The best watercolor pencils are a favorite tool for many artists because they mix the control of colored pencils with the smooth effects of watercolor paint. With just a bit of water, dry sketches can turn into soft washes and blended shades. Whether you draw for fun, school projects, or professional work, watercolor pencils can make your artwork brighter and more flexible.
In this guide, we’ll look at the top brands, compare their features, and help you choose the right set for your budget and skill level.
Quick Links
- 1. Syloon — Reliable Stationery with Strong Craft Quality
- 2. Caran d’Ache — Swiss Craftsmanship and Professional Art Quality
- 3. Faber-Castell — Trusted German Quality Since 1761
- 4. Prismacolor — Smooth Blending and Rich Pigments for Everyday Artists
- 5. Derwent — British Heritage with Modern Innovation
- 6. Winsor & Newton — Classic British Art Brand Since 1832
- 7. Arteza — Affordable Quality for Everyday Creativity
- 8. Altenew — Elegant Design Meets Everyday Art
- 9. Crayola — Fun, Safe, and Creative for All Ages
- 10. STAEDTLER — German Precision and Creative Tradition
- How to Choose the Best Watercolor Pencils for Your Needs
- FAQs
1. Syloon — Reliable Stationery with Strong Craft Quality
Founded in 2004, Syloon is a trusted Chinese stationery manufacturer known for producing stylish, practical, and high-quality products. The brand supplies major fashion and lifestyle companies worldwide and ranks among the top 10 stationery exporters in China.
Product Variety:
Syloon offers more than 10,000 SKUs every year, covering writing instruments, notebooks, art tools, and creative accessories. Their experience in large-scale production supports consistent quality and design precision.
Watercolor Pencil Highlights:
- Smooth and steady color laydown.
- Easy blending and layering for soft watercolor effects.
- Strong, break-resistant cores that sharpen cleanly.
- Comfortable grip for long drawing sessions.
- Suitable for both beginners and artists.
Why Artists Like Them:
Users note that Syloon’s watercolor pencils hold color well even after layering and work nicely for both dry sketching and water-activated painting.
Best For:
Students, art hobbyists, or anyone looking for reliable, budget-friendly watercolor pencils with dependable performance.
2. Caran d’Ache — Swiss Craftsmanship and Professional Art Quality
Founded in 1915 in Geneva, Switzerland, Caran d’Ache is a long-standing maker of premium art and writing instruments. Every product is Swiss Made, showing precision and consistency in both design and material quality.
Watercolor Pencil Lines:
The brand offers several watercolor pencil collections, including:
- Museum Aquarelle – high-end, artist-grade pencils known for their intense pigment and smooth water solubility.
- Supracolor Soft Aquarelle – versatile pencils that blend well and suit both beginners and professionals.
- Prismalo Aquarelle – fine-tip pencils with excellent control for detailed work.
Product Highlights:
- Rich, lightfast pigments that hold color even after washing.
- Soft, creamy texture that blends evenly with water.
- High pigment concentration for true color results.
- Strong wood casing for durability and easy sharpening.
- Available in single colors and full boxed sets.
Why Artists Choose Caran d’Ache:
Artists love the way these pencils handle water — the color spreads evenly without streaks. They also appreciate the solid feel and color accuracy that make them a top choice for fine art and illustration.
Best For:
Professional artists, designers, and anyone who wants top-tier performance and longevity from their watercolor pencils.
3. Faber-Castell — Trusted German Quality Since 1761
Founded in 1761 in Germany, Faber-Castell is one of the world’s oldest and most respected makers of pencils and art materials. The brand is known for precision craftsmanship, sustainable production, and a strong focus on supporting creativity for all ages.
Watercolor Pencil Lines:
Faber-Castell’s watercolor pencil collections are among the most popular in the art world, including:
- Albrecht Dürer Artists’ Watercolor Pencils – professional-grade pencils that produce rich, vivid color washes.
- Goldfaber Aqua – a more affordable option with smooth blending and solid color payoff.
