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10 Best Watercolor Pencils 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Caran dAche Museum Watercolour Pencils (Pack of 76)
The Caran d'Ache Museum Watercolour Pencils set offers an impressive range of 76 vibrant colors, which is a strong point for artists who appreciate a wide color palette. Known for their exceptional pigment quality, these pencils ensure vivid and consistent colors, making them a favorite among serious artists. Their completely water-soluble nature allows for smooth blending and layering, and the absence of a white film when wet is a bonus for maintaining color clarity. The pencils also boast excellent lightfastness, which means your artwork will resist fading over time, whether you're working dry or wet.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,231
Pigment Quality
Solubility
Color Range
Most important from
329 reviews
#2
Derwent Inktense Pencils 72 Wooden Box, Set of 72, Premium 4mm Round Core, Firm, Watersoluble, Ideal for Watercolor, Drawing, Coloring and Painting on Paper and Fabric, Professional Quality (2301844)
The Derwent Inktense Pencils set of 72 offers a broad and vibrant color range, making it ideal for artists who want a lot of options in their watercolor pencil collection. The pigments are richly pigmented, providing bright, bold colors that stand out well on paper and fabric. Thanks to their unique formulation, these pencils dissolve easily when water is added, giving watercolor effects that are vivid and ink-like.
Rating
8.8
Pigment Quality
Lightfastness
Color Range
Most important from
410 reviews
#3
KALOUR 72-Color Professional Watercolor Pencils Set with Brush and Water Brush Pen, Hexagonal Shape, Blendable Wet or Dry, Water-Soluble Colored Pencils for Artists and Beginners
The KALOUR 72-Color Professional Watercolor Pencils Set offers a rich and versatile collection of vibrant hues, making it suitable for both experienced artists and beginners. The pigment quality is high, ensuring vivid and smooth color application, which can be used both dry and wet to achieve beautiful watercolor effects. The comprehensive color range of 72 shades allows for extensive blending and layering, catering to diverse artistic needs.
Rating
8.5
Solubility
Color Range
Most important from
793 reviews
Top 10 Best Watercolor Pencils 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Caran dAche Museum Watercolour Pencils (Pack of 76)
Caran dAche Museum Watercolour Pencils (Pack of 76)
Pigment Quality: Exceptional
Lightfastness: Excellent
Solubility: Water-soluble
Color Range: 76 colors
Pencil Hardness: HB
Brand Reputation: Well-regarded
Chosen by 1231 this week
Derwent Inktense Pencils 72 Wooden Box, Set of 72, Premium 4mm Round Core, Firm, Watersoluble, Ideal for Watercolor, Drawing, Coloring and Painting on Paper and Fabric, Professional Quality (2301844)
Derwent Inktense Pencils 72 Wooden Box, Set of 72, Premium 4mm Round Core, Firm, Watersoluble, Ideal for Watercolor, Drawing, Coloring and Painting on Paper and Fabric, Professional Quality (2301844)
Pigment Quality: Richly pigmented
Lightfastness: Permanent when dry
Solubility: Dissolves easily in water
Color Range: 72 colors
Pencil Hardness: Tends to be soft
KALOUR 72-Color Professional Watercolor Pencils Set with Brush and Water Brush Pen, Hexagonal Shape, Blendable Wet or Dry, Water-Soluble Colored Pencils for Artists and Beginners
KALOUR 72-Color Professional Watercolor Pencils Set with Brush and Water Brush Pen, Hexagonal Shape, Blendable Wet or Dry, Water-Soluble Colored Pencils for Artists and Beginners
Pigment Quality: high
Solubility: water-soluble
Color Range: 72 shades
Pencil Hardness: durable core
Brand Reputation: strong
Winsor & Newton Studio Collection Artist Pencils, Watercolor Pencils, Set of 24
Winsor & Newton Studio Collection Artist Pencils, Watercolor Pencils, Set of 24
Pigment Quality: high
Lightfastness: resist fading over time
Solubility: blended dry or with water
Color Range: 24
Pencil Hardness: 3.7mm core, break-resistant
Brand Reputation: Winsor & Newton
Arteza Watercolor Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Set of 120 Colored Pencils, Art Drawing Pencils in Bright Assorted Shades, Art Supplies for Blending, Layering, and Watercolor Techniques
Arteza Watercolor Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Set of 120 Colored Pencils, Art Drawing Pencils in Bright Assorted Shades, Art Supplies for Blending, Layering, and Watercolor Techniques
Pigment Quality: strong pigmentation
Lightfastness: lightfast
Solubility: good
Color Range: 120 vibrant shades
