Faber-Castell Graphite Aquarelle Pencil, Single, HB to 8B

Faber-Castell Graphite Aquarelle – water-soluble graphite pencil for sketching and watercolour

The Faber-Castell Graphite Aquarelle pencil is an artist-quality water-soluble graphite pencil. You draw with it like an ordinary pencil, then dissolve the lines into watercolour tones with a wet brush or sponge. This makes it suitable for preliminary sketches for watercolours, for complete graphite watercolours and for mixed media.

The pencil comes in 5 grades from HB to 8B; choose the grade from the options. According to Faber-Castell, the greys range from light grey at HB to deep black at 8B. The higher the B number, the softer and darker the lead. The Special Bonding System (SV) makes the lead break-resistant, which helps when sharpening and in your pencil case.

Working with the watercolour pencil

Start by drawing with the dry lead, ideally on watercolour paper, which Faber-Castell recommends for this technique. Then go over the lines with a wet brush or sponge: the graphite dissolves and can be blended into soft grey areas. Sharpen the pencil with an artist's sharpener. As the lines are no longer visible once blended with water, according to Faber-Castell you can also use the pencil for drawing outlines for silk painting.

Which grade should you choose?

HB draws fine, light lines for preliminary sketches and details. With 4B to 8B you get strong, dark tones and intense grey gradients as soon as you add water. For tonal studies, it is worth having a range of several grades.

Faber-Castell Graphite Aquarelle product details

• Manufacturer: Faber-Castell, Graphite Aquarelle series
• Grades: HB, 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B
• Lead: water-soluble graphite, 3.3 mm thick, break-resistant thanks to the Special Bonding System (SV)
• Lacquer: water-based lacquer
• Wood: PEFC-certified
• Contents: 1 piece

You will also need: watercolour paper, brush or sponge, water, artist's sharpener