Unboxing the Palette: Testing New Posca Pencils and Liquid Magic for Sketchbook Fun

There is a specific kind of joy that comes with an unboxing—that moment when a box full of potential lies waiting, promising new ways to make marks. For us Rogue Artists, a fresh box of supplies isn't just a haul; it’s a whole new conversation with the page.

Sometimes, when the well of inspiration runs dry, the best thing to do is open a new kit, gather a handful of brilliant pencils, and simply see what happens. We recently got our hands on a beautiful collection of Posca colored pencils, alongside some really intriguing tools like a liquid white pencil and a Derwent line maker, and we couldn't wait to dive in.

Swatching the Supplies: Opaque Color and Smooth Lines

When you're deep into the process of learning to draw or sketching a still life, the quality of your materials matters immensely. We were particularly fascinated by the performance of these Posca pencils. Many of us who specialize in watercolor or oil painting know how important it is to have a pencil that feels smooth and doesn't require excessive pressure to lay down a solid layer of color. These proved to be quite the delight, offering a noticeable opacity right out of the box.

The palette of colors—from deep fuchsia and vibrant blue-green to soft lilac and cool gray—promised a wonderful range for both landscape painting and detailed portrait sketching. They feel less like a typical colored pencil and more like a highly pigmented, sophisticated tool for building value and tone.

The Liquid Element: Building Value and Light

But the real star, the item that captured our immediate attention, was the liquid white colored pencil. If you've ever worked with gouache or acrylic and needed to lift or brighten a specific area, you know the magic of white. This liquid white pencil acts like a brilliant glaze, allowing you to layer it over existing color. The best technique, as we found, is to first lay down a dense layer of colored pencil underneath, and then apply the liquid white on top. This helps the color absorb into the paper, giving you a luminous, lifted effect that is crucial for achieving true highlights in your sketchbooks.

It’s a wonderful demonstration of how different mediums—the opaque pencil, the fine line of the Derwent, and the liquid glaze—can work together to deepen your understanding of value and composition. Whether you are practicing figure drawing or working on a botanical study, having these varied tools elevates the entire experience.

Beyond the Box: Finding Your Art Angel

These supplies are wonderful for spontaneous sketching or trying out a new color theory concept. But remember, the best art isn't found in a box; it's found right here, in the moment you sit down with your own sketchbook and your own hands.

If you found yourself inspired by this process and want to take your drawing or painting skills to the next level, we encourage you to connect with the community. The Rogue Artists network exists to get believers into rooms with other believers—to the actual, messy, wonderful experience of making art together. Whether you need a guided session on perspective, an intensive acrylic class, or just a supportive sketch buddy, there's a mentor waiting for you.

Don't let these tools just sit on your shelf. Find an Art Angel near you, book a local workshop, or list your own studio so others can find your beautiful hands-on work. The canvas is waiting.