Pencil Hardness: F
Brand Reputation: solid reputation
Related Products
Derwent Colored Pencils, WaterColour, Water Color Pencils, Drawing, Art, Wooden Box, 72 Count (32891)
Derwent Colored Pencils, WaterColour, Water Color Pencils, Drawing, Art, Wooden Box, 72 Count (32891)
Solubility: Water soluble
Color Range: 72 colors
Pencil Hardness: 3.4mm core
Brand Reputation: Reputable
Derwent Drawing Pencils, Inktense, 4mm Core, Metal Tin, Watercolor, 12 Coun
Derwent Drawing Pencils, Inktense, 4mm Core, Metal Tin, Watercolor, 12 Coun
Pigment Quality: highly pigmented
Lightfastness: not optimized
Solubility: dissolves well in water
Color Range: 12 different shades
Pencil Hardness: Soft
Brand Reputation: respected
STABILO Chalk-Pastel Artist Colored Pencil CarbOthello ARTY, Tin Set of 36, Watercolor Effects, Sketching, Drawing, Coloring
STABILO Chalk-Pastel Artist Colored Pencil CarbOthello ARTY, Tin Set of 36, Watercolor Effects, Sketching, Drawing, Coloring
Pigment Quality: solid for pastel pencil
Lightfastness: weaker than regular watercolor pencils
Solubility: partially water soluble
Color Range: 36 colors, up to 60 shades
Pencil Hardness: medium, 4.4 mm thick lead
Brand Reputation: reputable quality art brand
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
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
Pigment Quality: highly pigmented colors
Solubility: works dry or with water
Color Range: 72 vibrant colors
Pencil Hardness: soft
Brand Reputation: affordable quality art supplies
#10
Castle Art Supplies Watercolor Pencils Set | 120 Vibrant Pigments for Blending, Drawing and Painting | Adults and Professionals | Presented in Tin Case
Castle Art Supplies Watercolor Pencils Set | 120 Vibrant Pigments for Blending, Drawing and Painting | Adults and Professionals | Presented in Tin Case
Pigment Quality: intensely pigmented
Solubility: pigments dissolve smoothly
Color Range: 120 vibrant colors
Pencil Hardness: HB
Brand Reputation: solid reputation
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Buying Guide for the Best Watercolor Pencils
Choosing the right watercolor pencils can significantly enhance your artistic experience and the quality of your artwork. Watercolor pencils are versatile tools that combine the precision of colored pencils with the fluidity of watercolors. When selecting watercolor pencils, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your artistic needs and preferences.Pigment QualityPigment quality refers to the richness and vibrancy of the colors produced by the pencils. High-quality pigments result in more vivid and long-lasting colors. Artists who require professional-grade results should look for pencils with high pigment concentration. For beginners or hobbyists, student-grade pencils with decent pigment quality can be a good starting point.
LightfastnessLightfastness is the ability of the pencil's color to resist fading when exposed to light over time. This is important for artists who want their work to remain vibrant and unchanged for years. Lightfastness is usually rated on a scale, with higher ratings indicating better resistance to fading. If you plan to display your artwork or sell it, opt for pencils with high lightfastness ratings.
SolubilitySolubility refers to how well the pencil's pigment dissolves in water. Good solubility allows for smooth blending and a more watercolor-like effect. Pencils with high solubility are ideal for creating washes and gradients. If you prefer more control and less blending, pencils with moderate solubility might be more suitable.
Color RangeThe color range is the variety of colors available in a set of watercolor pencils. A larger color range provides more options for creating detailed and nuanced artwork. Artists who work on complex pieces or enjoy experimenting with colors should consider sets with a wide range of hues. For simpler projects or beginners, a basic set with essential colors may suffice.
Pencil HardnessPencil hardness affects the ease of application and the type of marks you can make. Softer pencils lay down more pigment and blend easily, making them great for rich, bold strokes. Harder pencils are better for fine details and precise lines. Consider your drawing style and the type of artwork you create when choosing the hardness of your pencils.
Brand ReputationBrand reputation can be an indicator of quality and reliability. Established brands often have a history of producing high-quality art supplies and may offer better customer support. Reading reviews and seeking recommendations from other artists can help you choose a reputable brand that meets your needs.