Quick Answer
To get the most from your iHeartArt watercolor pastels and glittery markers, start with dry pastel layers, then activate them with a wet brush for watercolor effects, and finish with markers for sparkle and detail.
Why Combine Watercolor Pastels and Glittery Markers?
Watercolor pastels give you soft, blendable color that can be used wet or dry, while glittery markers add a layer of shimmer and fine detail. Together, they let you create backgrounds with rich washes and then add crisp, sparkly accents that pop.
Because both mediums are water-based, they work well together on paper. You can layer the pastels first, then add marker details on top without smudging the pastel once it's dry. This makes them a great pair for kids and adults exploring mixed-media art.
Paper Choice and Setup
Use watercolor paper or a heavy mixed-media paper to avoid buckling when you add water. A smooth surface also helps the pastels glide and blend easily. If you're working with kids, cover the work area and have a cup of clean water and a paper towel ready for brush cleaning.
Step-by-Step Techniques
- Sketch with Dry Pastels: Start by drawing your design with the pastels in their dry form. Use the twist-up barrels to apply bold, rich color directly to the paper. Press lightly for soft lines or harder for more intensity. Avoid pressing too hard—you can always add more color, but it's harder to remove excess pastel.
- Layer and Blend Colors: Overlay different pastel colors while they're still dry to create new shades. Use your finger, a tissue, or a blending stump to smooth the edges. This works best before adding water. Blend quickly before the pastel sets; once you add water, blending becomes a different effect.
- Activate with Water: Dip the included paintbrush in clean water and gently brush over the pastel areas. The color will dissolve into a watercolor wash. Use more water for lighter, more transparent effects; less water for richer color. Test on a scrap paper first to see how much water gives you the effect you want—too much water can wash away the pastel entirely.
- Let It Dry Completely: Allow the watercolor washes to dry fully before adding marker details. This prevents the glittery markers from smudging or bleeding into the wet areas. Use a hairdryer on a cool setting to speed up drying if you're in a hurry, but make sure the paper is completely dry.
- Add Sparkle with Glittery Markers: Once dry, use the glittery markers to add fine lines, dots, or highlights. The glittery inks will stand out against the matte pastel background, adding a festive touch to your artwork. Apply markers in short strokes to avoid overloading the paper with glitter ink, which can cause smearing.
Products Mentioned
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iHeartArt 12 Watercolor Pastels + Brush: iHeartArt 12 Watercolor Pastels + Brush are a 3-in-1 medium: you can draw, overlay colors, and create watercolor effects with the included paintbrush and water. This versatility means you can start with dry pastel sketches and then soften them into watercolor washes without needing extra supplies.
iHeartArt 12 Watercolor Pastels + Brush
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iHeartArt 10 Glittery Markers: iHeartArt 10 Glittery Markers come with 12 sparkly colors and an Artist Technique Guide, designed for ages 6 and up. The included guide helps beginners learn to layer and blend glittery inks, while the fine tips allow for detailed accents on top of pastel backgrounds.
iHeartArt 10 Glittery Markers
