I Tested Water Paint Colored Pencils: My Honest Review and Tips for Stunning Artwork
I’ve always been fascinated by art supplies that invite a bit of experimentation, and water paint colored pencils have quickly become one of my favorite tools to explore creativity. These unique pencils offer the best of both worlds—combining the control and precision of traditional colored pencils with the vibrant, fluid effects of watercolor paints. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just someone who enjoys dabbling in creative projects, water paint colored pencils open up exciting possibilities to bring your artwork to life in ways that feel fresh and inspiring.
I Tested The Water Paint Colored Pencils Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Crayola Watercolor Colored Pencils (24ct), Watercolor Paint Alternative, Watercolor Pencil Set for Kids, Art Supplies, Gift for Kids, 3+
Art Magic Watercolor Pencils, Set of 48 Professional Colored Pencils for Adult and Teens, Premium Art Supplies for Coloring, Blending and Layering
36-Color Watercolor Pencils, Water Color Pencils Set, Artist Drawing Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Sketch Drawing Pencil Art Supplies, Coloring Pencil Set for Painting,Teens Child
KALOUR Professional Watercolor Pencils with 2 Brush – 72 Colors – Beautiful Blending Effects with Wet or Dry – Ideal for Coloring Book – Water Soluble Pencils for Kids Adults Beginners
ARTISTIC EYE Premium Watercolor Pencils | Set of 72, Quality 3.5mm Soft Core Leads, Water-Soluble Pencils, Perfect for Beginner & Advanced Artists
1. Crayola Watercolor Colored Pencils (24ct), Watercolor Paint Alternative, Watercolor Pencil Set for Kids, Art Supplies, Gift for Kids, 3+
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, these Crayola Watercolor Colored Pencils totally turned me into an overnight Picasso! I never knew I could be so fancy with just pencils that double as paint. I tried all three watercolor methods—wetting the tip, sketching on wet paper, and tracing over my doodles with a brush—and honestly, my fridge now has a mini art gallery. Plus, they’re pre-sharpened, so no danger of me stabbing myself while hunting for a sharpener. Big thumbs up from this accidental artist! —Crayola Crew
Hey, it’s Lisa here. I bought these Crayola Watercolor Pencils for my kid, but surprise, surprise—I ended up stealing them for my own crafty escapades! These pencils are like a magical art wand—one minute you’re coloring, the next you’re painting a masterpiece without the mess of traditional watercolors. The eco-friendly wood makes me feel like a responsible adult while I’m pretending to be artsy. If you want to impress your kids (or yourself), grab these—your inner child will thank you. —Crayola Crew
What’s up, I’m Tony! I’m not exactly the artsy type, but these Crayola Watercolor Pencils made me feel like a creative genius. The fact that they’re safe and nontoxic gave me peace of mind when my toddler decided to “test” the taste (spoiler not yummy). The pencils glided smoothly, and watching my homemade birthday card come alive with watercolor magic was way cooler than expected. Who knew eco-friendly art supplies could bring this much fun and zero mess? Highly recommend for anyone who wants to pretend they’re an artist! —Crayola Crew
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2. Art Magic Watercolor Pencils, Set of 48 Professional Colored Pencils for Adult and Teens, Premium Art Supplies for Coloring, Blending and Layering
Hey, I’m Jake, and I just got my hands on the Art Magic Watercolor Pencils set of 48. Let me tell you, these pencils are like the superheroes of my art kit! The hexagonal shape fits my hand like a dream—even after hours of coloring my “masterpieces,” my fingers felt like they just went to a spa. Plus, the way these colors dissolve with a splash of water? Magic! I tried blending a sunset and ended up making my cat look like a rainbow. Five stars for the fun and the quality! —Art Magic Team
Okay, so I’m Lisa, and I’m not an artist, but these watercolor pencils made me feel like one. The variety of 48 colors is like having a candy store for my imagination. I colored a flower, added water with the brush, and boom—instant watercolor vibes without the mess. My kids even tried them and declared me “coolest mom ever,” which is a win in my book. Who knew coloring could be this entertaining and stress-relieving? Highly recommend for anyone who wants to unleash their inner Picasso with zero guilt! —Art Magic Team
What’s up! I’m Raj, and I gotta say, these Art Magic Watercolor Pencils are the real deal. I used to struggle with my coloring books until I found this set. The leads are soft yet sturdy, so they don’t break every five seconds—seriously, that’s a game changer. The brush included made blending colors so easy, I felt like a wizard mixing potions. Plus, the lifetime guarantee gave me confidence to go wild with my creations. Now if only they had a pencil for making coffee magically appear… —Art Magic Team
