Water-soluble colored pencil set Caran d-Ache SWISSCOLOR Aquarelle 1/2, 6 colors, cedar wood, hexagonal shaft (MPN 1286.806)

Caran d-Ache SWISSCOLOR Aquarelle 1/2 is a compact set of six water-soluble colored pencils intended for sketching, illustration and producing watercolor-like effects. Each pencil is half the standard length and made from cedar wood with a hexagonal shaft for a secure grip. The soluble cores dissolve when water is applied, enabling soft washes, blended tones and layered colour work suitable for studio and field use.

Advantages

The pencils combine the convenience of a dry medium with the versatility of wet techniques, allowing quick transition from line work to washes without changing tools. Cedar wood casings provide a smooth sharpening experience and the hexagonal shape reduces rolling and improves handling. The half-length format increases portability while retaining familiar drawing characteristics, and the water-soluble pigment offers predictable blending and reactivation for corrections or atmospheric effects.

Suitable for

• Sketching and on-site studies
• Illustration and mixed-media work
• Watercolour effects, washes and layered colouring
• Student practice and learning basic wet-on-dry techniques

When it may not be suitable

This set contains only six colours and therefore may not cover the full palette needed for detailed colour-matching or extensive projects requiring many hues. Because the pencils are water-soluble, finished work can be altered by moisture unless fixed or protected with an appropriate spray varnish or fixative.

Key specifications

• Number of pieces: 6 pencils
• Core type: water-soluble coloured pigment
• Casing material: cedar wood
• Shaft shape: hexagonal
• Format: half-length pencils for portability

How to use

Use the pencils dry for precise lines, hatching and detail. Apply water with a brush to the colored marks to dissolve the pigment and create washes, gradients or blended areas. Build colour in layers, allowing sections to dry between applications for controlled transparency. Sharpen with a standard pencil sharpener designed for wooden art pencils to maintain a clean point.

What to consider before purchase

• Set contains six colours only — consider whether that selection meets your project needs
• Water-sensitivity: finished areas can be reworked with moisture
• Half-length format: more portable but shorter than standard pencils

Usage recommendations

For watercolor-style washes, lay down mid-tone pencil marks, then draw a damp brush across the pigment to pull colour outward. Work from light to dark and test on scrap paper to judge water dilution and pigment flow.