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How to Use Watercolor Brush Pens

Last Updated: February 13, 2024 References

Blending Effects

Advanced techniques, things you'll need.

This article was co-authored by Kelly Medford . Kelly Medford is an American painter based in Rome, Italy. She studied classical painting, drawing and printmaking both in the U.S. and in Italy. She works primarily en plein air on the streets of Rome, and also travels for private international collectors on commission. She founded Sketching Rome Tours in 2012 where she teaches sketchbook journaling to visitors of Rome. Kelly is a graduate of the Florence Academy of Art. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 164,523 times.

If you enjoy drawing, coloring, or painting, watercolor brush pens can be a fun addition to your creativity toolkit. With their vibrant colors and smooth brush tops, these pens offer excellent precision and control while creating the effect of traditional watercolor, all with no mess and little to clean up. Whether you enjoy drawing your own designs or are looking for a new way to enjoy coloring, these pens will spark your inner artist.

Step 1 Buy watercolor brush pens.

  • Clear water pens usually come empty. To use, simply unscrew their top and fill with water. [1] X Research source
  • Watercolor brush pens have moist tips that resemble a paintbrush. They offer you the effect of watercolor painting with the ease and control that you'd typically find in a marker or pen.
  • Get a feel for what it's like to hold them and move them across a page. In the beginning, tracing paper can offer a nice smooth surface for learning how to use them, despite its lightweight.

Step 2 Choose heavy-weight and smooth paper.

  • Depending on the look you want, paper with a rougher surface may work for you, but it can also wear out the brushes on your pens more quickly.
  • A sturdy cardstock is a great choice when working with these pens.
  • You can also use these in coloring books. Just look for a book that has high-quality, thick pages.
  • You can paint with anything on anything, really, but it makes a huge difference to paint on watercolor paper, since it's specifically made to be absorbent and painted over.
  • You can try this with a variety of basic shapes.
  • Start out with a small shape to conserve your watercolor ink.
  • Continue to pull your colored ink with the clear pen to fill in and complete your shape.

Step 5 Care for your pens so they last.

  • Keep their caps sealed tightly when storing them so that they don't dry out.
  • Once you've finished layering, clean your pens by dipping them in water and wiping them on a piece of scrap paper. [3] X Research source
  • Beginning at the top, move your water pen back and forth, while also slowly moving it down
  • Repeat this blending effect, this time moving from the bottom up into the middle.
  • This will provide a gradient in your artwork that moves from dark to light.
  • Use the bag as a stamp, flipping it onto a pre-moistened piece of paper.
  • Use your fingers to spread the colors around, creating the effect you desire.
  • Add flowers of a variety of colors to create a pattern or bouquet effect.
  • Add leaves, vines or stems to complete your look.
  • Experiment by using different colors for the inner and outer petals.
  • Experiment with your advanced shading and blending techniques to create even more lettering options. [9] X Research source

Community Q&A

wikiHow Staff Editor

  • The tips of your pens can suffer wear and tear from rough surfaces. You can avoid this by choosing high-quality, smooth paper for your medium. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
  • When using a watercolor brush pen, your paper might warp. To prevent this , you should go for a more absorbent paper, like one specifically labeled for use with watercolors. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 2
  • Once the painting is done, you can protect it from damage by varnishing it . Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1

how to use art 101 watercolor brush pens

  • Watercolor brush pens
  • Paper or coloring book with thick and smooth pages
  • A clear water pen

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how to use art 101 watercolor brush pens

  • ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrlqM7YBJTg&feature=youtu.be
  • ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgHhRW9dlA4
  • ↑ https://www.colorit.com/blogs/news/how-to-use-watercolor-brush-pens-tutorial
  • ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaDt2ObgBHU&feature=youtu.be
  • ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S02q2vnS3tQ
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How to Use Watercolor Brush Pens (Beginner’s Guide)

Have a set of watercolor markers but aren’t sure how to use them?

This handy guide has everything you need to know about watercolor brush pens, including how to paint with them, easy techniques, and best papers to use.

There are so many fun ways to use watercolor markers, so I hope this guide leaves you feeling totally ready to start playing with them!

This post contains affiliate links. Learn more .

What are watercolor brush pens?

Watercolor brush pens are brush pens that can be used to blend and create watercolor effects. They usually contain a water-based or dye-based ink.

The brush tip can be used like a paintbrush to make thick and thin strokes, depending on the amount of pressure applied.

This, along with the easily-blended ink, makes using watercolor markers similar to painting with regular watercolors.

how to use art 101 watercolor brush pens

Many sets include either a water brush (which has a built-in water reservoir) or a colorless blender pen.

Colorless blender pens look like white brush pens, but instead they are filled with a clear, water-based liquid that can be used to blend colors without needing a paintbrush and water.

What are watercolor pens for?

Watercolor pens are perfect for creating watercolor effects without the additional set-up and supplies you’d need for regular painting.

They’re also easily portable. You can toss them in your bag with a water brush – without having to worry about paints, palettes, or water – and do some easy painting while you’re out and about.

Watercolor markers are not without their own mess, though. When I use them for a piece of artwork, I often end up with smears of colorful ink all over my hands!

how to use watercolor markers

How to use watercolor brush pens

Here’s how to use watercolor brush pens in several different ways.

how to paint with watercolor markers

With the above techniques, you can create beautiful gradients, washes, bleeds, and blends, just like regular watercolor painting!

Experiment with your pens and the amount of water you use, too.

As with any watercolor, diluting the color with water makes it lighter and more transparent. Using less water keeps the color more saturated and less transparent.

Try to do the blending while the ink is still somewhat wet . It’s harder to blend colors when they’ve dried. This means you’ll want to work fairly quickly, or work on one area at a time.

Additional tips

  • Don’t worry about damaging watercolor pens by getting other colors, water, or watercolor paint mixed with them. They’re meant to blend with water and water-based substances. Just scribble all sides of the tips clean until the original color comes back.
  • Start using watercolor markers by swatching the colors. Fill a page with the colors and blend them out so you can see each color’s darkest and lightest values. Not only is this a good way to make your own color chart, but it can also be very relaxing!
  • Check pen packaging for the recommended way to store watercolor brush pens. Most watercolor brush pens should be stored horizontally, but some need to be stored upright.
  • Remember that water-based ink can be reactivated with water , so protect your finished artwork from splatters.
  • Clean-up is easy with watercolor pens – just use water!

simple landscape idea, painted with Karin markers

(Want to paint a landscape like the one above with watercolor markers? Here’s the tutorial! )

Do you use water with watercolor markers?

If you want to get watercolor effects with watercolor markers, you’ll have to use water. You can add water with a paintbrush.

Of course, you don’t have to use water if you don’t want to. You can also use the markers themselves – or a colorless blender pen – to blend colors together, just like with any water-based marker.

It’s best to avoid dipping watercolor pens in water, since that will wash out the color temporarily.

If you want to dilute the ink, though, that’s one way of doing it!

(I like to use a wet brush to lighten the color instead of dipping the marker itself into water.)

Water brushes are a great tool to use with watercolor brush pens. Here’s a guide I wrote about how to use water brushes.

Painting with a watercolor brush pen

If you’re not interested in watercolor effects, you can definitely use these pens for regular coloring, drawing, or brush calligraphy.

Keep in mind that watercolor markers are typically a wet pen, so they can smear easily and take longer to dry. If you’re left-handed, this may be especially frustrating for you.

The best watercolor brush pens

Here is a list of some of the best watercolor brush markers, in no particular order:

  • Royal Talens Ecoline Brush Pens – Juicy markers filled with liquid watercolor ink. The colors are beautiful, vibrant, and blend well. An added bonus is that if a brush tip gets frayed, you can pull it out of the pen, turn it around, and reinsert it to use the other end! (Includes a colorless blender pen in some sets.)
  • Karin Brushmarker Pro – Karin markers are some of the best out there, as well as one of the most expensive. They’re filled with concentrated dyes in a liquid watercolor base, making the colors rich and vibrant. Karin markers blend very well and give you beautiful watercolor effects. (Includes a colorless blender.)
  • Staedtler Double-Ended Watercolor Brush Pens – These have a brush tip on one end and a fine tip on the other, which is great for adding detail to artwork. The price is great, and they come in a beautiful range of colors. Filled with a dye-based ink.
  • Arteza Watercolor Brush Pens – The tips of these pens are similar to a paintbrush, with individual fibers that spread apart, so don’t worry about fraying these! The ink is water-based and there’s a good variety of colors. (Includes a water brush.)
  • Chromatek Watercolor Brush Pens – Also have a paintbrush-like bristle tip. They’re filled with water-based ink and come in a lovely assortment of colors. A bonus of these pen sets is that they include a pad of paper and a video tutorial series about watercolor basics, so you’re ready to start painting! (Includes water brushes.)
  • Kuretake ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Pens – Another pen with a bristle tip, so more like using a paintbrush. These come in a beautiful assortment of colors and contain a water-based ink. They’re a little more on the expensive side. (Includes a colorless blender.)

