A Look At How Water Soluble Colored Pencils Work

A LOOK AT HOW WATER SOLUBLE COLORED PENCILS WORK

Isn't it fascinating how a touch of water can transform a pencil sketch into a vibrant, fluid piece of artwork? If you've ever wondered what magic goes into water soluble colored pencils (aka watercolor pencils) that make this possible, then you're in for a delightful discovery!

So, let's pull back the curtain and get a little glimpse into the science that fuels this artistry. Don't worry, we'll keep it light, bright, and fun – just like a palette of your favorite colors!

The Core Matters

At the heart of every water-soluble colored pencil is the core – the part that carries the color. Unlike regular colored pencils, the core of water soluble ones contains pigments, binders, and a very special ingredient – a water-soluble gum. It's this gum that gives these pencils their unique watercolor effect.

Pigments and Binders – The Color Duo Pigments are the substances that give your pencils their beautiful hues. From the serene sky blue to the fiery scarlet red, each pigment brings a unique color to the table. But pigments alone cannot hold their form. That's where the binders come in.

Binders act like glue, holding the pigment particles together. They also help attach the pigment to the paper when you draw. In watercolor pencils, the binders have a unique feature - they're designed to dissolve in water.

The Water-Soluble Gum - The Magic Ingredient

The water-soluble gum is the star of the show. When you add water to your drawing, this gum dissolves, releasing the pigment particles. The freed pigments can then spread and flow across the paper, creating that dreamy watercolor effect.

What's more, because the gum is transparent, it doesn't affect the brightness of the pigments. So, whether you're drawing a sun-kissed beach or a shadowy forest, your colors stay true and radiant.

When Water Joins the Party

Once you add water to your drawing, it interacts with the water-soluble gum. As the gum dissolves, the pigments and binders start to flow, blend, and mix freely on the paper, creating gradients, shades, and textures that are the hallmarks of watercolor paintings.

By controlling the amount of water you use, you can also control the intensity of the color. Less water means more vivid colors, while more water gives a softer, lighter effect. It's like being a color DJ, remixing hues and tones to create the perfect visual harmony!

Image Credit: Watercolor Pencil Tutorial - How to Draw A Fox with Amazrock Professional

Watercolor Pencils

Putting it All Together

Watercolor colored pencils are more than just tools – they're little bundles of science waiting to create art. Each pencil holds within it pigments, binders, and the magic water-soluble gum, all wrapped up in a familiar, friendly form.

Understanding this can deepen your appreciation of these pencils and open up new ways of exploring your creativity. So the next time you dip your watersoluble colored pencil into the water, remember the magic happening right before your eyes - it's art and science in perfect harmony!

A LOOK AT HOW WATER SOLUBLE COLORED PENCILS WORK