Top 6 Best Watercolor Pencils 2024

By GirlBoss Team | February 24, 2024

Watercolor pencils serve as an exceptional and adaptable instrument for artists across all skill levels. These pencils empower artists to craft stunning watercolor impressions, bypassing the inconvenience and disorder associated with conventional watercolors. The finest watercolor pencils are crafted for flawless blending, enabling artists to produce remarkable gradients and transitions of color.

When shopping for watercolor pencils, it’s important to consider the quality of the pigments. High-quality pigments will produce vibrant and long-lasting colors, while lower-quality pigments may fade or blend poorly. Additionally, the texture of the pencil lead can affect the overall quality of the artwork. Soft leads are ideal for blending and shading, while harder leads are better for fine details.

We spent countless hours researching and testing various watercolor pencils to identify the best options on the market. In the following sections, we’ll share our top picks and provide detailed reviews of each product. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional artist, our guide will help you find the perfect watercolor pencils for your needs.

Best Watercolor Pencils

As artists, we understand the importance of having the right tools to bring our creative visions to life. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best watercolor pencils on the market. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, these pencils will help you achieve the vibrant and realistic watercolor effects you’re looking for. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our top picks.

Prismacolor Premier Water-Soluble Colored Pencils

If you’re looking for watercolor pencils that offer excellent solubility, richly saturated colors, and great lightfastness, then you should consider the Prismacolor Premier Water-Soluble Colored Pencils.

Pros

The water-soluble cores of these pencils can be paired with a brush to create flowing liquids and shimmering effects, making them perfect for watercolor painting.
The pigments of these pencils have excellent solubility, which means that they lay down smoothly and blend well with water.
These pencils are perfect for adult coloring books, as they offer richly saturated colors that are lightfast and long-lasting.

Cons

These pencils can be a bit expensive compared to other watercolor pencils on the market.
Some users have reported that the cores of these pencils can break easily if dropped or mishandled.
The packaging of these pencils can be a bit flimsy, which can make it difficult to store them properly.

In our experience, we found that the Prismacolor Premier Water-Soluble Colored Pencils are a great choice for artists and hobbyists who are looking for high-quality watercolor pencils that offer excellent solubility, richly saturated colors, and great lightfastness. These pencils are perfect for creating flowing liquids and shimmering effects, and they are also great for adult coloring books. However, they can be a bit expensive and the cores can break easily, so you’ll need to handle them with care. Overall, we highly recommend these pencils to anyone who is looking for a high-quality set of watercolor pencils.

Faber-Castell Albrecht Durer WC Pencils Set of 12 12 colors Can included

If you’re looking for watercolor pencils that are easy to work with and produce vibrant colors, then the Faber-Castell Albrecht Durer WC Pencils Set of 12 is a great choice.

Pros

The ergonomic triangular shape of the pencils makes them comfortable to hold and use for extended periods of time.
The soft grip zone provides additional comfort and control.
The highly pigmented leads are 3.3mm and are SV-bonded to resist breakage, ensuring that they last longer.

Cons

The set only comes with 12 colors, which may not be enough for some artists.
The price point is higher than some other watercolor pencils on the market.
The pencils may not work as well on certain types of paper.

We found that these watercolor pencils have a smooth color laydown and produce vibrant colors that are easy to blend. The high-quality pigments allow for a range of shades and hues, making them ideal for a variety of art projects.

In terms of usability, the ergonomic triangular shape of the pencils and the soft grip zone make them comfortable to hold and use for extended periods of time. The highly pigmented leads are also resistant to breakage, ensuring that they last longer than other watercolor pencils.

While the set only comes with 12 colors, we found that the range of colors provided was sufficient for most of our art projects. However, if you’re looking for a wider range of colors, you may want to consider purchasing a larger set or supplementing this set with additional colors.

Overall, we highly recommend the Faber-Castell Albrecht Durer WC Pencils Set of 12 for artists who want high-quality watercolor pencils that are easy to use and produce vibrant colors.

Faber-Castell Albrecht Durer Watercolor Pencils

If you are looking for the best watercolor pencils, Faber-Castell Albrecht Durer Watercolor Pencils are a great choice. They are easy to use and come in a durable metal tin.