These are just several of the many kinds that are out there!

Best paper for watercolor markers

It’s best to use watercolor paper for watercolor markers, and the higher quality the better.

Good watercolor paper will hold up well to lots of water, blending, and layers.

My favorite student-grade watercolor paper is Canson XL watercolor paper .

For artist-grade paper, these are my favorites:

  • Arches watercolor paper
  • Fabriano Artistico watercolor paper
  • Canson L’Aquarelle Heritage watercolor paper

If you don’t use much water with your pens, a mixed media paper will work, too. Here are two good options:

  • Canson Mixed Media paper
  • Strathmore Mixed Media paper

If you’re only using these pens for brush calligraphy, you could use mixed media paper or Canson Bristol Smooth paper , which is a good thick paper for any brush pens.

Just like with any painting, paper makes a big difference in the results you get!

Blends with be smoother and colors more vibrant on artist-grade watercolor paper, so if you want to get the most out of your pens, invest in 100% cotton paper.

Below is a comparison of a blend on student grade vs. artist grade watercolor paper.

Comparison of a watercolor marker blend on two watercolor papers

Rough paper – like watercolor paper – will fray the tips of your brush pens.

But I’m okay with the watercolor marker tips getting worn out as long as I’m using them to their full potential!

If you want to use yours only as calligraphy pens, use them on smoother paper to keep the tips as crisp as possible.

Related: Best Paper For Brush Pens: A Complete Guide

Dealing with marker lines in a painting

Sometimes when painting with watercolor markers, the ink will sink down into the paper and you’ll end up with harsh marker lines that you can’t blend out.

There are several ways you can deal with this.

  • Work quickly to blend marker lines out with water before the ink fully dries.
  • Use a higher quality paper. Fabriano Artistico paper seems to be the best for avoiding marker lines.
  • Work wet on wet. Get your paper wet first, add markers to the wet paper, and start blending it out right away.
  • Put the pen ink on a palette and paint with it instead of coloring directly on the paper to avoid the marker line problem altogether.

Carol of @carolicitydesigns , who often uses markers for paintings, created this Instagram video comparing how dye-based pens blend on different brands of paper.

She found that Fabriano Artistico is one of the best, and I’ve found that to be true, too.

What can you do with watercolor markers?

Here are some great ideas of ways to use watercolor markers for art:

  • Watercolor lettering – Use them for lettering and blend the colors together for some beautiful watercolor effects. Another fun technique is to dip the brush tip into watercolor ink like Ecoline liquid watercolor and then write as usual for a color blending effect (no, it won’t ruin the pen!).
  • Watercolor paintings – Watercolor pens can be used for watercolor paintings instead of – or in combination with – watercolor paint. (Although depending on the pen used, you’ll likely not get the same results you would with regular paint.) They can be great for adding detail or finishing touches to artwork.
  • Watercolor studies – These pens are perfect for quick watercolor studies or planning a painting concept.
  • Mixed media art – Mixed media art is another great way to use them. The ability to create watercolor effects with markers makes them really fun art tools to add to your collection, and they work well in combination with waterproof ink.
  • Art journals/sketchbooks – These pens are a great tool to use for art journals or sketchbooks. They’re perfect for adding color to doodles and sketches, plus they are portable and have very little mess, which is great for outdoor sketching sessions.

To get started using your markers for paintings, check out this simple landscape painting tutorial.

how to use art 101 watercolor brush pens

Do watercolor markers work on canvas?

Watercolor markers work on canvas just as any watercolor paint does.

Painting with watercolor on canvas is a little different from painting on paper, so take the time to experiment with it. Keep in mind that canvas will fray brush marker tips, too.

You can use watercolor brush pens on canvas the same way you do on paper, using either a paint brush or just the pens themselves.

It’s best to test using watercolor markers on a section of canvas before starting a project.

I hope this post was helpful and answered your questions about how to use watercolor brush markers.

Now it’s time for you to get out your pens and start making some watercolor art!

If you have additional questions, feel free to drop them in the comments below and I’ll do my best to answer.

everything you need to know about watercolor brush pens

I'm a lettering and watercolor artist who loves making art with paint and letters. I started learning modern calligraphy and watercolor painting in 2017 and have learned a lot since then! I'm here to share that knowledge with you so you can create your own art with confidence.

This is so cool! I thought you could only use those for hand lettering. Thank you for those ideas and techniques, I’ll definitely try them out since took interest in watercolor painting recently.

So glad to hear that! They are really fun to play with!

Love this! I have used watercolor fillable water pens. I loved them. I’m not an artist but I sure enjoyed painting my scene with these pens. You’re inspiring me to get them out and try again with some of the ones you suggested, too. Thank you!

I’m so glad to hear that! I like using water pens filled with water in place of paintbrushes since the tips always stay wet. They’re so handy!

Super Cool! I love the ombre look!

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How to Use Real Brush Pens for Watercolor Marker Art

Table of contents:, using real brush pens with water.

  • Water Brush Pen Basics

Using Real Brush Pens without Water

  • Combining 2 Real Brush Pens

Real Brush Pens - What Exactly Are They?

Brush pens are ink-based markers that have bristle tips as opposed to felt, chisel, or sponges. Depending on the surface you use them on, they can behave like a marker or pen, or they can behave like brushes. They contain water-based ink that is released as the tip touches the painting surface, allowing the artist to achieve watercolor effects without the typical setup of watercolor paint tubes, half pans, water cups, etc. Arteza Real Brush pens make sketching on location, as well as at home, convenient, easy, and mess-free. Arteza Real Brush Pens are dynamic watercolor markers that are versatile and can be used with or without water. They have more bristles than many leading brush pens on the market. The bristles are also longer, durable, and more flexible. This means that whether you’re a painter, sketcher, or crafter, you can use brush pens for painting, drawing, and sketching, as well as lettering and coloring.

So, you’ve been wanting to try Watercolor Real Brush Pens? With a little practice, inspiration, and perseverance, you can master this tool and become a watercolor pro! It’s true, learning how to use Arteza Real Brush Pens gives you the freedom to create amazing art. You have the best tool to work with, so you’re already off to a great start! We met with professional artist Celeste Jones to learn and review the do’s and don’ts of how to use brush pens for watercolor techniques that you can practice every day.

Quick Pro Tip: Before you jump in, take some time getting to know how your brush pens react with and without water. You can do this by creating two color charts: one using water to see how they paint when wet, and one without water to see how they paint when used dry. Take each pen and paint a square of color on your watercolor paper. It’s always good to know what you’re working with ahead of time so you can focus on creating!

Pick up the first color. Dip the brush halfway into the water, so that the flexible nylon tip is completely submerged (for no longer than one second). The intensity of the color will be determined by the amount of water you use. For a light, delicate transparent effect, leave it in the water longer. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different amounts of water to achieve different outcomes. You’ll love the plethora of shades you can create!

Do not keep the brush pen in water for too long, or the pigment will become too transparent. If you start to notice that the water is getting too much color, it may be overly diluted. It’s better to add more water later with the water brush pen than to lose all your pigment to your dipping cup.

Celeste Recommends Draw as if slightly "rubbing" the marker into the paper. You will notice that over time the pigment will become more saturated. This trick may be used to achieve a tone transition.

How to Use Water Brush Pens

Option 1. Rub the desired brush pen marker color on the palette and customize the tone using the Water Brush Pen that comes in your set. You can use this water brush for blending and making watercolor effects.

Option 2. You can actually paint using the water brush pen. If you want to mix several colors to create the desired shade, apply them to your palette and mix them in using the water brush. As you can see, the shade comes out much more delicate and light. You can dip your water brush back into the color that you’ve created on the palette as many times as you need and build color from there.

Option 3. Pre-wet the background with your water brush and then paint with a dry Real Brush Pen. Fill the detailed areas of your drawing first with a single color. After you apply one color, you can add other shades - just like you would if you were making a typical watercolor painting. You’ll notice that when the paper is wet, the colors will mix, spread, and flow beautifully.

Don’t press too hard because you could damage the brush tip. You should apply the brush pens with a light hand (this will also give you more control). With the proper care, this tool will last a long time. Celeste Recommends Create a transparent glaze over your canvas by spreading a barely noticeable color. Dilute the color on the palette first and then brush it over the entire surface of your paper.

Option 1. Draw right on the paper. Practice your grip and getting used to how the bristles work when they are applied directly to the surface. Once you get the hang of it, make different shapes, combine colors, and play with the different kinds of strokes you can achieve. The longer and more flexible the bristles, the more variety you can achieve.

Option 2. Use the tooth of the paper for textured effects. To achieve this, put the brush as tight and flat-lying to the drawing as possible and begin sweeping with it to show the texture of the paper. The grainier the paper, the more pronounced the effect will be. This is a good technique for the background or illustration details.

