to learn it is how to make a leaf or flower petal, material, look like it is bent over, curling upwards or downwards or folded over, concaving, twisting · curved, humped, winding · curling, outjutting, hanging over. Really struggling with this.
I chose to use watercolour pencils and colour pencils for environmental reasons. There is less waste and everything is compostable, even the bad art (it makes great weed matting in the garden ;-) )
I don't much care for watercolor pencils and limit my use of them to drawing in my outlines and sharpening up fine details. Part of why I enjoy tutorials on using them is seeing new tricks and techniques that I can try, because I've never met an art supply I don't like! But I prefer paints because of the spontaneity and unpredictability of the medium. If I am concerned with perfect precision and detail throughout the project, I'll do a drawing instead.
Very good information as always. I have gum Arabic and I’ve used for the slowing drying technique but didn’t find it helpful but I need to revisit it. Thanks for the reminder and the shine idea. That would be helpful for hummingbirds, dragonfly wings, etc. Thank you again for sharing!
Lovely tutorial. Would certainly paint one. I started with dabbling water colour pencils in June and moved to water colours in July. Like water colours better as it's more challenging.
Hello Michelle! I loved this video tutorial with watercolor pencils. They were one of my first painting experiences and so much fun. Now I mostly use them when I want to create something fun and not to serious or when doing art projects with my grands. Even though they are not my go to supply I still enjoy the care free-ness (?) when I use them now. I do hope you do other similar tutorials using watercolor pencils.
so many good points and helpful tips...My only wish would be if your voice were less monotone, my less than perfect hearing would have a much easier time hearing all those great instructions.
Don't forget to download your Free Watercolor Pencils Guide (link in video description) and watch this next: Watercolor Pencils (7 Mistakes Beginners Make!) ua-cam.com/video/8IjZa6p1exI/v-deo.html
Why as a beginner do I enjoy watercolour pencils? Because even drawing in graphite pencil, it feels like I'm extending my practice of drawing. And my drawing is improving. And by colouring in with the pencil I've completed a lot of the picture and feel in control. Your teaching style is excellent. And after a confident beginning and middle.. I can use your tutoring to help me with the brush. I feel even though I'm really building my pencil work.. I'm building experience and confidence in painting too
Hello! I find water colour pencils intriguing because they are kind of without a mess. I live in a tiny studio apartment where my kitchen table serves as workspace, craft space, additional counter top... you name it. If you use those water brushes and a small sketchbook you are set for a “painting” session in a moment. It’s great benefit for beginners if you want to practice drawing regularly and easy to carry around. I’m not surprised your videos are so popular! I have checked other tutorials on water colour pencils here on UA-cam - they are few, not really good. Yours are on a completely different level! I learnt a lot again, thank you!
Thanks so much, your words mean a lot to me!
The Heart of an Artist. This is one of those times that sneak up on you and shower you with as much delight as it does surprise. A few months ago I decided to prepare (insulate) myself during the chilly Massachusetts months ahead by returning to my self-taught drawing practice. Foraging through UA-cam the other evening I had the good fortune to come upon your channel. I have binged for hours now on the feast of information and inspiration you provide! I am a jazz musician/singer and, for me, Tone is everything. May I say that the warm inviting inclusive sound of your voice has provided a wonderful feeling of what might be possible if I only apply the same Love I have for the study of Music, to Painting. Your generosity and patience instantly reminded me of a teacher I studied with in grad school whose guidance significantly changed my artistic life. It also prepared me for a lifetime of teaching music as well. All I can say is Thank you for all that you do and for possessing one of those loving creative hearts that embraces everything and everybody. For me, this is the creative equivalent of striking gold! I look forward to spending the months ahead learning and laughing my way through the mistakes into becoming a student of Watercolor!
Thanks so much for your lovely comments, so pleased you enjoy the videos! Good luck with your new artistic journey :-)
I just love you. Your sense of humor is spot on. I truly enjoyed this video. It was helpful and amusing. I too have seen 80 year old zombie babies and dogs on Facebook. It actually has kept me from venturing into these subjects. I will stick to quantum physics for the time being. Thank you for all of you great videos. I have learned so much. And keep that delightful sense of humor.