- Albrecht Dürer Magnus – larger, soft-core pencils for broader coverage and easier color laydown.
Product Highlights:
- Excellent lightfast pigments for lasting color.
- Fully water-soluble cores for clean, streak-free washes.
- Made with sustainably sourced wood from managed forests.
- Consistent lead quality — resists breaking when sharpened.
- Smooth transition between dry and wet applications.
Why Artists Like Them:
Artists and illustrators value the strong color intensity and reliability of Faber-Castell pencils. Whether used dry for detailed sketches or wet for soft watercolor effects, the results are consistent and professional.
Best For:
Artists, students, and hobbyists who want high-quality, eco-friendly watercolor pencils that perform well for both fine art and casual drawing.
4. Prismacolor — Smooth Blending and Rich Pigments for Everyday Artists
Prismacolor, based in the United States, is one of the most recognized names in the world of colored pencils and art supplies. The brand is popular among students, illustrators, and designers for its smooth application and strong pigment quality.
Watercolor Pencil Line:
Prismacolor Water-Soluble Colored Pencils – a line that combines Prismacolor’s signature soft core with water activation. They allow artists to create both traditional pencil drawings and watercolor-style paintings using one tool.
Product Highlights:
- Soft, creamy cores for easy blending and shading.
- Water-soluble pigments that dissolve evenly when brushed with water.
- Bright, consistent color coverage.
- Works well on standard drawing paper or watercolor paper.
- Sold in sets ranging from 12 to 36 pencils.
Why Artists Like Them:
These pencils offer the same smooth feel as the classic Prismacolor Premier pencils, but with the added flexibility of watercolor effects. They’re easy to use, making them a good bridge between dry and wet media.
Best For:
Students, hobby artists, and anyone who wants to add watercolor effects without switching to paints or brushes.
5. Derwent — British Heritage with Modern Innovation
Derwent has a long history that began in 1832 in the Lake District, England—a region known for its natural beauty and artistic inspiration. The company has been making pencils since 1916 and is trusted by artists around the world for its consistent quality and craftsmanship.
Watercolor Pencil Lines:
Derwent offers several watercolor-based products that combine color richness with easy blending:
- Derwent Watercolour Pencils – traditional watercolor pencils that can be used dry or with water for smooth washes.
- Derwent Inktense – intense, permanent colors that become ink-like once activated with water.
- Derwent Graphitint – tinted graphite pencils that produce subtle, moody tones.
Product Highlights:
- Smooth, blendable pigment cores that dissolve evenly with water.
- Wide range of colors available in sets from 12 to 72.
- High pigment load for strong color payoff.
- Durable wood casing and break-resistant leads.
- Works on watercolor paper and mixed-media surfaces.
Why Artists Like Them:
Derwent watercolor pencils are known for their versatility and control. Artists enjoy being able to shift from precise dry drawing to soft watercolor effects without switching tools. The Inktense line, in particular, is praised for its bold, ink-like finish once dry.
Best For:
Artists who want flexible, expressive pencils for both sketching and watercolor-style painting, especially those who enjoy layering and textural effects.
6. Winsor & Newton — Classic British Art Brand Since 1832
Winsor & Newton was founded in 1832 in London, England, and has remained one of the most respected names in fine art materials. Known for its watercolor paints, inks, and drawing tools, the brand focuses on craftsmanship, color innovation, and artist support.
Watercolor Pencil Line:
While best known for its paints, Winsor & Newton also offers watercolor pencils that reflect the same attention to pigment and performance found in its traditional watercolor range. These pencils are made to produce bright, transparent washes and can be used dry for sketching or wet for smooth blending.
Product Highlights:
- Highly pigmented cores that give strong, clear color when activated with water.
- Smooth texture suitable for both fine details and large washes.
- Designed to work with Winsor & Newton watercolor paints for mixed-media projects.
- Uniform wood casing for consistent sharpening and control.
- Available in single pencils or boxed sets.