Option 3. Pre-wet the background and then paint with dry Real Brush Pens. Moisten the desired area with water and start drawing. Fill the detailed areas of your drawing first with a single color. After you apply one color, you can add other shades - just as in watercolor painting. You’ll notice that when the paper is wet, the colors will mix and flow beautifully.

Do not rub the brush pen on the paper too hard. This will help it retain its integrity longer. Treat your brush like you would a regular watercolor paintbrush. Celeste Recommends Use the entirety of your Arteza Real Brush Pens to draw details. The flexible brush can make lines that are very thin, and depending on the pressure you apply, you get varying degrees of thickness. You can draw details like eyes, lips or hair (for portraits), animal fur, small elements of a landscape or create details for illustrations. Experiment with all the things you can do with this versatile tool!

Use 2 Real Brush Pens in Combination

Take two contrasting colors, such as yellow and emerald. Run the lighter shade over the brush tip of a darker color. The lighter shade will pick up the ink from the brush of the darker one. Now you’re ready to paint! You will get a gradient effect - first a bit of emerald, which will then gradually turn yellow. Real Brush Pens can be easily mixed on the palette: use a Water Brush Pen or a pen of a different color. Always rinse Real Brush Pens if the brush gets dirty from a different color.

You don’t want to mix complementary tones. Complementary tones are the colors opposite each other on the color wheel, such as red and green. When mixed together complementary colors create a grayscale. For example, if you combine the color red with the color green, you are going to get a hue that is dull and muddy. The same is true if you combine purple with yellow and orange with blue. Celeste Recommends Lay down a dark tone on wet paper. While the paper is still wet, wipe the nylon brush over it with a light paint color, and you will see how the dark pigment will begin to “radiate.” Using this technique, you can create textures, patterns, or incident light just like you would with traditional watercolor.

Happy Creating!

As artists, we love playing around with new tools and stepping out of our comfort zones. One day you’re decorating your daily planner, and the next you’re bringing a black and white portrait to life with charcoal. Or maybe you’re painting your favorite anime character with acrylics. We hope these Arteza Real Brush Pens make their way into your artist’s toolbox (especially when you’re looking for watercolor pens for beginners). With the soft tip and high degree of flexibility, using brush pens will make it easy to create a variety of different strokes. Plus, the water-soluble ink is totally washable and the pens come in a huge variety of Arteza watercolors. Now go blend, paint, and create to your heart’s content!

What paper should I use?

We recommend Arteza 9x12" Watercolor Pads . It has a texture that enhances the paint when applied, appearing especially vibrant if you use the Real Brush Pens without water.

What is the best way to draw a background with Real Brush Pens?

The wet-on-wet technique is the best way to draw a background. First, create a border that is about 1-2mm using washi tape or painter’s tape along the edge of your watercolor paper. Wait until the background is dry, and then use your brush pen to add details to your background.

What is the best way to draw details with Real Brush Pens?

You can absolutely use them to draw details; however, if you’re drawing very small details, we recommend that you take the color from Real Brush Pen and apply it to a palette. Then, take a thin brush and draw the details using the color from the palette.

I’m a beginner, what more should I know?

Celeste recommends testing colors on another piece of paper before applying them to your art (make some swatches). We also recommend mixing neutral colors with other neutrals and warm colors with other warm shades. Another option is to mix colors that are close to each other on the color wheel. If you mix two colors that are opposite to each other, they will cancel each other out and create a muddy color. We also recommend that you don’t mix more than 3 colors.

66 comments

Hi Pam, There are many trial and error approaches to watercolor on canvas. We do recommend watercolor paper for the real brush pens. Here’s a link with tips and tricks which should help with watercolor on canvas: https://www.liveabout.com/using-watercolor-canvas-2579340 If there’s anything else we can help with, we’re only a brush stroke away!

Yes! They are both water-based, so you can use the watercolor pencil over the real brush pens. We always offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee if the item doesn’t meet your needs, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Is there a way to set the water color on canvas? I did a portrait on canvas and the colors smudge when touched.

Hi, I got both the brush pens and water color pencils, can I use the pencils on top of the pens? Thanks, Juliet

Since light is a major catalyst, watercolors should be kept out of direct light and protected by a sheet of filtered glass or acrylic. They should also be mounted in acid-free mat board to keep the paper from discoloring over time. You can find also Archival Varnish, at any crafts store near you that will bet help preserve your work. :)

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How to Use Watercolor Brush Pens for Beginners (A-Z Guide)

October 1, 2023

Written by Laura Walker / Fact checked by Leilani Carroll

How to Use Watercolor Brush Pens for Beginners

Watercolor brush pens offer a versatile and accessible way for beginners to explore the captivating world of painting. Combining the convenience of a marker with the fluidity and vibrancy of watercolors, these innovative tools have gained popularity among artists of all skill levels.

If you have been longing to delve into this enchanting medium but are unsure where to begin, do not worry! This guide will walk you through how to use watercolor brush pens for beginners. Read on to unleash your creativity with confidence and ease!

Table of Contents

Step 1: Prepare

Step 2: prepare your workspace, step 3: familiarize yourself with your brush pens, step 4: plan your composition, step 5: start with light colors, step 6: experiment with color blending, step 7: create gradient washes, step 8: add details and accents, step 9: practice different techniques, 1. basic coloring, 2. create ombre effects, 3. wet-on-wet, 4. dry brushing, 5. calligraphy and lettering, 6. mixed media, brush pen tips & tricks, how to use watercolor brush pens.

What-To-Prepare

To begin using water brush pens and make your art ideas come to life, there are a few essential items you should gather beforehand. Here is a list of what to prepare:

  • Watercolor Brush Pens
  • Watercolor Paper or Sketchbook: Look for paper that is thick and absorbent.
  • Water Container: Have a small container or cup filled with clean water nearby to clean your brush or dilute the color.
  • Paper Towels or Cloth
  • Pencil and Eraser

Prepare-your-workspace

To start, find a clean, well-lit area to work in. Protect your surface with a waterproof cover or a plastic sheet to prevent any accidental spills or stains.

Familiarize-yourself-with-your-brush-pens

Take a moment to study your watercolor brush pens. Make a color swatch to see how they interact with water and appear on the paper.

Plan-your-composition

Use a pencil to lightly sketch your composition or guidelines on the watercolor paper. This step helps establish a framework for your artwork.

Start-with-light-colors

Begin by selecting a light color and applying it to the desired area on your paper. Use light pressure to create a faint color layer. Remember, you can always add more color later, but it’ll be challenging to lighten an area once it’s too dark.

Experiment-with-color-blending

Watercolor brush pens allow for beautiful color blending. Start by applying a second color adjacent to the first one while it’s still wet. Use the brush tip to gently blend the colors together, creating a smooth transition.

Create-gradient-washes

To achieve a wash, dip the brush tip of your clear water brush pen into the water and apply it to a colored section on your paper. The water will dilute the pigments, creating a softer gradient effect.

For best results, you should start brushing the pen from inside the colored section to the outside so that you can achieve a smooth transition from dark to light shades.

Add-details-and-accents

Once your initial layers are dry, use smaller brushes or the pens’ fine tip to add details and accents to your artwork. This could include defining shapes, adding texture, or enhancing specific areas with more concentrated color.

how to use art 101 watercolor brush pens

Explore various watercolor techniques such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry and dry brushing. These techniques allow you to create different textures and effects.

Watercolor Pens Tutorials – Some Common Techniques

There are several ways you can use watercolor brush pens to create beautiful artwork, such as:

Basic-Coloring

Use the brush pens as you would regular markers, coloring in areas of your artwork. Experiment with different strokes and pressures to use brush pens for coloring and achieve varying levels of color intensity.

Create-Ombre-Effects

Press the tips of two brush pens, preferably of the same color family, together. Once the lighter-colored pen has picked up the hues from the darker one, you can use it to mimic an ombre effect.

Wet-On-Wet

Wet your paper with clean water using a brush or spray it lightly. While the paper is still wet, apply the brush pen to the surface. The colors will blend and spread more freely, creating soft and diffused effects. This technique is great for creating backgrounds or creating a dreamy atmosphere.

Use the watercolor paint brush pens with minimal water to create textured and more concentrated strokes. This technique works well for adding fine details or texture to your artwork.

Calligraphy-and-Lettering

Watercolor brush pens can be used for calligraphy and lettering projects. Use the brush tip to create thick and thin lines by varying the pressure as you write—the more pressure you apply, the wider the lines will be, and vice versa.

Mixed-Media

Combine refillable watercolor brush pens with other art mediums, such as colored pencils, markers, or acrylic paints. This allows you to incorporate different textures and techniques into your artwork, creating dynamic and visually interesting pieces.

The beauty of watercolor brush pens lies in their versatility and the freedom to experiment. So, embrace your creativity, practice, and explore these techniques to discover your own unique style and expressions with this captivating medium.

Brush-Pen-Tips

1. Control Water Intensity

Control the intensity of your colors by adjusting the amount of water used. More water dilutes the pigments, creating softer tones and translucent effects, while less water produces more vibrant and saturated colors.