I don't think I've told you how happy I am to have found your channel, your videos are relatively shortyou are always prepared, to the point avoid a lot of jabbering, and are respectful of our time all while dispensing so much incredible information I have learned more from you in I think five videos (I'm binging) than in many, many books, classes, and youtube videos thank you so much!!
Wow, thank you!
I recently went on vacation and wasn't able to bring my watercolor paints. Instead I opted to bring my watercolor pencils. After watching several of your videos, I felt confident enough to use the set I had been given by my sister. It was nice to be able to continue to paint while traveling.
Wonderful!
Always good to be reminded to work light to dark. I’m working with pencil and I think that’s a good idea.
Thank you so much for these videos. I think some may be obvious but perhaps not for newcomers. I am so appreciative for the more intermediate tips though, which will be applied to me pushing my art forward. 🧑🏻🎨🎨🥰
Oh my gosh! I just came across your channel and it's a lifesaver! I'm a self-taught artist who just started drawing and watercolor at the beginning of this year and your channel has answered so many of my questions. Your videos are so useful and thorough and your experience really shows. Thank you for making content that people would normally pay for free! It really helps since I've been struggling to afford actual classes.
I'm so glad it's helpful to you. I do have paid courses, but I always make free stuff available too. I have benefited from free tutorials (and still do) in the past myself :-)
Can’t wait to try this. I didn’t realize how versatile watercolor pencils could be! Thanks for the tips
I'm a beginner and have experimented a couple of times with watercolor pencils without much success. Your tips will help my next try . Thank you so much.
I really learned a lot about how to use watercolour pencils. Thanks.
My pleasure 😊
Thank you for your wonderful tutorials, they’re helping my journey into using watercolour pencils. I have only taken up painting again because of the pandemic; I am in my 70’s and haven’t done any type of painting for nearly 40 years! I decided to try the pencils and I really like their versatility, but I have made mistakes and your videos are helping me to understand where I am going wrong. I would really like to know how to achieve misty, frosty and/or snowy scenes using the pencils if you have time please. Thank you again, you are a brilliant artist and teacher 😊
Thank you Wendy! So many people are taking up painting now, just like you and it's never too late!
My experience is very like Wendy's. I've had these watercolor pencils for years and didn't know what to do with them. Your tutorial really helpful and appealing. Thanks
Hi Wendy, we have plenty in common, through this pandemic painting gives me purpose. It has also re-introduced a photography hobby of mine from years gone by. Although at times it's overwhelming, thinking so much time has passed; now I'm in a hurry trying to catch up. I'm happy with art supply sales, which in the old days were non existent.
Take care and have a healthy prosperous new year. Vancouver BC
@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber are these arteza pencils very good and high quality and lightfast
@@fionacarvell2033 they are good value for the money, however the pigment payoff is much less than for more expensive brands such as Derwent, Faber Castell etc. At the end of the day it's the pigment you are paying for.
I have use watercolor pencils before with varied success. These techniques are very helpful. Thank you😊👍
My pleasure 😊
Your sweet. I love watching you. Your tutorials are very helpful.
Thank you so much!
In your spare time !!!!! I wonder if a manufacturer would be able to print in very light tone a colouring book which is of the right kind of paper for watercolour paints. Your way of drawing and painting is so very lovely and I feel that many 'not too confidents' would really enjoy using such a book. But only in your SPARE TIME !!!!!
Spare time, I do not recognise these words :-) I have actually looked into this in the past, Giclee printing isn't possible as the paper is coated and doesn't respond well. The process itself is possible but my regular printers cannot do it. Let's say I haven't abandoned the idea altogether, although it won't happen this year.
I've only used WC pencils a couple of times - borrowed from my son. But I do use water soluble graphite pencils quite often for sketching if I'm trying to save weight in the mountains. Thanks for this Michele. I might go on the borrow again LOL.
Borrowed materials are always more fun!
I just got a set of 120 Arteza from the post office on our way out of town from New Hampshire to Florida for the winter. If I hadn't seen this video, I would never have used them properly. I have always enjoyed your videos, Michelle. I'm at my drawing table now ready to test out my new knowledge. Great tutorial. I feel like I have a fighting chance and will post it on your Facebook page once I'm done and you can decide if I am a good student. 😄
Please do!