Pros

The colors are vibrant and blend easily.
The pencils are labeled with the color name in German and English.
The 3.8mm lead is thick and holds up well.

Cons

The price point may be higher than some other watercolor pencil options.
The set only includes 24 colors, which may not be enough for some artists.
The packaging may be slightly damaged upon arrival.

We highly recommend the Faber-Castell Albrecht Durer Watercolor Pencils for artists of all skill levels. The colors are rich and blend well, making them great for a variety of projects. The labeling of the pencils in both German and English is a nice touch that adds to the ease of use.

These watercolor pencils are a bit more expensive than some other options, but the quality is well worth the price. The set only includes 24 colors, which may not be enough for some artists, but the colors included are versatile and can be blended to create additional shades.

In conclusion, if you are looking for high-quality watercolor pencils that are easy to use and produce beautiful results, the Faber-Castell Albrecht Durer Watercolor Pencils are an excellent choice.

Artisto Premium Watercolor Pencils

We highly recommend the Artisto Premium Watercolor Pencils for anyone looking to elevate their artwork with vibrant colors and smooth laydown.

Pros

Dive into Color: With 48 highly pigmented colors, these watercolor pencils offer a broad spectrum of artistic possibilities.
Fluid Expressions: The fully water-soluble leads make it effortless to transform sketches into watercolor-like artworks.
Effortless Elegance: These pencils have a smooth color laydown and a comfortable grip, making them perfect for hours of uninterrupted drawing.

Cons

Point Type: The broad point type may not be suitable for detailed work.
Age Range: These pencils are marketed towards adults and may not be ideal for children.
Storage: The metal case is durable and travel-friendly, but the plastic inserts may not hold the pencils securely enough during transport.

The Artisto Premium Watercolor Pencils are perfect for artists of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced creators. The color names and numbers on each pencil make it easy to select the perfect shade, while the durable, travel-friendly case ensures that your artistry is always by your side.

The fully water-soluble leads allow for fluid expressions, effortlessly transforming sketches into watercolor-like artworks. The smooth color laydown and comfortable grip make it easy to create for hours without interruption.

However, the broad point type may not be suitable for detailed work, and the pencils are marketed towards adults and may not be ideal for children. Additionally, while the metal case is durable and travel-friendly, the plastic inserts may not hold the pencils securely enough during transport.

Overall, the Artisto Premium Watercolor Pencils are a high-quality set of watercolor pencils that offer a broad spectrum of artistic possibilities.

Joyberg Watercolor Pencils

We highly recommend the Joyberg Watercolor Pencils for anyone looking for a high-quality set of watercolor pencils that are easy to use and produce professional results.

Pros

The 36-color set of watercolor pencils is highly pigmented and produces rich colors that are easy to blend and layer, making it perfect for painting, sketching, and adult coloring books.
The angular pen holder design is unique and makes it easier to grip and handle the pencils, while also preventing them from rolling off the desk or table.
The sturdy and beautiful pen holder is perfect for storing the colored pencils and can be taken anywhere for on-the-go creativity.

Cons

The tips of the pencils may break off if sharpened too much, so it’s important to be careful when sharpening them.
The set does not include black or white pencils, which may be a drawback for some users.
Some customers have reported that the tips of the pencils arrived broken, but the customer service team is friendly and responsive.

The Joyberg Watercolor Pencils are an excellent choice for artists of all levels who want to create beautiful and professional-looking artwork. The 36-color set is highly pigmented and produces rich colors that are easy to blend and layer, while the unique angular pen holder design makes it easier to grip and handle the pencils. The sturdy and beautiful pen holder is perfect for storing the colored pencils, and can be taken anywhere for on-the-go creativity. However, users should be careful when sharpening the pencils to avoid breaking the tips, and may want to supplement the set with black and white pencils if needed. Overall, we highly recommend the Joyberg Watercolor Pencils for anyone looking for a high-quality set of watercolor pencils that are easy to use and produce professional results.

Faber-Castell Creative Studio Goldfaber Watercolor Pencils

If you’re looking for high-quality watercolor pencils, the Faber-Castell Creative Studio Goldfaber Watercolor Pencils are a great choice. With 48 vibrant colors in a reusable tin, these pencils are perfect for the student and hobby artist.