2. Clean Your Brush Pen

Clean your brush pen tip by gently scribbling on a clean piece of paper or dipping it into a container of clean water. This helps remove any residual color and prevents unwanted mixing of colors.

In conclusion, watercolor brush pens offer an accessible and versatile medium for novices to explore their creativity and create stunning artwork. With this guide on how to use watercolor brush pens for beginners, you can make the most of these vibrant tools.

Embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth and enjoy the journey of discovering your own unique style. Grab your watercolor brush pens, unleash your imagination, and let your creativity flow onto the canvas. Happy painting!

Related: Detailed Guide on Using Tombow Dual Brush Pens.

Eveline-Kessler

Hi, I am Eveline Kessler, a content creator. My love for colors and arts draws me here to join the Intermediarts team with Leilani. I am responsible for testing new products and techniques with her and providing honest reviews and tips based on our experience. I have gained a lot of knowledge from this, and I believe you will find her suggestions to be invaluable as well.

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Take Your Art To The Next Level With Watercolor Brush Pens

Posted by ColorIt Support on Jul 09, 2018

You’ve sharpened your pencils to tiny stubs. You’ve colored mandala after mandala with your gel pens. Your markers have been used and abused...but in the best way. In short: you’ve mastered all of these art materials and are now looking for a way to take your coloring to the next level. You know what you should try next? Watercolor brush pens.

how to use art 101 watercolor brush pens

What Are Watercolor Brush Pens And How Do They Work?

how to use art 101 watercolor brush pens

Have you ever tried working with traditional watercolors, only to find that they can be a bit messy? You have to have all these tubes, various types of brushes and water all around your desk or workspace. It's not the easiest set-up, especially if you like to color on the go. Watercolor brush pens solve this problem by putting the best qualities of traditional watercolors into one neat brush pen. Using water-soluble dye-based ink, watercolor brush pens can create a lot of interesting effects by using just a few drops of water. The versatile brush tips allow you to play around with different strokes and styles--- all you gotta do is add or lessen the pressure you put on the pen. This makes watercolor brush pens mediums for modern calligraphy and hand-lettering. The best part is that you can do all this without having to clean up such a huge mess afterward! Since they’re water-based, these pens don’t leave stains and are usually odor-free. All you have to do is put their caps back on, and you’re done.

Getting Started With Watercolor Brush Pens

how to use art 101 watercolor brush pens

You can do so many things with brush pens that it’s pretty safe to say that they’ve got the best of both worlds. Now, if you find them a bit intimidating, don't worry--- that’s normal. The truth is they're actually very easy to use. With a bit of practice, controlling these pens will be a breeze, and you'll be making some cool artworks and designs of your own in no time. You can follow these basic guidelines to start:

Check out your palette! Take a good look at your brush pen babies--- aren’t they pretty? But don’t just gush about them; take this time to observe and organize your palette. It's usually helpful to put similar colors close to each other as they're usually the ones that blend well when combined.

Make sure you're using the right kind of paper . Water-based ink can eat through ordinary printer paper, so make sure you're using thick and smooth watercolor paper to achieve the best results.

Watercolor brush pens use water-based ink, so keep a little glass of water beside you as you work. When you dip the brush tips in water, you'll dilute the ink which produces lighter shades. Remember: the longer you dip the brush tip in water, the lighter the outcome. Play around with water until you become familiar with its effect on your brush pens. This will be very useful when you’re making color washes and shading.

Shading and layering. Blend colors by laying one shade on top of another. Work from light to dark tones. You can also mix and match: play around with your markers and know which colors work best when combined.

how to use art 101 watercolor brush pens

Creating ombre effects. You can also touch or rub two marker tips together to create gradient or ombre effects. Select colors within the same family to get best results for this technique. Make sure that one pen has a darker shade than the other. Apply the darker brush tip to the lighter one. You know you're ready to apply when the lighter pen has absorbed some of the darker ink. You should get a pretty dark-to-light gradient effect.

Get the hang of the brush tip. The brush tip is pretty versatile: it’s capable of making a variety of strokes depending on the amount of pressure you apply. If you create strokes with minimal pressure, you'll get thin lines--- this is great for when you're working on details. To cover larger areas and to produce thicker strokes, hold your brush pen at around 30 degrees and apply more pressure. Practice doing thin upstrokes and thick downstrokes. You'll be using this technique a lot when you're doing hand lettering and calligraphy.

Don't forget to "clean" your brush tips out after blending them together.  Dip them in water and lay strokes on a scrap piece of paper until the markers go back to their original color.

Try These Cool Watercolor Brush Pen Techniques

Now that you’ve practiced and played around a bit, it’s time for the fun part: making art with your watercolor brush pens. We’ve gathered some of the best tutorials around to help you improve your brush pen technique. Get your brush pens ready; this is going to be a whole lot of fun!

Making Textures with Watercolor Brush Pens

How To Use A Colorless Blender

Modern Calligraphy and Hand Lettering

How To Make Dainty Florals

Can You Use Watercolor Brush Pens For Adult Coloring Books?

Taking Care Of Your Watercolor Brush Pens

Watercolor brush pens are very low-maintenance. Unlike markers or gel pens, they hardly need any special treatment or storage rules. The only thing that you need to remember is to keep your brush pen caps tightly shut, so they don't dry out. Most watercolor brush pens are also self-cleaning, so you don't have to worry about the tips staining after use. Just make sure to apply just the right amount of pressure when using your brush pens, so their bristles keep their nice and straight shape for a long time.

Final Thoughts

Watercolor brush pens are some of the best art mediums to work with. They're a bit tricky at first, but don't be intimidated. With a bit of practice and the right materials, you can create a lot of beautiful masterpieces with these pens. Make sure to choose waterbased brush pens with great quality. It also helps if they're refillable; you can have more fun and more value for your money at the same time. Don't forget to find time to practice your watercolor brush pen skills. Let us know if these tutorials worked for you, and don't forget share stories of your coloring journey in the comments below. Have fun with your brush pens and as always, free your creativity!

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Great information. Can you do more video technique posts like the roses one!

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How to Use Watercolor Brush Pens for Beginners?

Written by Robert S. Brown  / Fact checked by Helen B. Harris

How to Use Watercolor Brush Pens

Watercolor brush pens are one of the few art materials that are practical, versatile, and a joy to work with. These pens feature a built-in brush and premixed colors. In short, they are ready to use. That said, if you still find the art tool hard to work with, then this article is right for you.

Explore the basic steps of how to use watercolor brush pens and the different techniques you can use to maximize their potential right here.

Table of Contents

1. Choose a suitable paper

2. swatch your colors, 3. decide if you need to prime or not, 4. explore other tools and start coloring, 1. direct application, 2. layering, 3. water bloom, 1. direct blending, 2. blending with water, advanced techniques to create strong contrast and textures, additional tips and tricks, 1. color options and watercolor sets, 2. tip types and character, maintenance and storage of watercolor brush pens, watercolor brush pen guide.

The-following-three-aspects-of-watercolor-pen

The type of paper you are using could make or break your watercolor artwork, so consider the three following aspects:

  • Paper quality: both artists’ and students’ quality are suitable for beginners but the former can last much longer, albeit more expensive.
  • Paper weight: 90g – 300g is a good range, with 140g being the perfect middle ground for starters.
  • Texture: you can use smooth watercolor paper but textured or rough paper can take much beating and is better for techniques that involve a lot of water and pressure.

color-code-of-each-brush-pen

The best way to see the true colors and range of your brush pens is to swatch them. This will likewise give you an impression and actual feel of how it works.

On a piece of paper, draw several small squares and write down the name or color code of each brush pen in their corners. Then apply the color to a small section of the square to see how it’d look on paper. Afterward, use a colorless blender around the pigment to get an idea of how the hue will change.

prime-your-paper-with-water

If you want a smoother finish or color a big background, prime your paper with water. In contrast, if you like the rough edges or you want to create a contrast, priming won’t be necessary.

To prime, dip a sponge roller brush into water and squeeze out the excess. When done, roll the brush horizontally across the paper all the way down, then switch to rolling vertically from one side to another.

Practice coloring using watercolor brush pens on a coloring book and try to learn different techniques.

Look for inspiration or a watercolor brush pens tutorial. Try using other tools such as water brushes and other coloring mediums.

Basic Techniques

the-color-directly-onto-the-paper

For a solid and vibrant block of color, you can just apply the color directly onto the paper without any priming beforehand. Should you want a lighter and smoother finish in certain sections of your artwork, you can lightly dip the brush into water.

one-color-and-build-it-up-by-layering

This technique is done by applying one color and letting it dry first before applying another layer. You can use one color and build it up by layering. Using lines, dots, and patterns is likewise applicable.

the-color-to-bloom

While the color is still slightly wet, gently squeeze the brush pen’s barrel to dispense one drop of water (or a diluted color of choice) onto the desired area. This will cause the color to “bloom,” giving the artwork more visual interest.

