Watercolor pencils provide a versatile medium to bring a winter wonderland to life, allowing a blend between the softness of watercolors with the texture and precision of colored pencils. In this blog post, we’ll explore the process of using watercolor pencils to create a snowy forest painting.

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Step 1: Background

Select a range of blue, gray, and brown watercolor pencils. Start by shading a thin layer of pigment onto the paper. We will get this wet and create a soft wash in the background. Focus on the key areas such as sky, clusters of background trees, and shadows on the foreground snow. Use gentle strokes to layer the colors, building up the intensity gradually. This initial layer will serve as the base for the painting.

Step 2: Blending with Water

Once you’ve applied the watercolor pencils, use a brush dipped in water to activate the pigments. Start with the lighter areas and work your way towards the darker shades, allowing the colors to blend and create a soft, painterly effect. Be mindful of preserving the white spaces to represent untouched snow.

Step 3: Foreground Details & Darks

Now that the paper is wet and we have a soft wash in the background, draw tree trunks on top. I use a variety of browns and greys, sometimes indigo. Immediately. you will notice that the wet paper activates the pigment and allows for darker color. After adding darker pigment in the form of trees, you can use a wet brush to blend the colors of your bark. Then let it dry.

Step 4: Final Touches

With the paper dry, use fine-tipped watercolor pencils or a small brush to add details to the trees, such as branches, more bark textures, and subtle shadows. The combination of soft watercolor and pencil details will enhance the realism of your snowy forest. Consider adding snowflakes by splashing white paint on top to enhance the overall atmosphere.

Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, this medium allows for creativity and expression. Happy painting!