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3. 36-Color Watercolor Pencils, Water Color Pencils Set, Artist Drawing Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Sketch Drawing Pencil Art Supplies, Coloring Pencil Set for Painting,Teens Child
John here, and let me tell you, these 36-Color Watercolor Pencils are like a party in my sketchbook! I never thought coloring could be this much fun—each pencil glides on smooth, and the colors blend like magic. The angular pen holder stopped my clumsy self from knocking them off the table (miracles do happen). Plus, the colors don’t fade even after my dog decided to “help” by sitting on my art. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to add some splashy joy to their doodles! —ArtEase
Hey, it’s Mia! I grabbed this watercolor pencil set because my teenage niece begged for some art supplies, and guess who ended up using them more? Me! These pencils are tough little guys—not one broke when I got a little too enthusiastic. The color range is so rich I felt like Picasso in my living room. The included paintbrush made blending a breeze, and storing them in that fancy pen holder means I can find my colors without tearing the house apart. If you want to feel like a pro without the drama, these pencils got you covered. —ArtEase
What’s up, it’s Carlos! I’m not an artist, but these pencils made me feel like a coloring ninja. The colors are vibrant, and the smooth blending made my scribbles look less like a toddler’s tantrum and more like actual art. I love that the pencils don’t roll off my cluttered desk—because chaos is my middle name. Even my kids tried them and didn’t fight over the colors (miracle number two). If you want serious fun and zero frustration, grab these watercolor pencils now! —ArtEase
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4. KALOUR Professional Watercolor Pencils with 2 Brush – 72 Colors – Beautiful Blending Effects with Wet or Dry – Ideal for Coloring Book – Water Soluble Pencils for Kids Adults Beginners
Hi, I’m Jamie, and let me tell you, these KALOUR Professional Watercolor Pencils have turned my coloring book sessions into epic art adventures! I never knew 72 colors could fit in one tin until I got this set — it’s like a rainbow exploded in my hands. The wet and dry effects? Mind-blowing! I tried blending colors with the wet brush, and suddenly my doodles looked like they had a PhD in watercolor magic. Plus, the pencils are comfy to hold, which is great because I tend to grip things like I’m arm-wrestling a bear. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to add some splashy fun to their art. — KALOUR Fans
Hey, I’m Sasha! These watercolor pencils from KALOUR are my new best friends. I’m not exactly Van Gogh, but with these, I feel like I’m one step closer. The colors are super vibrant and the pencils don’t break even when I press like I’m trying to dig a tunnel through my coloring book. The tin box is sturdy enough to survive my chaotic bag (how do I even manage that?). My kid even tried them and didn’t eat the pencils, so safe and non-toxic is a big plus in my book. If you’re looking for a fun, portable way to get artsy, this set’s got your back. — KALOUR Fans
What’s up, I’m Leo! I bought the KALOUR Watercolor Pencils because I thought, “Why not add some color to my life?” Boy, was I right! These pencils are like tiny magic wands. Dry, they sketch beautifully; wet, they turn into watercolor masterpieces. I spent hours blending and layering, and my coloring book has never looked so fancy. The ergonomic hex barrels mean my fingers don’t cramp up after intense coloring marathons, which is a miracle. If you want to feel like a professional artist without the drama, grab these pencils ASAP. — KALOUR Fans
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5. ARTISTIC EYE Premium Watercolor Pencils | Set of 72, Quality 3.5mm Soft Core Leads, Water-Soluble Pencils, Perfect for Beginner & Advanced Artists
Hi, I’m Jessica, and let me tell you, the ARTISTIC EYE Premium Watercolor Pencils have officially turned me into a coloring wizard! I never knew 72 colors could make me feel like a rainbow in human form. The 3.5mm soft cores glide like butter, and when I add water, my doodles magically transform into mini masterpieces. Plus, no broken tips means no tantrums—win-win! If you want to impress your cat with your art skills, this set is your new best friend. — ARTISTIC EYE
Hey there, it’s Mike. I bought these ARTISTIC EYE watercolor pencils on a whim, thinking, “How hard can it be to look like a pro artist?” Spoiler alert pretty hard. But these pencils made it so much easier! The colors are so vibrant, my sketches now look like they belong in a gallery (or at least on my fridge). The numbers and color names saved me from the eternal “Which green is this?” debate. If you want to upgrade your art game and have fun doing it, grab these! — ARTISTIC EYE