I am a hobby colorist. I prefer to work in color pencil, but I absolutely love the look of watercolor. To me it seems natural progression.
I have been enjoying and learning so much from your channel. Thank you.
So pleased my videos have been helpful, you are most welcome!
I just found your video. I am so happy that I found because I really wanted to try the water color pencils I have learned alot. You do a great job teaching.
Thank you!
I am indeed a beginner and have just discovered the watercolor pencils. And you are right, I like them because I do seem to have much more control. But I have struggled controlling the brush and water with the paints. Because of this frustration, I am taking a break and giving the pencils a go. I also enjoy discovering the change from pencil scribbles to a smooth paint texture. The layering is also quite fun as I built up the color for contrast and variety. I hope you will do more tutorials with pencils, landscapes and realistic flowers. Thanks so much for teaching me so well, Michele. Linda
Hi Linda, I can't put links here, but try looking at some of my other watercolor pencils videos, pop it in the search bar with my name and they should come up, both tutorials and tips :-)
I have the same set you have, but haven't used them yet. I watched the video and thought it was a good idea to make a color chart. I had so much fun seeing the colors wet. I am starting a beach scene and plan to follow all of your ideas. Thanks for the help. I have been water coloring for a few years, not very good but I'm having a great time.
Glad it was helpful!
I have always liked the idea of watercolour pencils but have never understood quite how to use them.
I have seen many videos "how to..." with many examples but its just several examples on a white paper, 37 seconds on each technique in a 5 minute video, you actually shown on a real painting. For example how to do bricks in a wall, dots in a flower, for the background and so on.
I know (sort of🙂) how to paint, but not when to use pencils.
And its the same for salt, or to drop a little drop of water, if its use for effect and not an accident, I know I can use that technique, but I don't know *when*.
Your channel and videos with watercolour pencils is showing just that to me.👍
And long videos is good, I start to paint at the same time and sometimes I just have your voice in my ear buds and look at the video time to time if its something I already knows.
So glad you like the videos Anna, it's very hard for me to make short videos, too much to say!
@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber Thank you I'm trying to do watercolor paintings I have learned a lot today thank you and Mary Christmas love 💘 Phil
@@phillipsegretto3043 Merry Christmas!
I have liked using Derwent Inktense watercolour pencils for an initial wash. Once dry, they are permanent so they do not bleed at all into subsequent layers of regular watercolour pencil. The Inktense pencils are quite vibrant which is nice.
I hear very good things about them, must try them!
I like using watercolor pencils with my watercolors sometimes.
Wow a great tutorial on Toadstools with watercolor pencils. I think that the reason for watercolor pencils vs watercolor paint is they are more portable for folks. Especially if you’re using them for color books. You can work on the go or while waiting in the car pickup line for school without the need for water right away, despite having watercolor brushes that hold water. (At least here in America.) I am thrilled that you used the Arteza brand pencils. I have been leaning towards that brand because my first set of 24 Watercolors was the Arteza Brand, which I still use quite a bit in addition to some of the other brands of watercolor paints.
I also agree with you that the pencils give a little more control over where you can put the colors to see how it looks before activating it with the water. I have yet to really do or use the watercolor pencils because I tried a 6 pencils set and found it difficult to get the amount of color that I wanted in the area of my painting. After watching your videos I am finding that I do enjoy using various techniques & mediums with watercolor paints.
Thanks for sharing this with us and making art fun to learn.
I started with watercolor pencils (a ink based version (Dewert Inktense), but had too many issues with my carpal tunnel - so I moved to paint and love the flexibility more. This gives me a few techniques to use to supplement, without having to use them alone. Thanks!
Yes that's my favourite way to use them, with watercolours!
Lovely tutorial. The pencils look quite vibrant. I really enjoy using WC pencils, because I can work slower. Sometimes I have to work too fast in watercolor, and if I haven’t planned well enough ahead or mixed enough paint, it can be a problem. WC pencils also let me work out a sketch ahead of time too. Thanks for all your videos, they are wonderful.
Thank you so much!
Fantastic video as always, Michelle. Thank you x
Thank you for an interesting demonstration. I especially appreciated the way you sharpened up the edges to gently add contrast rather than by harshly outlining shapes. That's pure treasure to add to the tip jar.
