Watercolor paints have become a very popular medium for hobbyists and professional artists alike. However, they can be quite inconvenient. This is because not all watercolor paints are portable. And even for the portable ones, you will still need to ensure you have a paintbrush, palette, and water. But all hope is not lost. If you feel discouraged about watercolor paints, you can give watercolor markers a try.
Watercolor markers are basically watercolor pigments that are packaged like a drawing utensil. They’re usually sold in sets of 12, 24, or 48 pens. Watercolor markers are perfect for painting and sketching on the go. Besides, they can retain similar qualities as those presented by watercolor paints. The best watercolor markers can help strike a good balance by combining the best properties of a traditional watercolor paint and water brush. Their unique features provide a painter with complete control over the work they are creating.
In this guide, we look at some of the best watercolor markers that you can get in the market today.
Tombow Pen Art Markers
Intro
This Tombow watercolor marker is considered a gold standard when watercolor markers are being discussed. Among the things that we liked most about this watercolor marker set is that unlike most packs that come in only 12 or 24 sets, this Tumbow set comes with 95 colors plus one blender marker. This means you get to enjoy 96 pen markers.
Pros
- Considered the gold standard of watercolor markers
- Comes in a pack of 96 color markers that includes a colorless blender
- Has a wide color selection which is accurate for color representation as well as helping prevent general frustrations and fewer mistakes when painting
- The Tumbow markers are downright amazing with offer unparallel performance
- These markers are excellent for fine art, coloring, doodling, illustration, hand lettering, journaling and much more
- The brush tip is fine and flexible. The fine tip allows you to get consistent lines while the tip of the brush works in a similar manner as a paintbrush to produce stroked that are medium, fine and bold
- The colorless blender pe helps blend and soften colors all while producing a watercolor effect
- Comes with a desk stand and the tips self-clean after a blending session
Cons
- Although it’s worth every cent, it’s expensive
Winsor & Newton Watercolour Markers
Intro
The Winsor & Newton watercolor markers are another excellent choice for watercolor markers. In fact, the name Winsor & Newton is very famous and well respected in the art industry. Their markers have an excellent dual tip design that makes them perfect for most lettering styles, including calligraphy.
Pros
- It’s available in a six and 12 pack
- All the Winsor & Newton markers have a dual tip design that provides multiple line widths and a full coverage thanks to the flexible brush as well as detailed lines that are sharp
- These watercolor markers are highly pigmented resulting in an incredible vibrancy and tonal range
- Boasts of intermixable watercolor markers that offer a high-quality result that’s found in pens and tubes
- All the colors from the Winsor & Newton watercolor markers are fade resistant lasting up to 100 years
- Has excellent pigment vibrancy and dissolves/blends well when exposed to water
- Comes with a metal tin for storage which means you can easily slide your markers in your backpack or purse and travel with a lot of ease
- These markers have a good light fastness rating and are professional watercolor markers
Cons
- Only has two color selection packs and doesn’t come with a blending marker
MozArt Watercolor Markers
Intro
The MozArt watercolor markers are not only beautiful, but they are also considered a classic. They come in packs of 12, 20, and are extremely beginner-friendly. They are also a lot more affordable making them a great investment for anyone who only paints or sketches as a hobby
Pros
- MozArt’s single brush pens have a tip that is soft, flexible and durable allowing you to have control over your painting
- Watercolor markers provide artists with numerous options on effects and techniques allowing them to achieve masterpieces
- The ink blends nicely with water on the right surfaces to give smooth shadowing, blending and highlighting effects
- These markers are affordable and excellent choice for both beginners, professionals and budding artists alike
- The MozArt watercolor markers are non-toxic, and ASTM tested
- This pack features versatile markers that are excellent for bible journaling, bullet journal, adult coloring books, manga drawing, etc.
- The markers have a flexible tip that works well with watercolors, calligraphy, and creative lettering
- These markers can be merged with MozArt’s watercolor paint and dual brush pens to produce art pieces that are stunning
- MozArt provides a satisfaction guarantee which allows you to contact them in the event you are unhappy with your watercolor markers
Cons
- Markers cannot be purchased individually
Tropic Desire Watercolor Markers
Intro
This 20-piece Tropic Desire watercolor marker is another great choice when it comes to watercolor markers. With the various color options, these markers help you create art that has rich and crisp colors. Best part is that it comes with a travel case that allows you to pack your markers for ease of travel.
Pros
- One of the best watercolor markers thanks to the flexible, richly pigmented and soft brush tips
- Enjoy creating vibrant artworks thanks to the 20 color markers as well as an included brush pen that you can use for calligraphy, painting, sketching, watercolor painting, painting, comic books, illustrations, doodling and more
- The pack comes with a free tutorial with instructions on how to use the markers making it excellent for beginners who need guidance on what to do
- Comes with a free wrap up pen case that helps keep your markers organized as well as a free coloring eBook
- ASTM tested which ensures they are non-toxic, skin safe and eco-friendly making them safe for use by adults as well as kids
- Has an unbeatable customer satisfaction that will either have your markers replaced or get your money refunded in the event that you aren’t happy with these watercolor markers
- Affordable and ideal as a gift for birthdays or anniversaries
Cons
- Limited control because of the single brush tip
Final Thoughts
When shopping around for watercolor markers, it’s important that you first consider the type of painting or drawing you want to do. If you want to add water to your work, then you need to purchase a set of markers that has water-based ink. However, if you’d rather have a painterly looking drawing, then going for an oil-based marker may be a better option. In addition, consider the price and your level of experience. If you are a beginner, there is no need to invest in expensive markers. Instead, start small, and if you enjoy it, you can increase your budget.