Blending Effects

watercolor-brush-pens-to-blend-colors

Similar to an alcohol marker, you can use watercolor brush pens to blend colors together without needing any help. To smoothen the transition, use the lighter tone to blend over the dark one. This works best when the two tones are in the same color family.

the-water-brush-pen-can-still-blend

With this method, you can use as many colors as you like. After all the colors are laid, blend them using a water brush while the colors aren’t fully dried. That said, do not worry if you catch them drying; the water brush can still blend them in.

blending-color-puddles-on-a-ceramic

You can achieve this effect by applying and blending color puddles on a ceramic or a plastic palette before applying them to your paper.

Another way is to use the tip-to-tip method, where you let the color of one pen transfer to the other by touching the two pens’ tips together. To get a strong combination, pick one light color and partner it with a darker one.

There are different ways to create unique textures. If you are using textured paper, you can easily emphasize it by coloring the area with a dry and flat tip. Exert more pressure than you usually do to spread the tip.

You can also use other tools, such as salt. Simply sprinkle a small amount of salt over your wet watercolor paint; remove the salt as soon as it starts melting. This will leave your piece with small crystal-like patterns.

Tips-and-tricks-when-using-watercolor-brush-pens

A water brush is your best friend. They are the perfect tool for you to put mixed media into play. Make the most of them with the following ideas:

  • Use them to apply other coloring mediums to your drawing. Press a wet water brush against a water-soluble crayon to pick up colors.
  • If you color with watercolor pencils, you can use the water brush to smoothen their pigment.
  • When you still have leftover watercolor paints on palettes, you do not need to go back to using traditional brushes. Use a water brush instead.

Choosing Watercolor Brush Pens

the-Tombow-Watercoloring-set

Although you can easily blend watercolor brush pens to produce different colors, it is always better to have a wider color palette. This will protect you from scenarios where you can’t get the effect you want because you don’t have the right colors.

You can go for watercolor sets like the Tombow Watercoloring set, which already includes a wide range of hues and everything you need to get started.

Most famous brands also offer dual-ended types like the Staedtler watercolor brush pens, which give you 2 different tip sizes for more versatility.

The tip type can greatly affect the way your artwork turns out. Some tips may come dry, while others could be juicy straight from the box.

Dry tips are good for direct application and detailing, while juicy tips are easier to blend and ideal for coloring large areas.

The tips can either be made with felt or nylon like a typical paintbrush. Felt tips are more consistent than the nylon variety, but if you are used to using paint brushes, the nylon option could be the closest you can get.

Storage-of-Watercolor-Brush-Pens

Another advantage of watercolor brush pens is that they are easy to maintain. Watercolor brush markers and pens can be stored in bins, nooks, and shelves in any position.

However, some brands like Arteza recommend storing the Arteza Real brush pens upright with nibs pointing downwards. So you should always check the product’s instructions to see if there are any specific requirements.

For colored watercolor brush pens, you have to keep their caps closed after every use. In addition, you would want to keep them in a cool and dry place to avoid ink from drying out.

For water brushes, be sure to clean the inner part and the tip with water. If they have bristle tips, gently smoothen the bristles using your fingers or a paper towel. Keep them dry before storage.

use-watercolor-brush-pens

Why use watercolor brush pens?

Aside from being fun to work with, watercolor brush pens have good qualities you can take advantage of, such as:

  • They are odorless and non-toxic.
  • They’re easy to clean and you usually do have to worry about getting stained.
  • Watercolor brush pen art is still workable even after drying.
  • They are very handy.

Can you use watercolor brush pens for calligraphy?

Yes, absolutely! The brush tip is a good tool for calligraphy and other lettering techniques. Watercolor brush pens have flexible tips that produce different thickness that is perfect for creating various calligraphy strokes.

The ink of these pens is also transparent and layer-able, so you can create different gradients. However, since they are water-based, they take longer to dry than regular calligraphy pens.

What is the difference between brush pens and Watercolour brush pens?

Simply put, watercolor brush pens are a type of brush pen. You can classify them into two smaller categories: non-refillable and refillable watercolor brush pens.

Moreover, what makes watercolor brush pens different from other brush pens is that they do not emit strong odors and do not contain harmful solvents due to their water-based ink.

Learning how to use watercolor brush pens is simple and does not vary much from using traditional watercolors.

There are plenty of techniques you can enjoy, even if you are still a beginner. Plus, these brush pens are easy to maintain and can be used alongside other mediums.

Have a great time experimenting with your watercolor brush pens!

Helen B Harris

Art has always been a part of my life; it influences my upbringing and later my career choice. For me, it is always a part of my parenting technique. So for whichever purpose that you come to art, you can start here with us.

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Back to the Art Creators' Hub ▸ How to Use Watercolor Brush Pens

Watercolor brush pens are intuitive and easy to use. With just a little practice, you’ll get the hang of them in no time! Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Swatch And Experiment

What’s more exciting than buying new brush pens? Swatching them! This lets you see the actual colors and how they perform on different textures and weights of paper. Take it to the next level by dipping the brushes in water — this will dilute the ink and give you even more shades to play with.

Watercolor Brush Pen Colors

Don’t Forget The Water Brush

Water brushes work just like a traditional brush, except they have a reservoir inside that you can fill with water. You can use them to blend colors that you’ve already applied or mix two different colors on a palette. Moving onto a different shade? Blot the water brush onto a scrap piece of paper to make sure that it’s clean and free of color.

Watercolor Brush Pen Blending Brush

Use Heavyweight Paper

Using office paper may seem like a good idea, but only if you’re sketching or testing colors out. For watercolor brush pens (and watercolor painting in general), you want to use thick paper that won’t buckle or warp. For beginners, 300 gsm is ideal — but if you do plenty of layers and washes, you’ll want to go with something heavier.

Watercolor Brush Pen Paint Pad

Mix And Blend Colors

There are many ways to blend colors with watercolor brush pens. You can (1) paint directly on the paper and blend with a water brush; (2) rub paint onto a palette and mix with a clean brush, or (3) touch the tips of two markers together for a gradient effect. Each method has its pros, so try them all out to find what works best for your project!

Watercolor Brush Pen Artwork

Use The Right Amount Of Pressure

Watercolor markers can be used in many different ways to achieve specific effects. Use a light hand to create thin, dainty lines or add more pressure for a thicker stroke. You can also hold the brush at a near-horizontal angle. This lets you paint a bigger area at once, perfect for filling in large shapes or creating backgrounds.

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Watercolor Brush Pens vs. Calligraphy Brush Pens

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How to use water brush pens (Complete Guide)

How to use a waterbrush

Let’s get into it… 

How do water brushes work?

A water brush, also known as an aqua brush or refillable brush, is a type of paintbrush that comes with its own refillable water cartridge in the handle. It also comes with a cap to protect its bristles which are made with synthetic plastic.

The purpose of these brushes is to make watercolor painting easier! Water brushes work by having their own water supply that is stored in the handle. This way the bristles remain moist and you can paint without needing to use another container for water. 

How to fill a water brush

Before you can paint with your brush, you’ll need to load the handle with clean water. Here’s how:

  • Unscrew the top of the brush from the handle
  • Set the cap and the head of the brush aside. 
  • Hold the handle under running water until it fills up
  • Screw the head back on tight, remove the cap, and your brush is ready to be used!

How to use water brushes

Water brushes are designed to have their bristles remain moist through a continuous supply of water from the handle. Whenever you need more water, simply squeeze the handle to release moisture into the bristles. The more pressure you apply, the more water will be released. There’s usually a “press here” or “push” phrase written on the handle.

  • Start by loading the brush with pigment. To do this, place the brush above the paint color you wish to use and squeeze the handle until a drop or two of water is released.
  • Mix the water with the pigment until you have enough loaded onto your brush. 
  • Now it’s ready to be used! Paint with it like normal.

The more you work with your brush, the easier it’ll become to tell how much water you need to squeeze out.

how to use a water brush

Cleaning a waterbrush

One of the biggest advantages of using a water brush for watercolor painting is that you don’t need a separate container to rinse them. All you need is a paper towel or cloth! This is because the brush stays moist and the bristles don’t absorb the pigment because they’re made of plastic. Here’s how you can clean your brush when switching colors:

  •  Using a paper towel or cloth, simply dab the brush and remove the excess pigment
  • Squeeze the handle to release a drop or two of water then remove the rest of the pigment. 
  • The brush should now be clean! 

how to clean a water brush step by step for watercolor painting

Wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry with waterbrushes

How to paint wet on wet technique using a refillable brush:

  •  Fill the handle with clean water 
  • Squeeze a few drops of water onto the paper and spread it out evenly.
  • Now it’s time to load your brush with pigment. For more control of the water-to-paint ratio, while loading the brush, squeeze out only one drop at a time. 
  • Be careful not to squeeze out more water as you’re painting, simply hold the brush without applying pressure.