Good morning thank you for doing this video for us during your move.i also would rearrange my pencils for same color ranges, I see these pencils alot on amazon and always wondered if they were decent, I also use the gray watercolor pencils to draw my painting designs out now I know that others do it too. I thought I was the only person doing that .Wow color me impressed, totally impressed that your a teacher, video producer, house mover, your very good at multi tasking...lol mikelle newyork mom staying home and fingers crossed for america to return back to human decency in nov😷✌🎨
Not long to wait until November, I have a good feeling about it ;-) So glad you liked the video!
You are a fantastic teacher...I have learned so much from you...God bless you..
Wow, thank you
Almost as beautiful as you are. I've noticed that you don't talk much about pigments. I got ito watercolor painting a year or so ago and got involved with a lot of artistes that were overly focussed on pigment numbers and lightfastness. Not my cup of tea. I love the way you approach your work. And I am glad I found you as you and Charles Evans have inspired me to pick up watercolor pencils and try again.
Charles is great. I do talk about watercolor pigments, but there's not much point with the pencils since most people buy a set, not individual pencils :-)
Wow, I again learned so much from your tutorial. I appreciate your multi-media examples. I like watercolor pencils because the sets come with so many colors. It is much cheaper than that many pans or tubes of water color paints. But I still buy and add to my watercolor paints.
From your tutorials, I have learned to use a limited pallet, even when tempted to go for all those beautiful watercolor pencils. This has helped my work look much more cohesive and less like a ransom note. Your suggestion on how to organize pencils by color helped me too, I am doing that with my pencils and matched to my watercolor paints and adding to my swatches, row of paint, row of similar watercolor pencils. I agree that you must still learn to draw. At times, I draw with a sepia or light-colored watercolor pencil instead of a graphic pencil. I love watercolor painting the most as I have learned so many techniques from you, the multi-media approach just enhances the ability to create. I think I will try this brand of pencils.
So glad you found it helpful, yes combining with paint is my favourite way to use.
Excellent! I learned so much. I watched videos by others but never learned the very useful things I learned here. I was going to give up. Thank you very much for sharing.
Never give up! :-)
Thank you for these wonderful lessons
You're very welcome!
Thank You for this wonderful tutorial! I have just gotten the arteza watercolor 120 set when I happened across your very informative UA-cam videos. You did ask to comment as to why watercolor pencils vs watercolor paint. For me, I color for relaxation and I am a beginner for sure. For me, using watercolor pencils is much less time consuming than using regular pencils, and this is a big plus for me. There are quite a lot of adult coloring books that can handle using watercolor pencils. A few to mention are Kerby Rosanes Fantomorphia, Colin Thompsons Colouring Book as well as many of Johanna Basford's coloring books. My goal is to finish all of Colin Thompsons wonderful Colouring Book using these Arteza watercolor pencils. Again, thank you so much for this very wonderful and informative tutorial, it has helped me immensely!
So glad you liked It, and thanks for the feedback!
Thank you! I have been working on learning to paint for less than a year and found the pencils you used in this tutorial. I like them very much and work back and forth between pencils and watercolors. Your tutorials always give me ideas and encourage me on to the next project. Lots to learn and I started this all rather late in life. But what fun! Thank you again. Always enjoy your tutorials!
You are very welcome!
Love your vids. So very informative . And the fact you're vegan too! So cool 💕🥰 much love from Canada ❤️🤍❤️🤍
Yay! Thank you! Plant power ;-)
Ive just discovered the watercolour pencils....oh the feeling of control!Unlike the balance of water & pigment, semi dry, dry, soggy....been there done it all...enjoying the process....thanks for your clear explanations why, where and indeed why not...!
No problem Fiona, good luck with your work!
I myself love the colored pencils because of the magic did I see when I apply water thinly! Thank you Michelle for all your work & all of your teachings....
You are very welcome!
Yes, always rearrange big sets to have similar colors together starting at blues, greens, yellows, oranges, reds, violets, browns, blacks, and finally, whites.
Toadstools video: The thing I love about watercolor is that it is transparent and watery. And wc pencils do give that watery look when water is applied. The dry wc pencils leave “bumpy” texture that I don’t care for. I would add water to smooth out that gritty look. I’m still not certain that pencils are for me. I do appreciate your work and knowledge of color properties and blending info. Thank you for the video.
