Watercolor pencils are relatively new in the art world.  They have quickly become my favorite art medium because of their versitality and ease of use.

You can shop for a wide variety of watercolor pencils in a wide variety of prices. Several popular art brands have developed their own, but I don't have a wide experience with several brands as of yet.

I'm currently enamored with Dewent Watercolor Pencils.  They are not "top of the line" but neither are they "el cheapo, crummy."

Watercolor pencils can be used in so many ways to create a number of effects.  For starters, they are easily blended to reach an almost immeasurable range of colours.  Here's a short list of ways in which to use watercolor pencils:

1. Use them just like any other colored pencils.
2. Color or draw with them and then add water to create a watercolor effect.
3. Wet the paper and then draw with your watercolor pencils.
4. Wet a brush and lift color from the end of a watercolor pencil.
5. Color with a watercolor pencil on a separate piece of paper and then lift the color with your wet brush.
6. Wet the end of the watercolor pencil and then color or draw.

I am sure the list goes on...
And, of course, different effects from each of these techniques can be gleaned using different types of papers.

Watercolor pencils are a wonderful way to experiment with art, whether you are a novice or an accomplished artist trying out a new medium.  They are a fun way to create and can accommodate almost any style of art with a little practice!