How to use a water brush wet on wet

How to paint wet on dry using a refillable brush:

  • Load the bristles with the color you want to use, remember you can control the water-to-paint ratio by controlling how much pressure you apply to squeeze the water out.
  • Start painting with the wet-on-dry technique, you can create your first strokes then squeeze some water to dilute the mixture as you paint.

Pros and Cons of water brushes

Advantages:

  •  You no longer need to use a separate container for water
  • Easy to set up
  • Cap protects the bristles and prevents water from leaking
  • Small size so it’s easy to pack
  • You can paint long flowing strokes without having to reload the brush

Disadvantages:

  •  Made from plastic, can be easily damaged
  • Harder to control water-to-paint ratios
  • Not as comfortable to hold as a traditional brush 

Tips and FAQ

Can you fill a water brush with ink.

You can absolutely fill them with ink! However, it’s best to use water-soluble ink that way the ink doesn’t dry and clog the bristles. They can be very handy when creating calligraphy or illustrations.

What type of work is a water-brush best suited to?

Water brushes are a great option when you want to create quick sketches on the go! This is because they don’t require you to carry a separate container for water to rinse them as opposed to traditional brushes. 

They are also capable of producing a large variety of brushstrokes and techniques!

Can an aqua brush maintain a pointy tip?

The synthetic bristles of an aqua brush can maintain a pointy tip which is useful when painting details. However, unlike a traditional brush, a water brush isn’t as long-lasting and will lose it’s pointy tip with consistent use.

Is it easy to control water-to-paint ratios?

Controlling the water-to-paint ratio is very different when using an aqua brush compared to a traditional brush. This is because the bristles remain wet making it difficult to achieve techniques that require very little moisture such as dry-brushing.

What material are aqua brushes made from?

Most aqua brush bristles are made from synthetic plastic fibers. Although they don’t absorb water like traditional brushes, they still carry lots of moisture thanks to their design to hold water!

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Watercolor 101: The Beginner's Crash Course

Our guide will help you learn the basics on watercolors, so you can master this watercolor 101 crash course and start your next painting!

Jessica Carey

Watercolors are a beautiful and unique medium that have been used by artists for centuries.

If you're new to watercolors, the thought of painting with them can be daunting, but don't worry!

In this article we'll give you a crash course in watercolor painting, from the basics of supplies and techniques, to more advanced concepts like color theory.

By the end of this post, you'll be equipped with the knowledge you need to get started with watercolors and begin creating your own beautiful paintings.

how to use art 101 watercolor brush pens

History of Watercolors

Watercolor paint has a rich history, full of many artists.

Watercolors were used by the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, who applied them to papyrus scrolls and other materials.

During the Renaissance, watercolors became increasingly popular as a tool for documenting architecture and for painting botanical illustrations.

By the 18th century, watercolors were being used by artists all over Europe to capture landscapes and cityscapes.

Today, watercolors are still popular among painters, and the medium has undergone something of a renaissance in recent years.

Thanks to the development of new pigments and papers, watercolors offer endless possibilities for creative expression.

how to use art 101 watercolor brush pens

Basic Supplies

When it comes to watercolor supplies, there are a few things you'll need to get started.

First, you'll need a set of watercolor paints.

Common sets come in both tubes and pans, and it's up to you which type you prefer.

However, you can also find liquid watercolor paints, which can be useful if you're wanting to do more experimental painting.

You'll need a brush or two; synthetic or natural bristles both work well for watercolors.

There are also water brush pens available, which are a great option if you're painting on the go.

These watercolor brushes allow you to store water inside of the brush barrel, so you don't need to carry a separate water cup with you.

Finally, you'll need some watercolor paper.

This paper is different from other types of art paper because it's made to withstand the rigors of wet media without buckling or warping.

Watercolor paper is thick and has a “toothy” surface that helps the paint adhere.

You can find it in different weights (usually measured in pounds), but for beginners, a lighter weight paper is generally easier to work with.

how to use art 101 watercolor brush pens

Watercolor Painting Techniques

Now that you have your supplies, it's time to learn some basic techniques.

The first thing to know is that watercolors are transparent, meaning that they can be layered on top of each other to create different effects.

One common way to achieve this is by using a dry-brush technique, where the paint is applied dry to the paper and then made wet with a brush dipped in water.

This creates a softer look than if the paint was applied directly from the tube or pan.

Another painting technique is wet-on-wet, where paint is applied directly to a wet surface.

This creates a more fluid, organic look and can be used to achieve different effects like washes and gradients.

Additionally, you can also experiment with lifted color, where wet paint is lifted off the paper with a brush or other tool to create highlights or interesting textures.

You can also play with color mixing and splatter watercolor brush techniques to create unique effects.

You can add more layers when the piece is completely dry, or you can work wet-into-wet for a more blended look.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to painting with watercolors, so don't be afraid to play with different techniques and color combinations; there's a whole world waiting to be discovered!

how to use art 101 watercolor brush pens

Color Theory for Watercolors

In addition to learning about different painting techniques, it's also important to understand color theory as it applies to watercolors specifically.

Color theory is the study of how colors interact with each other, and it's a helpful tool for artists of all mediums.

There are three primary colors, blue, yellow, and red, that cannot be made by mixing any other colors together, and they're the building blocks for all other colors.

Cadmium yellow hue, alizarin crimson hue, and cyan blue are some of the most commonly used colors in watercolor painting, as they're very versatile and produce beautiful results.

From there, you have secondary colors, which are made by mixing two primary colors together, and tertiary colors, which are made by mixing a primary and a secondary color.

The color wheel is a helpful tool for visualizing these relationships.

There are also a various color schemes that you can use when painting with watercolors, such as complementary, monochromatic, or analogous.

Because they are transparent, watercolors behave differently than other mediums when mixed together.

Whereas other paints are opaque, watercolors build up value through gradual layers, starting from the lightest value/color to the darkest.

As you experiment with mixing colors, pay attention to how they interact with each other and take note of any new hues that you create.

With a little practice, you'll develop an intuition for how colors will mix together, and before long you'll be able to create any shade or tint that you can imagine!

how to use art 101 watercolor brush pens

Professional Watercolor Painters

With watercolor's rich history there are many professional artists that create stunning watercolor paintings.

Some artists use watercolors with mixed media pieces, utilizing color charts and reference photos to ensure a good quality final product.

Others will use a limited color palette to create a cohesive body of work.

And still others will let the paint flow freely, using excess water and a wet-on-wet technique to create organic and flowing shapes.

No matter what their approach, each of these artists has developed a unique style and there's much to be learned from studying their work.

One modern day watercolor painter is Ali Cavanaugh.

Ali Cavanaugh is a classically trained painter, who has developed her own techniques for painting with watercolors.

Her unique style emerged when she started playing with watercolors for fun after creating many oil paintings.

Her focus on portraiture allows her to capture the stories and mysteries of the people she paints, creating images that are both beautiful and moving.

Cavanaugh's ethereal and otherworldly images have earned her international recognition.

Painting with Watercolors

We hope that this beginner's guide has equipped you with the knowledge you need to start painting with watercolors like a pro!

Remember that practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment and make mistakes because that's how we learn and grow as artists.

If you need a bit of extra help, don't be afraid to use a reference photo or get guidance from an art teacher or another experienced artist; they have a wealth of experience and insight to share!

Most of all, have fun with it and enjoy the creative process!

Grab your brushes, and have fun creating your own masterpieces!

how to use art 101 watercolor brush pens

Looking for additional tips for beginners? Check out Linescapes' video!

Interested in starting your next watercolor project and need some new supplies?

Check out some of our watercolor supply articles:

- Watercolor markers

- Watercolor pencils

- Liquid watercolors

- Watercolor coloring books

- Water brush pens

how to use art 101 watercolor brush pens

Eager to learn more about different types of art supplies?

Check out these articles:

- Must-have art supplies

- Types of paint

- Types of paint brushes

- Types of tape

- Types of markers

- Types of pens

- Types of pastels

- Types of pencils

- Art supplies for coloring books

- Alcohol markers 101

how to use art 101 watercolor brush pens

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The Best Ways to Use Watercolor Brush Pens

Watercolor brush pens will be an excellent addition to your art supplies if you like painting, coloring, or drawing. These pens come with smooth brush tips and vibrant colors and offer great control and precision and allow you to create the effects of regular watercolor.

You can use these versatile water brush pens to use different techniques and create different patterns and textures, which aren’t possible with traditional markets, like soft ombre effects, gradients, color washes, and dreamy blending. These pens can also be used for adult coloring books.

So, if you are planning to start a new coloring journey, consider reading this guide to learn the best ways to use watercolor brush pens to spark your inner artist.

how to use art 101 watercolor brush pens

What Exactly Are Watercolor Brush Pens?

If you have ever worked with typical watercolors, you’d already know how messy they are. You need to arrange different types of brushes, tubes, and water to set up your workspace.