The cheaper brands blend less smoothly, but this can be an advantage if you are working in mixed media and need your lines to stay. For more smoothness try a pricey brand or even a Derwent Inktense (these are permanent but beautifully smooth because they are ink.)
Thank you so much for your tutorial, Michelle - you always give me something to think about! 👍🎨 I like watercolour pencils because they are easier to control - as you said, and they are so versatile. Sketch or paint - dry or wet. Even to use them as watercolours, dipping a wet brush on the tip of the pencil. 👍 So easy to bring outdoors too, with only a pad, a waterbrush and a cloth. 🌞
Yes lots of people have mentioned painting outdoors! Good luck with your work :-)
brought some pencils today, really like your tutorials . Thank-you.
derwent water colour pencils .
they are worth every penny
Have fun!
So lovely! Just found you! Thank heavens!! Just started dipping my toes into other mediums and recently purchased water colors and water pencils!! Much respect and love from Alaska
Welcome!!
i used to use watercolor pencils in life drawing sessions years ago. i have never seen a tutorial on w/c pencil technique... so thanks for this! what i love about them is the textures you can get, plus the linear aspect of pencils juxtapositioned with painted passages... i find that very appealing! i better dust off my pencils lol!
Glad it was helpful!
I am learning and want to watch to the end
Thanks for watching April!
I'd love to see some birds by watercolor pencils. Thank you!
Really enjoyed, tried out various methods you showed us, very many of your watercolour videos, this was after doing your watercolour course, ( should have perhaps firstly viewed) but, found them all super informative. Thanks.
My pleasure 😊
Very good explanations!! Thank you very much!!
I've never used wc pencils before but will order some now.
It's so much fun!! I really enjoy it.
My childhood experience with pan watercolors was mostly mud..hehe I got the pencils to help me learn colors without contaminating other colors. Merci!
Thanks for sharing, glad it helped you!
Learned so much thank you
Glad it was helpful Beth!
I like your style of painting. Thanks.
Thank you! Cheers!
I’ve spent a lot of money to try to learn watercolor; this is the first time these techniques have been “broken down” from baby basics! Thank you? The reason ve always wanted to learn watercolor is the softness it has. Is there a particular sharpener you prefer?
P Hamm/// in the old days the masters used a small knife to chisel the wood to keep more of the pencil's core.
I use this technique, however I love to chisel wood, especially when I venture to the forests. Lately I've encountered a few videos on UA-cam with instructions how to make your own watercolors...I will be doing more research on what
flora and fauna can provide for color pigment. Take care. Vancouver BC
Hello Michelle, am enjoying your tutorial and the length is no problem, especially as it is full of information, hints a d tips. I'm not an artist in any way but a senikr home card maker who makes cards to send to family,y and friends. I use stamps and dies to create my cards and am often frustrated by the poor resu,to due to my colouring.
Watching this video and your beginners water colour painting video, has taught me so much. I'm beginning to understand where many of my attempts at colouring my cards has gone so drastically wrong. Mine may only be small pieces of card for short lived enjoyment, but improving the colouring will give me more enjoyment and hopefully the recipients also.
Good luck with your move, hope it goes as smoothly as moves can go. Your time in teaching and sharing your talents is much appreciated, thank you. You've brought a smile to my day that will be repeated each time I recall and use your information shared.
Thank you so much. Card art is still art, and it's a wonderful hobby to have, good luck with your work :-)
I like watercolor and I love pencil. Watercolor pencil is like an entirely different animal than those two! I’ve struggled with the technique. I really needed this tutorial!
No problem!
Huzzah! An informative, interesting, and well presented video about watercolor pencils.
With the advent of adult coloring books combined with the pandemic, a lot of people are coloring using various media.
There aren't enough publications on these pencils. A demonstration as extensive as this is certainly appreciated! Thank you 😊
You are welcome my friend :-)
Hello. I gave your video a thumbs up. You really deserve it. I usually just watch videos and rarely comment. These tutorials are perfect. My son bought me watercolor brush pens. I’m a newbie with watercolor. I would love to see a video with you using the watercolor brush pens. These brush pens already have colors inside. The set also comes with brush pens to use with water. I would appreciate if you have time to respond. Bye for now from California
Hello Cynthia in California! I don't have brush pens currently but do plan to get some and will certainly do a video on them, thanks for liking the video!
