Most model horse painters are probably familiar with the handy tool that is coloured pencil. I bet 99% of said artists are using Prismacolour pencils right now! To be honest, they have been my go-to for final details for the last few years... until now. This post is all about the difference between coloured pencils and water coloured pencils, which are not the same thing!
Coloured Pencil:
When you use coloured pencils, you have probably noticed that they are waxy in consistency and when you put them on your model... things may go sideways from there. Wikipedia gives a good explanation;
"...is an art medium constructed of a narrow, pigmented core encased in a wooden cylindrical case. Unlike graphite and charcoal pencils, colored pencils' cores are wax- or oil-based and contain varying proportions of pigments, additives, and binding agents."
Like paint, the pencils are held together by binders and the higher the quality of the pencil, the less binder you will have. A classic brand is Crayola, the gateway drug into coloured pencil. It's affordable and familiar but also filled with binders. When applied to a model, because Crayola is a wax based pencil, it will put on more wax than pigment. Eventually you may scratch off your finish trying to apply colour. The secret is to find a coloured pencil like Prismacolour that contains more pigment. This will help you build your colours faster and easier! Always aim for artist or professional level pencils for the best results! I tried using 'scholar' level pencils on this appaloosa here and well....
Watercolour Pencil:
Watercolour pencils are specifically manufactured with a binder that dissolves in water. These types of pencils have taken over my work station and are replacing my trusty old Prismacolours. Obviously, watercolour pencils are specifically manufactured with a binder that dissolves in water, why does this make a difference? The simple change in binder affects the pencils behaviour because it is not wax or oil holding the watercolour pencil together, this makes all the difference when drawing on a 'plastic' horse. The pigments lift from a watercolour pencil easier and applies colour to a model faster and more efficiently; this is why I am loving them! Not to mention, you can lift colour directly from the pencil with a wet brush and use the paint. After sealing, you can have your horse running through a river without worry... but be generous with the final seal!!
Similarities between the two:
Non-toxic and safe for everyone
Both encased in wood but may differ between brands
Both around the same price point
Both can be used dry while drawing
Both will scratch off your previous layers if heavy handed
Both are found at virtually any art store
With both coloured and watercolour pencils, after one layer of sealant they both fade into the background. It may take a few layers between sealing to make them really pop. Pencils are especially good for fine details in hair, eyes, hooves and mapping! I love using my prismacolours for hooves because they are considerably 'softer' and more delicate upon application and don't build up as fast as watercolours. Meanwhile I prefer the watercolours for eyes, hair, and mapping! It is up to you to choose your preference or if you're like me and enjoy both!
Want to learn more on this topic? Check out an in depth explanation of coloured pencils vs watercolour on paper: https://thevirtualinstructor.com/blog/colored-pencils-vs-watercolor-pencils-vs-the-others
P.S. Canadians spell colour with a U. ;)