Easy Watercoloring Paints for Beginners

Want to start watercoloring? ... these watersoluable pastels might be for you!

I'll be showing you a few simple ways you can start painting with watersoluble pastels from Caran d’Ache, the Neocolor II.

To start off these are pastel crayons, which look like regular Crayolas, but these are different... they dissolve with water! Which makes the entire difference.

 

It's actually thanks to these pastels that I started painting again. I bought a small set of 15 colors, for about $30. Then I bought a few individual colors to add to my collection (so yes, it's possible to buy them individually).

Bigger sets exist, but the price can get really high, and quite expensive.

Also, just a heads up before you purchase them, make sure you chose the Neocolor II and not the Neocolor I, those aren't watersoluble.

 

These are the Color Swatches...

 

How You Can Use Them

Now the fun part! Please take note that for this test I used watercolor paper and our Rêverie Journal. Also, I'm not a professional and this is just how I use them.

THREE METHODS :

1. Color directly on the paper. Use the pastels on your paper, then with a wet brush, brush over to free the pigments. This is really usefull if you have a big surface area to paint. And it's really satisfying to watch the pastels dissolve, the colors coming alive.

 

2. Take the wet brush directly onto the pastel and rub off some color. This method is good if you just want to use a bit of color.

 

3. Apply the color on a palette, (or on the lid as I do). This is great for mixing and blending colors.

 

Painting and Mixing  

PROS : 

• I’ve had these pastels for about two years and definitely find them easy to use.
• Since they are like crayons you can directly color large areas easily.
• You can mix colors on a palette and use them as classic watercolors.
• They’re very versatile and not messy.

 

OTHER NOTES :

The leftover color on the mixing palette can still be used after it has dried. But it can not be reactivated once it’s been fully dry on your paper, like gouache, (if you’re familiar with this type of paint).

Since buying art supplies can get expensive, I like to buy a small basic set then mix my own colors. It takes practice to obtain the correct color, but it’s fun discovering all the new colors one can make.

PAINTING TIP : If you prefer softer, non-bright colors you can do like me, and mix in a bit of brown into any color and watch the results! 

 

Where can I find these?

I bought mine at a small art shop, so you can take a look and see if your local art store carries them. But you can also find them on Amazon.