If you enjoy drawing, coloring, or painting, a watercolor brush pen can be a fun choice for a creative tool. With vibrant colors and soft brush tips, brush pens offer great precision and control while creating the usual watercolor effect. Everything is clutter-free and just needs a bit of cleaning. Whether you enjoy drawing your own designs or are looking for a new way to enjoy coloring, these brush pens will spark your artist spirit.
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Part 1 of 3: Learning the Basics of Using a Brush Pen
Step 1. Purchase a watercolor brush pen
You can find watercolor brush pens at your local craft store or online marketplace. When buying a set, look for an attractive color palette and make sure it comes with a clear, refillable water marker.
- Clear water markers are usually empty. To use it, just open the top and fill it with water.
- Watercolor brush pens have a damp tip like a paint brush. The result offers a watercolor painting-like effect with the ease and control you'd normally find in a marker or pen.
- Get a feel for how to hold and use it on paper. Despite its light weight, tracing paper can be used as a medium for initial practice because it has a smooth surface and is good for learning to use a brush pen.
Step 2. Choose a thick and smooth paper
Since a watercolor brush pen is a very wet medium, you have to think about the type of paper you want to use. Choose paper that is thick, but has a smooth surface. The weight of the paper will prevent the brush pen from penetrating, while a smooth surface will give a nice, even finish.
- Depending on the look you want, paper with a rougher surface may be for you. However, paper like this can make brush pen brushes wear out faster.
- Thick cardboard is a good medium choice for using a brush pen.
- You can also use a brush pen in a coloring book. Just look for a high quality, thick paper coloring book.
Step 3. Outline the basic shapes
Start with a simple image. Make a semi circle. Leave the side exposed and don't settle it just yet. Draw in light, even strokes as you press the tip of the brush pen against the paper.
- You can try it with various basic shapes.
- Start with small shapes to save brush pen ink.
Step 4. Use a clear water marker to fill in the drawn shape
Without waiting for the ink to dry, apply a clear water marker to one of the lines. Scratch the marker in the direction of the shape first. This will produce the effect that watercolors have with a lighter tone than the first applied ink.
Continue dragging the colored ink with the clear water marker to fill and finish drawing the shape
Step 5. Take care of the marker so that it lasts longer
When you're done, dip the tip of the marker into the water and wipe it with a clean tissue to remove any remaining color.
Close the marker tightly when stored so it doesn't dry out
Part 2 of 3: Creating an Advanced Blending Effect with the Brush Pen
Step 1. Create two color layers
Choose two colors and draw an outline on the shape you want to color with a lighter tone. Once the image dries, outline some of the shapes with a second, older color. Use a clear water marker to drag the second color onto the first color. Here's how to create layers and add additional colors to your work.
When you're done layering, clean the marker by dipping it in water and wiping it with a paper towel
Step 2. Use complementary colors and water markers to create the gradient
Choose at least three complementary colors. Paint the youngest of the three colors onto the paper first and color all the parts with one solid color. Above and below this solid colored section, apply a second color. Then, apply a third color until it covers the top and bottom of the image.
- Starting at the top, run the water marker back and forth while slowly sliding it down.
- Repeat the blending effect like this. This time from the bottom towards the top until they meet at the midpoint.
Step 3. Create an ombre effect
By rubbing the tips of the brush pens together, you can blend colors directly on the tips. Always apply a darker color to a lighter one so you can see how much color has moved. Once the brush pen contains a darker color, apply it to the desired image.
This will result in a gradation of your artwork, from darker to lighter colors
Part 3 of 3: Trying the Advanced Brush Pen Technique
Step 1. Use a waterproof medium as a stamp
Choose three or more complementary colors and apply a marker in your chosen pattern to the outside of a plastic sandwich bag or onto a sheet of wax paper.
- Use the bag as a stamp by turning it over onto a pre-moistened sheet of paper.
- Use your fingers to spread the colors and create the desired effect.
Step 2. Create a floral design using short, curved strokes
Choose a color and start by making a small dot in the center of the paper. Surround this point with three or four short, curved strokes of the same color. Apply a water marker to the colored strokes to create a flower crown effect that darkens towards the center and fades outwards. Continue this process and make the flowers until they are the size you want.
- Add flowers of various colors to create a pattern or bouquet effect.
- Add leaves, tendrils, or stems to complete the image.
- Experiment with using different colors for the inner and outer flower crowns.
Step 3. Develop beautiful writing skills with a brush pen
Watercolor brush pens can help you create beautiful handwriting and calligraphy projects. Remember, when you practice writing, you have to increase the pressure on the brush pen as you stroke it downwards; and reduce pressure and only use the tip when scraping it up. By running the brush pen over the bottom of the text a second time, you can easily create depth and a dark effect that will enhance the calligraphy even further.
Experiment with advanced dark effect and color blending techniques to create more beautiful writing options
Tips
- The tip of the brush pen can be worn and damaged by a rough surface. You can avoid this by choosing high-quality smooth paper as the image medium.
- When using a watercolor brush pen, the paper may shrivel up. To prevent this, choose paper that has a better absorption rate, such as paper that is specifically labeled for watercolor use.
- Once the painting is complete, you can protect it from damage by applying varnish.