A water brush pen has dye-based and water-soluble ink that allows you to create interesting effects with different strokes and styles by adding water. The small form factor also makes these pens portable so that you can carry them on the go.

Watercolor brush pens come with all the characteristics of watercolors and eliminate the need for additional supplies. They have versatile and flexible brush tips that can be used for hand lettering and modern calligraphy.

On top of that, you don’t need to use a traditional brush. It means you can make curved and short strokes just like traditional watercolor painting, whether you want to create floral designs or to create textures and patterns.

How to Use Watercolor Pens?

Essentially, you only need watercolor pens and watercolor paper to start working with watercolor pens. The rest of the supplies such as an eraser and graphite pencil are optional. A pencil allows you to create a rough sketch before putting a brush pen on your paper.

Additionally, a clear water pen will also come in handy to blend different colors. It comes with an empty container to hold water and they also have a small pointed brush.

Supplies You’ll Need

Watercolor brush pens.

Different brands offer different types of watercolor brush pens and you can buy them from your local art supply store. Consider brush tip type, the number of colors you need, and your budget while buying a set of watercolor brush pens.

I recommend you buy watercolor pens that come with dual nibs. The wider tip will allow you to make broad strokes and the pointed one will help you achieve fine details.

Watercolor Paper

Using ordinary printer paper is not recommended because the water-based ink will eat through it. Therefore, you should buy smooth, thick, and high-quality watercolor paper so that it can withstand your watercolor brush pens.

Considering the texture is also important when buying watercolor paper. If you’re a beginner, consider going with cold press paper that comes with a rough texture and provides you with better control over the ink spread. But you need to keep in mind that your pen brushes will wear out quickly.

You can buy hot press paper if you are confident that you can control color bleed. These thick pages are smoother and slicker than cold press paper and suit professionals better.  

Note: Watercolor brush pens can work on both dry and wet paper and can be used in a coloring book.

Ways to Use Watercolor Brush Pens

how to use art 101 watercolor brush pens

Get to Know Your Colors

The first step is to understand the basics that start by getting to know what you’re working with, just like any other creative venture. I recommend you create a separate color guide by using each pen and drawing a small square or any other shape.

Store this chart safely to use it as a point of reference and it’ll help you understand how each color will appear on your drawing paper. You can also set aside the watercolor pens that you will be using the most if you like to keep your supplies organized.

Understand the Basics

Fill your clear water pen with water and use it on the half square before the ink dries out. Now move your clear water pen to complete the square. Using a clear water pen comes in handy if you want to create a lighter shade of the watercolor brush pen that you used on the paper.

Select two colors of the same family and use the lighter one to make the outline of the shape you want to make and let it dry. Use the darker color to outline a portion of the shape and use the clear water pen to merge the two colors.

This way you can add shading and depth by making new shades. Consider playing around to figure out the different pairs of colors that work the best with each other.

You’ll need to use the brush nib of watercolor pens to alternate between thick and thin lines. Using downstrokes and upstrokes will allow you to change the effect of the final results. Try as many different types of brush strokes as possible with different directions and amounts of pressure.

It’ll allow you to pick up the right watercolor pen and apply just the right amount of pressure in the required direction to achieve the best results.

One of the best things about watercolor pens is that you can blend them easily. I have already discussed the method of layering with a clear water pen that you can use for this purpose. Other than that, you can also dip one of the two pens in water use in the place where the two colors meet to create a gradient.

Ombre Effect

Creating an ombre effect is also possible with watercolor brush pens. Take two colors of the same family and place the tip of the darker color on the tip of the lighter color for a few seconds. You can also rub the tips of the two pens gently to mix colors.

Make sure to apply a darker color to the lighter one and not the other way around. It’ll allow you to carefully observe the amount of color being transferred. Once your lighter pen has absorbed the darker shade, use it as usual to create an ombre effect.

Note: Make sure that you clean the tips of your used watercolor brush pens after creating the ombre effect. Just dip the tip of your pens in water and use them on a spare piece of paper for a few seconds. It’ll allow your pens to regain their original and intended color.

Floral Designs

You can also create floral designs using watercolor brush pens. Choose your desired color and make a small dot right in the center of your watercolor paper. Surround the dot with a few curved strokes using the same pen and applying more pressure.

Now use the same pen by applying very light pressure to color the inner sides of the curved strokes to create a petals-like effect. Start increasing the pressure as you move toward the center to create a gradient.

Hand-Lettering

Watercolor pens allow you to make calligraphy and hand-lettering projects. The following are the most important points while creating letters using watercolor brush pens.

Use only the tip of the pen and apply light pressure while making upward strokes.

Place the pen on the paper with a small angle and increase the pressure so that you can make wider downward strokes.

This way, you can easily create a shadow effect and depth to your letters by darkening the bottom parts of your downward strokes.

Experiment with Different Colors and Techniques

You can play around with different watercolor pens and techniques to create new shades. From bold and broad to intricate and thin, you can perform all types of strokes. You can easily blend colors by simply adding a drop of water to your page to create new hues.

You can also create a completely different color by mixing together two colors as well. Plus, only one pen allows you to achieve different gradients by varying the amount of applied pressure as these colored pens are highly saturated. There are limitless possibilities just like your imagination.

Benefits of Water Colour Brush Pens

Watercolor brush pens are easy to set up and highly portable.

You only need to open your watercolor pen set and you’ll be ready to paint.

Unlike traditional watercolors, you don’t need any brush to constantly dip in water and paint.

You don’t need to keep a lot of brushes to switch between while painting to achieve different brush strokes.

There is no need to maintain a table full of palettes and tubes.

Storing your watercolor brush paint is a breeze as you just need to pop the lids back and place them on their designated spot.

Watercolor Brush Pens Vs Watercolor Paints

how to use art 101 watercolor brush pens

The biggest difference between traditional watercolor paints and watercolor brush pens is that you don’t need to dip your pens into paint and water continuously. A watercolor brush pen comes with a built-in cartridge which means it’s always loaded with color to paint.

Adjusting the amount of pressure applied to your watercolor pen allows you to transition from broad strokes to thin lines smoothly which is not possible with watercolor paints and brushes.

If you don’t have water available or just don’t want to use it, you can still paint with your watercolor brush pens. Water is optional but it allows you to achieve even lighter gradients and create beautiful watercolor effects. On the other hand, you can’t use watercolor paint without water.

Watercolor painting needs a considerable amount of time to dry. On the other hand, the paint dries a lot faster with watercolor pens. This feature comes in handy if you need to apply several layers. Not only will you achieve more consistent color results but you’ll also have a finished piece in a short time.

Are Watercolor Brush Pens Good for Beginners?

Yes, watercolor pens are one of the best mediums for beginners to learn new techniques and improve their drawing and painting skills. They are easier to use than other watercolor mediums. You can also use them along with watercolor paints, watercolor pencils, and even non-watercolor supplies such as simple colored pencils, charcoal, and ink. So, regardless of the medium you currently use, you can buy watercolor markers to diversify your creativity toolkit.

How Do You Clean Watercolor Brush Pens?

Since a watercolor brush pen is essentially a marker, you don’t need to use any special technique to clean it. All you need to do is to dip your pen tips in water for a couple of seconds and clean them using a paper towel. If you have not touched the brush tip of your pen to any other color, you don’t even need to perform this step.

How to Keep Watercolor Brush Pens in a Good Condition?

Once you’re done painting, make sure that you cap each pen tightly before storing them to keep your pens in a good condition. Ideally, you should place your watercolor pens in a cool and dry place to keep their ink from drying.

Watercolor pens/markers are one of the best and easiest art mediums and you can use them for all types of projects such as sketching and illustrating, hand-lettering, outdoor painting, and more. They can be a little tricky at first but using the right materials and following the right techniques mentioned in this guide will allow you to create masterpieces.

Make sure that you buy a high-quality brush pen set and practice as much as possible to polish your drawing and painting skills. I hope the methods and techniques discussed in this guide will help you kick-start your coloring journey.

Happy Creating.

how to use art 101 watercolor brush pens

September 29th, 2022

how to use art 101 watercolor brush pens

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How to Fill Watercolor Brush Pens

Watercolor brush pens are an ideal way to practice watercolor techniques without using up paint. Plus, they dry quickly, so you can quickly create a finished piece in no time!

You can experiment with color and brush strokes by changing the amount of water in your pen, as well as altering its pressure. Doing so will enable you to switch between thick and thin lines for different effects.

how to use art 101 watercolor brush pens

Filling Watercolor Brush Pens

Watercolor brush pens are an incredibly versatile and user-friendly medium that enables you to craft watercolor effects with just a few strokes. They’re great for creating patterns and textures as well, such as soft ombre effects, gradients, color washes, and dreamy blending.

Filling a watercolor brush pen is simple: unscrew the cap and fill it with water. This helps regulate liquid flow, keeping your brush tip moist.

Fill watercolor brush pens with a variety of materials, such as paints, inks, and liquid watercolors. Liquid watercolors are particularly advantageous since they allow you to mix colors and create custom tonal values.