Why Artists Like Them:
Many artists choose Winsor & Newton watercolor pencils for their classic color tones and reliable blending. They pair well with other Winsor & Newton media, making them a strong choice for mixed techniques.
Best For:
Artists who enjoy traditional watercolor looks but want the precision of pencil work and the flexibility to mix with other watercolor materials.
7. Arteza — Affordable Quality for Everyday Creativity
Arteza, now part of Plaid Enterprises, is known for offering a wide range of budget-friendly, high-quality art supplies. Founded to make creative tools accessible to everyone, Arteza has become a favorite for students, hobbyists, and professionals who want solid performance without high prices.
Watercolor Pencil Line:
Arteza’s most popular product in this category is the Arteza Expert Watercolor Pencils Set (120 pcs). These pencils are designed for artists who need strong pigments and consistent water activation for sketching, coloring, and watercolor painting.
Product Highlights:
- Smooth, soft cores for even color laydown.
- Vibrant, blendable pigments that dissolve easily in water.
- Wide range of colors suitable for layering and gradients.
- Comes in large, organized sets for convenient use.
- Works well on both dry sketch paper and watercolor paper.
Why Artists Like Them:
Arteza watercolor pencils are appreciated for their value and versatility. Many users find them easy to control, especially for beginners learning to mix dry and wet effects.
Best For:
Students, teachers, and hobby artists who want a large color selection and smooth blending at an affordable price.
8. Altenew — Elegant Design Meets Everyday Art
Altenew, based in the United States, is best known for its modern paper crafting, stamping, and coloring tools. The company focuses on helping artists and hobbyists create personalized artwork with ease. Its products are especially popular among scrapbookers, cardmakers, and watercolor enthusiasts.
Watercolor Pencil Line:
Altenew’s Artist Watercolor Pencils are crafted for both detailed line work and soft watercolor effects. They are made with high-quality pigments that produce bright, smooth color transitions when activated with water.
Product Highlights:
- Soft, blendable cores that glide easily on paper.
- Excellent pigment strength with controlled dissolving in water.
- Works well with Altenew watercolor paints and brush markers.
- Designed for layering, gradients, and subtle shading.
- Available in curated sets inspired by natural tones and floral themes.
Why Artists Like Them:
Altenew’s watercolor pencils are praised for their vibrant color harmony and ease of use in cardmaking or illustration. They fit perfectly with Altenew’s creative ecosystem, allowing users to combine stamps, inks, and pencils in one project.
Best For:
Craft lovers, journaling fans, and artists who enjoy delicate watercolor effects and a coordinated, design-focused art experience.
9. Crayola — Fun, Safe, and Creative for All Ages
Crayola is one of the most recognizable names in art and school supplies. Founded in 1885 in the United States, the brand is known for making safe, colorful, and child-friendly art materials that encourage creativity from an early age.
Watercolor Pencil Line:
Crayola’s Watercolor Pencils are designed mainly for students, educators, and hobby artists. They allow children and beginners to draw and paint using the same tool — just add water to turn pencil drawings into watercolor effects.
Product Highlights:
- Smooth color laydown that blends easily with a wet brush.
- Non-toxic and safe for children.
- Durable pencils that resist breakage.
- Available in classroom sets and individual packs.
- Easy to clean and compatible with Crayola paints and markers.
Why Artists Like Them:
Crayola watercolor pencils are simple to use and mess-free, making them ideal for art classes or at-home creative projects. They help users understand watercolor techniques in an easy and enjoyable way.
Best For:
Kids, students, and beginners who want an easy introduction to watercolor pencils for drawing, coloring, and light painting.
10. STAEDTLER — German Precision and Creative Tradition
Founded in 1835 in Nuremberg, Germany, STAEDTLER is one of the oldest and most trusted names in art and writing tools. The brand focuses on precision, quality craftsmanship, and sustainability, offering a wide range of pencils, pens, and creative materials for artists and students worldwide.
Watercolor Pencil Line:
STAEDTLER produces several lines of watercolor and aquarelle pencils that combine high color quality with German engineering. Among its most recognized products are the STAEDTLER Noris Club Aquarell (for students) and Karat Aquarell (for artists).
