5 Ways to Use Neocolor II

Apr 29

What are Neocolor 2s?

Let’s start with its government name, Caran d’Ache Neocolor II Aquarelle. Neocolor II are water-soluble wax pastels, or as I call them, fancy crayons!

Water-soluble, meaning they can be used wet.

Wax, meaning they are soft and go onto paper smoothly and blend well.

They can be used in all sorts of ways, and in this post, I will show you 5 different ways you can use these magical, fancy crayons!

Method 1: Dry

This is the classic way you can use Neocolor II. Straight on to whatever paper you are using. Channel your inner kindergarten self!

Method 2: Wet

To have more control over what you are painting, you can color in your object with a dry Neocolor II, then take a wet brush and add water to the colored area.

Method 3: Dip

Dipping your Neocolor II straight into water is a great way to paint an area on your paper quickly. This method will require you to dip continuously, as it will dry out.

Method 4: Rub

This method is best if you don’t need a lot of color for your project, but you still want to use the Neocolor II as a wet medium. Color straight onto a paint palette and add water to your brush. Ta-Da!

Method 5: Shave

Take your Neocolor II, peel back some of the wrapping, and sharpen it! Take the shavings, add them to a palette, and add some drops of water. You just made yourself a mini pan of paint. This method is great if you have a bigger surface area or will use a lot of this color.

Pro Tip: Use a pipette dropper to add water to the shavings rather than dipping your brush in water. The pipette will cause less clumping.