Winsor and Newton Watercolour Markers

Precise, highly pigmented and seamless to mix with traditional watercolour, our Watercolour Markers are ideal for adding the finest of details and soft, transparent washes to any work. The markers introduce a fresh edge to the medium, allowing you to experiment with various textures and effects, transport your watercolour practice with ease, and add water as you please to achieve your desired outcome.

Thinking about incorporating this contemporary form of watercolour into your practice? Read on for answers to some of the most common queries about Winsor & Newton’s Watercolour Markers, and to learn how to get the most out of one of our newest innovations.

How do the Watercolour Markers work?

You can use the Watercolour Marker to draw, just as you would with a regular marker pen. The transformation occurs when you apply water to what has been drawn, turning it into a watercolour painting. The sooner water is applied, the better the resulting washes. You can then blend the colours just as you would traditional forms of watercolour.

Can I use Winsor & Newton Watercolour Markers with other traditional watercolour paint (tubes and/or pans)? What about watercolour mediums?

Feel free to blend as you please with paint from tubes or pans to create a variety of washes and effects.

What surfaces can Winsor & Newton Watercolour Markers be used on?

Winsor & Newton Watercolour Markers should be used on watercolour paper, as their blending ability will vary according to the specification of the paper used. For optimum results, use with Winsor & Newton Watercolour Marker paper. Different watercolour papers will lead to different effects and levels of blending, whereas the Watercolour Marker paper was designed to let the markers perform at their very best.

What is the best way to care for the marker nibs? What happens if they get dirty or dry out?

The Watercolour Marker nibs are very easy to clean. Simply write on a piece of paper to remove any dirt. If you get watercolour paint on your nib, just remove it with a damp cloth. The nibs should last as long as the marker colour, but to preserve them over time, replace the caps immediately after use. If your nib has dried out, you may re-wet it using a damp cloth.

What about colour mixing? How do I go about creating mixes using the markers together, or with traditional watercolour?

You can mix the Watercolour Markers together, or with traditional forms of watercolour, directly on paper or on a palette. The paint from the markers does dry quite quickly – in an average of less than a minute – and though the paint can be re-wet, its ability to be re-solubilised will vary slightly based on the colour and/or paper used. Don’t shy away from experimenting with different combinations and blending techniques to see what will best work for your practice.