Mastering the Technique: Mixing Colored Pencils and Liquid Watercolors

Combining different mediums can add immense depth and texture to any artwork. Colored pencils and liquid watercolors are two popular tools used by artists for their unique qualities. While it is possible to layer these mediums, it is crucial to understand how they interact with each other to achieve the desired result. In this article, we will explore the common challenges and techniques to consider when using colored pencils and liquid watercolors together, to ensure that your artwork remains vibrant and long-lasting.

Understanding Medium Compatibility

One of the primary considerations when mixing colored pencils and liquid watercolours is the compatibility of the mediums. Just like any other combination, some mediums are more compatible than others. Here are some key points to consider:

Waterproofing Your Mediums

Any marks made on the paper must be water-resistant to prevent the liquid watercolors from dissolving them. While some fineliner and felt tip pens are waterproof, many are not. Colored pencils can also dissolve easily. When using these mediums, it is essential to ensure that the marks are set with a fixative spray or by applying a barrier to prevent color mixing.

Layering Techniques

While you can color over a dry watercolor painting with colored pencils, not the other way around. Watercolor pencils are designed to dissolve in water, but for most projects, they are used dry. When applying watercolors over colored pencils, you may encounter challenges such ascolor blending or loss of detail. The water can disrupt the pencil marks, leading to less defined lines. To address this, you may need to redraw some details after the watercolor has dried.

Planning Your Project

The majority of artists typically use colored pencils and watercolor/pencil combinations in a sequential manner. They may start with transparent watercolor glazes and then move on to opaques. Once the painting is complete, they can decide on whether to add watercolor pencils for added depth and texture. It is crucial to ensure that the watercolor painting or gouache painting stands on its own before adding additional layers.

Techniques to Preserve Colors

Watercolors can be used on top of colored pencils, but the results may vary depending on the paper type and the quality of the colored pencils. The colors from the pencils may mix with the watercolors, creating interesting effects, but they may also be challenging to fix once the watercolor is applied. Here are some techniques to help preserve the integrity of your artwork:

Using Fixative

A fixative spray can be used to set the colored pencil marks in place, preventing them from smudging or mixing too much with the watercolors. Workable fixative is an excellent option if you want to maintain some level of water resistance while setting the colors.

Outlining with Waterproof Ink

An alternative to fixative is to use a waterproof ink pen to outline the areas where the watercolor will be applied. This creates a barrier that prevents the watercolor from mixing with the colored pencil marks, ensuring that the details remain distinct.

Testing Before Large Projects

Not all watercolors and colored pencils are compatible. To avoid unwanted reactions, it is essential to test different combinations on a small piece of paper before starting a larger project. This allows you to observe how the colors interact and choose the best combination for your artwork.

In conclusion, integrating colored pencils and liquid watercolors can lead to remarkable and unique artwork. By understanding the compatibility of the mediums and employing the right techniques, you can achieve vibrant and lasting results. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned artist, mastering these techniques will come in handy in your artistic journey.

Keywords: watercolor pencils, liquid watercolors, colored pencils