Product Highlights:
- Bright, smooth pigments that dissolve easily in water.
- Strong, break-resistant leads for everyday use.
- Ergonomic design for comfort during long drawing sessions.
- Consistent color quality made with upcycled wood materials.
- Available in sets from 12 to 60 pencils.
Why Artists Like Them:
Artists appreciate the balanced feel, clean blending, and durability of STAEDTLER watercolor pencils. They perform well for both dry sketches and wet washes, offering excellent control for precise details.
Best For:
Students, art learners, and professionals who value German-made reliability and steady watercolor performance for sketching, illustration, or mixed media work.
How to Choose the Best Watercolor Pencils for Your Needs
Choosing the best watercolor pencils depends on how you plan to use them. A professional artist may look for long-lasting pigments, while a beginner may prefer something easy to blend and affordable. Here are the main things to check before buying a set:
1. Pigment Quality
High pigment concentration means brighter, richer colors. Artist-grade pencils, like Faber-Castell Albrecht Dürer or Caran d’Ache Museum Aquarelle, use lightfast pigments that resist fading. Student-grade sets usually have softer colors but are perfect for learning.
2. Blendability and Water Solubility
Good watercolor pencils should dissolve evenly when you add water. Look for pencils that don’t leave streaks or rough patches. Pencils from Derwent, Winsor & Newton, and Arteza are known for smooth blending.
3. Core Hardness
A soft core creates smooth layers and strong color, while a harder core gives better control for fine details. Soft-core pencils like Prismacolor are easier to shade with, while medium cores like STAEDTLER and Syloon balance softness and precision.
4. Color Range
Sets can range from 12 to 120 colors. Beginners can start small, but professionals often prefer large sets with a wide variety of tones for blending and gradients. Brands like Arteza and Faber-Castell offer full-color collections for large projects.
5. Lightfastness Rating
If you plan to display your artwork, lightfastness is important. It measures how well colors resist fading under light. Brands such as Caran d’Ache and Derwent mark this clearly on their packaging.
6. Price vs. Quality
The most expensive pencils aren’t always necessary. Many mid-range sets, like Goldfaber Aqua or KALOUR, give great value for daily use. Start with what fits your budget, and upgrade as your skills improve.
7. Brand Reputation and Sustainability
Choose a trusted brand that focuses on consistent quality and eco-friendly materials. Faber-Castell, STAEDTLER, and Crayola all use responsibly sourced wood for their pencils.
Quick Tip:
Before buying a full set, test a small pack first. It helps you feel the texture and check how easily the pigment activates with water.
FAQs
Q1: Are watercolor pencils the same as colored pencils?
No. Regular colored pencils have wax or oil-based cores that stay dry, while watercolor pencils use water-soluble pigments. When you add water, the color spreads smoothly like paint.
Q2: Can watercolor pencils be used without water?
Yes. You can use them dry just like normal colored pencils. Later, you can apply water with a brush to blend and soften the colors if you want a painted look.
Q3: What kind of paper should I use with watercolor pencils?
The best watercolor pencils work well on cold-pressed watercolor paper because it absorbs water evenly. Avoid thin sketch paper since it can wrinkle or tear when wet.
Q4: How do I make the colors look smooth and even?
Start with light layers and avoid pressing too hard. Then, use a slightly wet brush to blend in circular motions. For more control, let one layer dry before adding another.
Q5: Are expensive watercolor pencils worth the price?
If you paint often or want to sell your work, yes. Premium pencils like Caran d’Ache or Faber-Castell offer stronger pigments and better lightfastness. For beginners, affordable sets like Arteza or KALOUR are great choices to start with.
Q6: How do I store watercolor pencils?
Keep them in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. Store them flat or in their original box to avoid breaking the cores.
Q7: Can I mix different brands together?
Yes, most watercolor pencils can be mixed. Just test how they react with water first. Some brands dissolve faster than others, which can change the final look.
