Neocolor

Neocolor is a line of art media produced by Caran d'Ache, a Swiss company known for its range of pencils, pastels, and paints. The term commonly refers to two related products: Neocolor I and Neocolor II. Neocolor I comprises dry wax-based pastel sticks intended for direct application on paper, cardboard, or other porous surfaces to lay down opaque color with soft, blendable edges. Neocolor II expands on the concept by offering water-soluble wax pastels; when used dry they resemble Neocolor I, but they are designed to dissolve in water to create watercolor-like effects such as washes, glazes, and translucent layers.

Both lines share a creamy texture and high pigmentation, making them suitable for quick sketches, underpaintings, and mixed-media work. They can be applied to various surfaces, including watercolor papers, sketchbooks, and light-textured supports. On absorbent surfaces, colors blend readily with brushes, sponges, or fingers; on non-absorbent substrates, color can be intensified or lifted with solvents or water in controlled ways. Reworking and layering are common techniques, and the water-soluble line allows artists to switch between opaque marks and transparent washes within a single piece.

History and positioning: Neocolor reflects Caran d'Ache's long-standing emphasis on durable pigments and versatile media. Neocolor II is the more widely used option today for artists seeking both dry color and water-soluble versatility in a single product line. The sets are widely sold for professional use, studio work, and art education, and the materials are generally considered non-toxic for typical classroom or studio environments.