Last Updated on February 2, 2024 by Dee
I absolutely love using colored pencils, and recently I was asked, “What are the best colored pencils for artists?”.
Welcome to the wonderful world of colored pencils! As an artist, you’re always looking for tools that can bring your vision to life, and the humble colored pencil can be a powerful ally in this creative journey. With an explosion of brands and types in the market, choosing the best colored pencils for your art can seem daunting. But worry not! We’re here to help you navigate this rainbow of possibilities. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a budding beginner, finding the right colored pencil can make all the difference in your artistic endeavors.
Colored Pencils
Colored pencils are an excellent and dynamic art medium well-loved by professional artists and hobbyists alike! They are easy to use and blend and can help produce masterpieces that will last a lifetime.
However, choosing the best-colored pencil for you may not be easy when faced with such a wide range of colored pencil options! I have compiled a list of the 6 best-colored pencils for beginners and professional artists to make this process easier.
The Best Colored Pencils for Artists
Here is my recommended list of the best colored pencils for artists.
**This page may contain affiliate links to products I have used or recommend. If you purchase something from this page, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.**
Castle Art Supplies 72 Colored Pencils Set
Best colored pencils for beginners
The Castle Art Supplies 72 Colored Pencil Set is a rising star in the online art community. Despite its low price, it has excellent color application and is available in a 72-pack set.
The 72 Colored Pencils Set from Castle Art Supplies is a great value set of color pencils.
Featuring a wide range of colors, these pencils are a good choice for beginners and professionals. The set comes in a convenient storage case and is easy to carry around.
The color-coding on the packaging makes it easy to find the right pencil for any task. The 72-colored pencil set is an excellent choice for beginner and professional artists.
Its Soft Series’ designation implies that these are soft pencils and easily workable. They are an excellent choice for beginners and artists alike.
One of the best features of the 72 Colored Pencils set is the high pigment content. The colored pencils in this set can easily compete with the leading brands in the market.
This set is an affordable way to experiment with color pencils. The tins are presented beautifully. The color-coded pencils are well-placed to ensure that they don’t break. This set is a great way to get started.
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils
Best Colored Pencils for Professional Artists
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils are professional-grade colored pencils that contain high-quality pigments that produce vivid color. These pencils have thick leads and soft cores, which provide superior blending and shading.
The thick cores also resist breakage, and the softness is perfect for artists who want to achieve the ultimate smoothness in color laydown.
The Prismacolor Prime Colored Pencil Set is the perfect choice for achieving professional results with their colored pencil art.
These pencils have a creamy texture and are ideal for blending and shading. Sharpened, these pencils offer superior control and long-lasting performance on the page.
They also sharpen easily for a smoother line, silkier shadowing, and more precise control of the color.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, these soft colored pencils will ensure that you have vibrant, high-quality art. Their extensive range of pigments and thick cores make them the best choice for blending and shading. They also last for a long time.
Why buy Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils?
- High-quality pigments that produce vivid colors.
- Thick leads and soft cores, which provide superior blending and shading.
- Thick cores also resist breakage.
- The softness of the core is perfect for artists who want to achieve the ultimate smoothness in color laydown.
- Creamy texture and soft colored pencils are ideal for blending and shading.
- Long-lasting
Caran d’Ache Luminance Colored Pencils
Best Colored Pencils for Blending
If you are a professional artist or an amateur, you should check out the Luminance line of Caran d’Ache pencils. This premium line of art supplies provides smooth, durable leads and has excellent lightfastness.
The colors are UV resistant and have a minimal wax bloom. Luminance pencils also feature a velvet finish.
Luminance color pencils are ideal for blending. Their deep, rich pigments are easy to blend. They are well-constructed and sharpen easily. This brand also provides quality, high-end pencils for all levels of artists. It’s important to remember that these pencils are designed to be professional-grade, which means they have to stand up to a high-quality standard. These artist supplies can be expensive, but they are well worth the investment.
Luminance pencils are great for blending and are made of pure pigments with a long-lasting lead. They’re also UV resistant to fading. You’ll love these pencils because they’re attractive, easy to sharpen, and a dream to work with.
[Related Art: 15 Best Pencil Cases for Artists]
Why buy Caran d’Ache Luminance Colored Pencils?
- Caran d’Ache Luminance Colored Pencils and Sets are a great option for artists of all levels.
- Luminance pencils are ideal for blending and making use of pure pigments with a long-lasting lead. The lead is smooth and durable, and the colors are lightfast and UV resistant.
- The pencils feature a velvet finish and are easy to blend.
- They’re also well-constructed and sharpen easily.
Faber-Castell Polychromos Pencils
If you want a quality pencil that can hold its color over a large area, try Polychromic Pencils For artists. They have a smooth texture, slightly mottled surface, and are easy to sharpen.
The high pigments in the Polychromic Pencils allow for intense color, but they are not as opaque as other pencils.
They don’t smudge or chip easily, making them the perfect tool for artists looking to create beautiful works of art.
The oil-based core in these pencils makes them smudge-proof and water-resistant. They also feature a smudge-proof, waterproof casing and extraordinary covering power. The pigments in these pencils can be mixed with paint thinner to achieve a seamless blend. In addition to these benefits, Faber-Castell Polychromic Pencils For artists are also lightfast and acid-free.