You can buy pre-filled watercolor brush pens that already have the brush tip attached. However, it’s best to clean them before use, so they last as long as possible.

How to Fill Water Brush Pens with Ink

how to use art 101 watercolor brush pens

There are various methods for filling water brush pens with ink. Some can be refilled, while others require you to mix liquid colors and water together to fill them.

Watercolor brush pens offer vibrant color in a clean, mess-free format – making them ideal for plein painting or working in small spaces.

Paints produce more vibrant, consistent hues than watercolors, but they can also be diluted and vary their intensity to resemble traditional watercolors. To do this, blend the hue sparingly and wait for it to dry before applying other hues.

Another technique is to use colorless blenders that help soften the edges between different hues. This approach works especially well when you want a subtler transition from one hue to the next.

No matter which ink you select, it is essential to select a sturdy paper that can withstand repeated reworking and blending. Heavy-weight yet smooth papers work best as they prevent leaks of ink or warping.

Cleaning Watercolor Brush Pens

If you use watercolor brush pens to paint and plan to keep them for a long time, cleaning them regularly is essential. We suggest soaking the brushes in a solution of mild soap and water to disinfect them.

To complete the cleaning process, swirl the soapy solution around the bristle tip and rinse it away with clear water. Repeat this step until your brush pens are spotless.

When you are ready to store your watercolor brush pens, it is recommended that they be kept in a case that prevents them from shifting. The case should be designed so that each pen has its own section for storage.

Watercolor pens are an enjoyable and accessible tool for creating art. Not only are they user-friendly, odorless, and free of Xylene, but they’re great at drawing or coloring, too – plus, you can blend them to achieve different effects!

Hopefully, this video will be a little more straightforward in showing you how to fill a watercolor brush pen.

Kaywin is a Chinese company that produces high-end writing instruments. While they may be one of the best-known brands in this industry, what truly sets their products apart is the amount of innovative technology used in each pen.

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  1. How to Use Art 101 Watercolor Brush Pens

    How to Use Art 101 Watercolor Brush Pens Art 101 438 subscribers Subscribe 2.8K views 1 year ago If you have an art set or a pack of our Art 101® Creative Tools Watercolor Brush...

  2. How to Use Watercolor Brush Pens: 11 Steps (with Pictures)

    1 Buy watercolor brush pens. You can find watercolor brush pens at a local craft store or online. When purchasing a set, look for an exciting color palette and make sure it comes with a refillable clear water pen. Clear water pens usually come empty. To use, simply unscrew their top and fill with water. [1]

  3. HOW TO USE WATERCOLOR BRUSH PENS| beginner watercolor brush pens

    In this tutorial you'll learn how to draw simple roses using watercolor brush pens, this video is extremely beginner friendly and you can use these basic techniques to improve your waterc...

  4. How to use BRUSH PENS correctly

    How To Paint Landscapes: Brush Pen Sketch Jane Appleby Art Today, it's all about brush pens and how to use them correctly!In this brush pen tutorial, Nadja, our watercolour painting...

  5. How to Use Watercolor Brush Pens (Beginner's Guide)

    How to use watercolor brush pens Here's how to use watercolor brush pens in several different ways. Make marks on paper. Use a watercolor marker to put ink on the paper. Activate and blend with water. Use a paintbrush and water to activate and blend the ink. Scribble markers on a dish or palette.

  6. How to Use Real Brush Pens for Watercolor Marker Art

    They contain water-based ink that is released as the tip touches the painting surface, allowing the artist to achieve watercolor effects without the typical setup of watercolor paint tubes, half pans, water cups, etc. Arteza Real Brush pens make sketching on location, as well as at home, convenient, easy, and mess-free.

  7. How to Use Watercolor Brush Pens for Beginners (A-Z Guide)

    How to Use Watercolor Brush Pens Step 1: Prepare Step 2: Prepare Your Workspace Step 3: Familiarize Yourself With Your Brush Pens Step 4: Plan Your Composition Step 5: Start With Light Colors Step 6: Experiment With Color Blending Step 7: Create Gradient Washes Step 8: Add Details and Accents Step 9: Practice Different Techniques

  8. How to Use Watercolor Brush Pens: Creative Techniques for Illustration

    A few ideas of how to use watercolor markers: Draw different-sized flowers with the watercolor pen by holding it at an upright angle while applying even pressure on each line you make. Then blend in one area using circular motions (also called stippling). To create some fun variation add more colors then repeat this process once dry occurs.

  9. Take Your Art To The Next Level With Watercolor Brush Pens

    Make sure you're using the right kind of paper. Water-based ink can eat through ordinary printer paper, so make sure you're using thick and smooth watercolor paper to achieve the best results. Watercolor brush pens use water-based ink, so keep a little glass of water beside you as you work.

  10. How to Use Watercolor Brush Pens

    09th Mar 2023 Watercolor brush pens, also referred to as watercolor markers or simply "watercolor pens," offer an enjoyable and accessible way to add fine lines and detail to your artwork. They're user-friendly and don't require much setup or cleanup time.

  11. How to Use Watercolor Pens

    On a piece of watercolor paper, draw a row of squares, filling in each square with a pen from your set. In a row below that, do the same but dip each pen in water first before you color in the square. If you want, you can also do a third row adding more water to the dye.

  12. How to Use a Water Brush Pen

    Learn how to use a water brush pen, a versatile tool for painting and lettering with watercolors. This aqua brush tutorial from Stationery Island will show you the basics and some tips and tricks ...

  13. How to Use Watercolor Brush Pens

    Simply put, watercolor brush pens are a type of brush pen. You can classify them into two smaller categories: non-refillable and refillable watercolor brush pens. Moreover, what makes watercolor brush pens different from other brush pens is that they do not emit strong odors and do not contain harmful solvents due to their water-based ink.

  14. How to Use Watercolor Brush Pens

    For watercolor brush pens (and watercolor painting in general), you want to use thick paper that won't buckle or warp. For beginners, 300 gsm is ideal — but if you do plenty of layers and washes, you'll want to go with something heavier. Mix And Blend Colors. There are many ways to blend colors with watercolor brush pens.

  15. How to use water brush pens (Complete Guide)

    Before you can paint with your brush, you'll need to load the handle with clean water. Here's how: Unscrew the top of the brush from the handle. Set the cap and the head of the brush aside. Hold the handle under running water until it fills up. Screw the head back on tight, remove the cap, and your brush is ready to be used!

  16. How To Use Brush Pens: Beginner's Guide (+ Video Tutorial)

    Pigment-Based Ink . Sometimes referred to as pigmented ink, this ink type: Often has a darker, more intense color Is waterproof and won't smudge. Holds its color better over time . Is ideal for final compositions with its archival quality. Although water-based brush pens are more versatile, the ink in pigment-based pens lets you create art that may last longer.

  17. Watercolor 101: The Beginner's Crash Course

    These watercolor brushes allow you to store water inside of the brush barrel, so you don't need to carry a separate water cup with you. Finally, you'll need some watercolor paper. This paper is different from other types of art paper because it's made to withstand the rigors of wet media without buckling or warping.

  18. The Best Ways to Use Watercolor Brush Pens

    Choose your desired color and make a small dot right in the center of your watercolor paper. Surround the dot with a few curved strokes using the same pen and applying more pressure. Now use the same pen by applying very light pressure to color the inner sides of the curved strokes to create a petals-like effect.

  19. HOW TO USE WATERCOLOUR BRUSH PENS

    In this video tutorial, designer Corinne Bradd shows Kirsty Clarke how to make the most of watercolour brush markers to transform greeting cards into works o...

  20. How to Fill Watercolor Brush Pens: Tips and Techniques

    Filling a watercolor brush pen is simple: unscrew the cap and fill it with water. This helps regulate liquid flow, keeping your brush tip moist. Fill watercolor brush pens with a variety of materials, such as paints, inks, and liquid watercolors.

  21. Art 101 Creative Tools Brush Pens, Assorted, 8 Pens/Pack, 3 Packs

    Art 101 3-Pack Watercolor Brush Pens includes 3 color themed packs - rainbow, pastel, and jewel tone - providing a variety of colors to choose from when creating your next watercolor creation! Our pens have the versatility of traditional watercolor packed into an easy-to-use pen. Each pen includes pigmented water-based ink that is released ...

  22. Watercolor Brush Pen Marker Tutorial Tips for Beginners ...

    Basics of smooth blending and watercolor painting effects with brush markers! Tips and tricks for beginners. Painting with salt texture. Stargoods Always Pre...

  23. 15 Watercolor Techniques Using Arteza Real Brush Pens

    With Two Pens. Since this is, in effect, watercolor paint inside the body of a pen, it makes perfect sense that the pens would mix well together. Using two pens, you can create a new shade by smoothly blending their edges. First add one color then overlap that with another color in the opposite direction. To get a smoother gradient, go on top ...