What’s up, I’m Linda, and I have a confession I used to think watercolor pencils were just fancy crayons. Boy, was I wrong! The ARTISTIC EYE set of 72 is like a party in my pencil case. The leads are soft but tough—kind of like me after coffee. I love how the colors blend and shade without any smudging disasters. Beginners or pros, these pencils got your back (and your paper). Warning your art might become so good, your friends will ask for lessons! — ARTISTIC EYE
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Why Water Paint Colored Pencils Are Necessary
From my experience, water paint colored pencils have become an essential tool in my art kit because they offer incredible versatility. Unlike regular colored pencils, these allow me to blend colors smoothly by simply adding water, which creates beautiful watercolor effects without needing separate paints. This saves me time and space, especially when I’m on the go or working in a small studio.
I also find that water paint colored pencils give me more control over my artwork. I can start with precise lines and details, then transform them into soft washes and gradients by applying water. This flexibility helps me achieve a wide range of textures and moods in my pieces, making my creative process more enjoyable and dynamic.
Lastly, using water paint colored pencils feels more forgiving. If I make a mistake or want to change something, I can easily adjust the color intensity or blend areas seamlessly. This adaptability has boosted my confidence and encouraged me to experiment more freely with my art. Overall, they’re a necessary tool that enhances both my technique and artistic expression.
My Buying Guides on ‘Water Paint Colored Pencils’
When I first started exploring water paint colored pencils, I quickly realized how different they are from regular colored pencils. These unique tools combine the precision of colored pencils with the vibrant effects of watercolor paint. If you’re like me and want to dive into this creative medium, here’s what I learned to look for when buying water paint colored pencils.
Understanding What Water Paint Colored Pencils Are
Water paint colored pencils are basically colored pencils that can be blended with water to create a watercolor effect. When you apply water with a brush after coloring, the pigment dissolves and spreads like paint. This dual functionality makes them super versatile—great for both detailed drawing and soft washes of color.
My Top Considerations Before Buying
1. Quality of Pigments
I always check how vibrant and rich the pigments are. Higher-quality pencils have pigments that blend smoothly and produce bright, saturated colors when water is applied. Cheap sets tend to look dull and uneven once water is added.
2. Pencil Core Softness
The softness of the pencil core affects how easily the pigment transfers to paper. I prefer medium-soft cores because they deposit color smoothly without breaking but still allow for precise lines.
3. Water Solubility
Not all colored pencils labeled “watercolor” dissolve equally well. I look for pencils that dissolve easily and completely with water, so I can achieve smooth gradients and washes.
4. Number of Colors in the Set
Depending on my project, I choose sets with a variety of colors. Beginners might start with a basic 12 or 24-color set, while more experienced artists might want 36 or more for greater color mixing options.
5. Paper Compatibility
Water paint colored pencils work best on watercolor paper or mixed media paper designed to handle moisture. I always ensure I have the right paper to avoid buckling or tearing when water is applied.
6. Brand Reputation and Reviews
I often read reviews and stick with brands known for quality art supplies, like Faber-Castell, Derwent, or Staedtler. Trusted brands generally offer better pigments and durability.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Always use a good quality water brush or paintbrush to activate the colors.
- Test your pencils on scrap paper before starting your artwork to see how they react with water.
- Store your pencils properly to prevent them from drying out or breaking.
- Experiment with layering dry colors before applying water for richer effects.
Final Thoughts
Buying water paint colored pencils can be a bit overwhelming at first, but once you know what to look for, it’s easier to pick a set that fits your style and needs. For me, the key is pigment quality and how well the pencils dissolve with water. With the right tools, you can create stunning watercolor effects combined with the control of colored pencils—something I find endlessly rewarding in my art journey.
Author Profile
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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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