A coloured pencil set is often the best starting point, because it provides a varied palette from the outset and allows colour relationships to be understood before filling in with individual pencils. Dry coloured pencils suit precise drawing, illustration and detailed colouring: they allow layers to be built up, shades to be blended and fine work to be done on paper. Watercolour pencils add an extra dimension: applied dry, they work like ordinary coloured pencils, but once wet with a brush, they dissolve and produce effects close to watercolour. This dual use makes them a particularly versatile tool for artists who want to explore mixed media techniques or who want to incorporate wash effects into their illustrations. For more options, explore our Coloured and Watercolour Pencils and Pencils and Pastels collections.