I love your channel u r a great teacher as well as an artist. Jewell
Thank you so much!
Great tutorial! I watched/listened as I was organizing my studio. I plan on tackling this sometime today after I get out of my cleaning mood.
Studio organising is always worthwhile!
I cant draw very well, so I use these pencils in my nice coloring books, using a waterbrush so I dont get too much water on it. I love watercolor and appreciate your technique videos. I really wish I had the talent to draw to make my own artwork, but I am thankful for the coloring books made for people like me with high quality paper that allow wet mediums. Have you tried derwent inktense? I love them too!
I haven't tried Inktense yet but they have amazing reviews. It's never too late to learn to draw, start with simple shapes like leaves and flowers and practice often :-)
Excellent
Thank you! Cheers!
Thank you
No problem!
I do have both "soluble graphite" and watercolor pencils and used them, but I didn't come to them first. Realize that I'm an odd mix of writer and educator and blacksmith/welder, so my 2D art is "playground". My arc of 2D art development has been pencils and pen (what does a writer have around?) then into the Tombo watercolor pens simply out of curiosity and for the control. Then into watercolor (cheaper, right?) and then started playing with the pencils.
What I like about the pencils is more the portability. I can have a few sheets of watercolor paper tucked in the sketchbook/journal and a box of pencils. Do a sketch dry, or use them to enhance pencil/ink work, even add some water with a waterbrush pen. Takes up less space, no open containers of water, etc. Very handy at the confines of a coffee shop table or even standing in the field or inside my truck. If I need or want more brushwork and wet work I can do that later at home, but I have the color laid in to remind me. Because I'm often in "rough" circumstances when doing this, I tend to use the woodless Arteza watercolor pencils because, first, they're much less expensive so if something unfortunate happens (water and spilled coffee finds art supplies first!) I've not ruined the Fabers. Second the pigment is "pretty good" I find. Third the woodless are more versatile and when I'm out and about I prefer tools that have versatility (less in my bag).
Sorry to go on so long. Thank you for this and another video because they sorted some things I've been having problems with. Like a lot how you give reasons for doing things the way you do.
My pleasure, it's great that you manage to take your art materials with you as you travel around!
Thank you enjoyed watching how to use water colour pencils,I will be trying these.
very informative, I might give my watercolour pencils another go! ♥
Thanks Elizabeth!
give it another go . I just starting. we have a wonderful community of amateur artists in Herne- Bay.
The people on the sea front, are really kind and interested.
such affordable art, to produce and perhaps sell or trade.
Great community .
stay well.
I am a subscriber, as from today.
Canterbury The Range , provideds all that one needs ( during these dark lockdown times ).
I know Canterbury has specially shops ( but we avoid the main shops).... sadly
I shop , independent, if it was an option.
.X.
This is the first time I’ve watched one of your videos about watercolour pencils, I’ve found it very interesting and now I have a better idea of what to do with my pencils. I realise I’ve been using them incorrectly which of course didn’t give me the best end results. Thank you for taking the time out from moving house to produce this informative video. I look forward to seeing more.
I have the set and love working with them on hot press and water color coloring books.
Colouring books are great aren't they, super relaxing!
Thanks Michele! I did my sketch ( I put in 3 ) listened to the tutorial, pulled and swatched the pencils to get the pallet. Practiced the techniques. Chose the brush that works the best. Then got interrupted. Sigh. Why do these people need to eat!?. I'll have to get back to it tomorrow because I've lost the light. 😔🥴
When my daughter lived at home 'What's for dinner?' was my most dreaded thing to hear.
@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber 🤣😉
When I’m painting my husband knows to get his own food. I don’t want to stop to cook or even eat.
You do great videos!!!
Thank you!
I have the 48 set by Arteza. I love them! Now I know how to better use them.
Love this. I purchased this set about a month ago and have not really used them yet. However, I did use them yesterday after watching another of your videos using a technique you were showing. Love these techniques. As is wrote you yesterday, I am new to your channel and am just really excited about new things I am learning from your tutorials. I am doing Christmas cards at the moment...would you be able to give a lesson on cards using pencils? Thanks again for your sharing of your talent. ❤️
Thanks Linda, it's a great idea about the xmas card, I may have a tutorial coming up although it might be paints I haven't decided yet!