Pros

The 3.3mm lead is highly pigmented and fully water-soluble, producing a soft, vibrant color laydown with excellent lightfastness.
The SV-bonded leads are break-resistant, resulting in easy sharpening and longer-lasting art materials.
Made in Germany, these pencils are of premium quality and produce stunning artwork.

Cons

Some users may find the price point to be higher than other watercolor pencils on the market.
The set only includes 48 colors, which may not be enough for some artists’ needs.
The pencils are thinner than other Faber-Castell lines, which may take some getting used to for those accustomed to thicker pencils.

Overall, we highly recommend the Faber-Castell Creative Studio Goldfaber Watercolor Pencils for their high quality and vibrant colors. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, these pencils are sure to impress.

Buying Guide

When choosing the best watercolor pencils, there are a few important features to consider. We’ve compiled a list of factors to help you make an informed decision:

Pigment Quality

The quality of the pigment is the most important factor to consider when choosing watercolor pencils. High-quality pigments will produce vibrant colors that are easy to blend and layer. Look for pencils that use lightfast pigments, which means the colors won’t fade over time.

Color Range

The range of colors available is another important factor to consider. Look for sets that offer a wide range of colors, including primary and secondary colors, as well as earth tones and grays. This will give you more options when creating your artwork.

Lead Hardness

The hardness of the lead can affect how the pencil performs. Softer leads are better for blending and layering, while harder leads are better for fine details and crisp lines. Look for sets that offer a range of lead hardness options.

Water Solubility

Watercolor pencils can be used dry or wet. If you plan to use them wet, look for pencils that are water-soluble. These pencils will dissolve in water, allowing you to create a watercolor effect.

Packaging

The packaging of the watercolor pencils is also important to consider. Look for sets that come in a sturdy case or tin to keep the pencils organized and protected. Some sets also come with additional accessories, such as a brush or sharpener.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best watercolor pencils for your needs. Remember to always choose quality over quantity, and invest in a set that will last you for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated brands of watercolor pencils for professional artists?

When it comes to watercolor pencils, there are several high-quality brands that professional artists swear by. Some of the top-rated brands include Faber-Castell, Derwent, Caran d’Ache, and Prismacolor. These brands offer a wide range of colors, excellent pigmentation, and smooth application, making them ideal for creating beautiful watercolor artwork.

How do the Arteza watercolor pencils compare to Faber-Castell?

Arteza watercolor pencils are a popular choice for beginners and intermediate artists, but how do they compare to the more established brand, Faber-Castell? While Arteza pencils are more affordable, they do not have the same level of pigmentation or color intensity as Faber-Castell. Additionally, Faber-Castell pencils are known for their lightfastness, which ensures that your artwork will last for many years without fading.

Which watercolor pencils offer the best lightfastness for long-lasting artwork?

If you want your watercolor artwork to last for many years without fading, it’s important to choose pencils that offer excellent lightfastness. Some of the brands that are known for their lightfastness include Faber-Castell, Caran d’Ache, and Derwent. When selecting pencils, look for those that have a high rating on the Blue Wool Scale, which indicates the level of lightfastness.

Can you recommend watercolor pencils that are suitable for doll repaint projects?

If you’re looking for watercolor pencils that are suitable for doll repaint projects, there are several brands that can work well. Some of the top choices include Faber-Castell Albrecht Dürer Watercolor Pencils, Derwent Inktense Pencils, and Caran d’Ache Museum Aquarelle Pencils. These pencils offer excellent pigmentation and can be used to create beautiful, lifelike details on dolls.

What characteristics define high-quality watercolor pencils?

High-quality watercolor pencils are defined by several characteristics, including excellent pigmentation, smooth application, and lightfastness. Additionally, high-quality pencils should be easy to blend and layer, allowing you to create a wide range of colors and effects. Look for pencils that are made with high-quality materials and have a reputation for excellence.

Are there any watercolor pencils available on Amazon that experts recommend?

Yes, there are several watercolor pencils available on Amazon that experts recommend. Some of the top choices include Faber-Castell Albrecht Dürer Watercolor Pencils, Derwent Inktense Pencils, and Caran d’Ache Museum Aquarelle Pencils. These pencils offer excellent pigmentation, lightfastness, and are made with high-quality materials.

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