You have a nice voice and it doesn’t grate on my ears
Really enjoyed this tutorial, I have had some water colour pencils for years and I have never used them. Thank you
You’re welcome 😊
Se enjoying meeting you, thank you. I've always used watercolours but find this fascinating.
My pleasure 😊
Another helpful video.
Glad it was helpful!
Nice drawing/painting. Love painting mushrooms. I do prefer conventional WC. Got a small W&N WC pencil set, but never really got the hang of them, find it difficult to avoid pencil marks. Reserve them for little details in WC painting.
My next one is going to be a shaggy mane, a bunch of them appear each autumn near our farm.
Yes I use watercolour pencils for details too, thanks for watching!
Answer to question about what I like about watercolor pencils: I like the portability. They are dry, so no spills, and no worries about smashed tubes, easy to sharpen, water demands are small. Blending is done solely with water (as far as I know) so no smelly spirits to travel with. Price of pencils usually is modest for a pretty decent set, and they work well on cheaper paper as well as pricey paper. Control is greater over edges, and some mistakes seem easier to fix. When the pencil is used up, there is less waste and less environmental impact from metal or plastic. All in all, they are the perfect medium for people like me.
Michelle thank you for these wonderful watercolor pencil tips! I’m so new to watercolor and feel kind of like a sponge absorbing knowledge.
Wonderful!
Great video, very helpful!
Glad to hear it!
p.s for the things I would love to learn it is how to make a leaf or flower petal, material, look like it is bent over, curling upwards or downwards or folded over, concaving, twisting · curved, humped, winding · curling, outjutting, hanging over. Really struggling with this.
Oh, that's a good idea for a video, thank you, I will make a note of the idea!
Very nice video ( from India)
Thank you very much! Hi in India :-)
I chose to use watercolour pencils and colour pencils for environmental reasons. There is less waste and everything is compostable, even the bad art (it makes great weed matting in the garden ;-) )
Nice techniques. I am going to give watercolour pencils a try.
Have fun!
I don't much care for watercolor pencils and limit my use of them to drawing in my outlines and sharpening up fine details. Part of why I enjoy tutorials on using them is seeing new tricks and techniques that I can try, because I've never met an art supply I don't like! But I prefer paints because of the spontaneity and unpredictability of the medium. If I am concerned with perfect precision and detail throughout the project, I'll do a drawing instead.
I prefer combining the two, watercolour pencils can be very slow used alone!
Very good information as always. I have gum Arabic and I’ve used for the slowing drying technique but didn’t find it helpful but I need to revisit it. Thanks for the reminder and the shine idea. That would be helpful for hummingbirds, dragonfly wings, etc. Thank you again for sharing!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for sharing your skills. I learned some new techniques to try.
Glad it was helpful!
Lovely tutorial. Would certainly paint one. I started with dabbling water colour pencils in June and moved to water colours in July. Like water colours better as it's more challenging.
Yes watercolours are harder, but can give great results!
@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber and extremely beautiful :)
many thanks ...
did you have youtube video how to draw pencil watercolor on black paper ? but i will trying with pencil watercolor such good thinks.
Hello Michelle! I loved this video tutorial with watercolor pencils. They were one of my first painting experiences and so much fun. Now I mostly use them when I want to create something fun and not to serious or when doing art projects with my grands. Even though they are not my go to supply I still enjoy the care free-ness (?) when I use them now. I do hope you do other similar tutorials using watercolor pencils.
I have others planned, thanks so much for watching!
I like your channel, it is very helpful thank you.
So nice of you
I would love to see a watercolor pencil tutorial for either a dog or cat.
Noted Ralph, thanks for watching!
I'm new to your channel but have already learned some valuable tips! love the mushrooms.
So glad!
Thank you so much for this very helpful and detailed tutorial
You are so welcome!
Thank you so much for your easy to follow tutorials!!
Glad you like them!
so many good points and helpful tips...My only wish would be if your voice were less monotone, my less than perfect hearing would have a much easier time hearing all those great instructions.
Ah, trouble is if I go into my full on 'London' accent people from other countries have trouble understanding :-) I think you can turn on subtitles.