The most notable feature of the Faber-Castell Polychromic Pencils For artists is their high pigment. These pencils are acid-free, lightfast, and water-resistant. They are also smudge-proof and are highly durable. They also feature a wood-based exterior that is both soft and durable.
Why buy Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils?
- The Polychromos Colored Pencils are a quality, smooth pencil that can hold its color over a large area.
- The most notable feature of the Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils is their high pigment. The pigments in the pencils are intense and can be mixed with paint thinner to achieve a seamless blend.
- They are also lightfast and acid-free.
Blick Studio Artists’ Colored Pencils
Most affordable colored pencils for artists
Blick’s studio Artist’s Colored Pencils are professional-quality colored pencils at an affordable price.
Blick Studio Artists’ Colored Pencils are ideal for drawing, illustrating, and coloring because they include brilliantly balanced hues for better mixing.
These richly colored pencils, which are highly pigmented and fade-resistant, provide smooth color laydown.
These oil-blend pendants feature round, lacquered California cedar casings that protect their 3.8 mm thick leads for a long time.
Why buy Blick Studio Artist’s Colored Pencils?
- Blick’s Studio Artists’ Colored Pencils are professional-quality and affordable.
- These oil-blend pencils have round, lacquered California cedar casings that protect their 3.8 mm thick leads for a long time. They are perfect for drawing, illustrating, and coloring, as they have brilliantly balanced hues for better mixing.
Faber-Castell Goldfaber Color Pencils
Goldfaber Colour Pencils are excellent for artists who want beautiful coverage and vibrant colors. Made from waxy pigments, these pencils have good lightfast ratings and give a smooth, soft-smooth finish.
These are artist-grade pencils and are recommended throughout the world.
The Goldfaber range of colored pencils for artists looking have a quality medium-sized, flexible, and smooth lead. These tools have a rounded barrel with a Payne’s Grey or Gun Metal Grey lacquer finish.
These highly pigmented, soft-leaded pencils have a smaller diameter than most. They have a great finish and can be used for various drawing techniques. They are also smudge-proof and water-resistant and are ideal for mixed media works.
These professional-grade color pencils are designed to create a paint-like effect on most rough surfaces.
Rewrite the above paragraphs on Faber-castell Goldfaber colored pencils list format- Faber-Castell Goldfaber Color Pencils.
Why buy Faber-Castell Goldfaber Colored Pencils?
- Professional artists recommend these artists’ pencils throughout the world.
- The Goldfaber range of colored pencils is a good option for artists looking for a quality medium-sized, flexible, and smooth lead.
- Highly pigmented, soft-leaded pencils have a smaller diameter than most (easier to achieve detail).
- They have a great finish and can be used for various drawing techniques.
- Smudge-proof and water-resistant and are ideal for mixed media works.
- These professional-grade color pencils are designed to create a paint-like effect on most rough surfaces.
What should be considered when choosing the best-colored pencils?
Various other things are essential to think of before buying a colored pencil. Let’s see some essential things you should consider when choosing a color pencil.
How do I choose the right colored pencil?
How you choose your best-colored pencil can depend on what you are using it for. For example, the best coloring pencils may not be the right ones to produce detailed drawings. When choosing a color pencil, you should always think about what is most important to you when working with them. Do you want them to be easy to blend, or will they make your artwork thicker? You should also consider how long the pencil’s lead will last before breaking and if it has good intensity levels too!
What are professional colored pencils?
If you are a professional artist looking for the best colored pencils, then it would be wise to invest in a set of professional colored pencils. Professional colored pencil sets often have more colors in their range than beginner sets which can provide you with various shades that help produce breathtaking masterpieces! Professional colored pencils are usually made from high-quality materials and a smooth finish.
What should I look for in a good-quality color pencil?
When choosing your ideal color pencil, you will want to consider many things, such as how it feels in your hand, what type of lead it has, if it’s fade-proof and much more!
Different colored pencils have other qualities which can help produce beautiful artwork. For example, some colored pencils have hexagonal barrels, making them easy to hold and come with high-quality leads inside!
The best-colored pencil brands often consistently create high-quality sets, which makes them a great choice when looking to purchase your next set of colored pencils.
Other features you need to consider when choosing a colored pencil set:
Permanence
Different colored pencil brands come with varying pigment levels, which determines how long they will last on a surface. If you want a color pencil that doesn’t fade, then investing in a professional colored pencil set would be your best option as they have high-intensity pigments that will produce stunning results for years to come!
Quality
You want to choose a color pencil made from high-quality materials, such as oil or wax, which are pressed into the lead. This helps produce bright and vibrant colors for hours of coloring fun!
When choosing a new colored pencil, thinking about how long the lead will last before breaking is important. Some pencils come with stronger leads than others, so you should always check this before buying your set!
Color Range
Color is an important factor when choosing your new color pencil set. It’s a good idea to buy colored pencils in a wide range of colors to produce many different artworks using various shades and hues.
Start with a color pencil set of at least 24 colors if you are a beginner. This will give you a wide range of options as you start practicing and developing your skills.
As you progress in your drawing skill, you can choose to purchase a larger set of artist-grade colored pencils.
Types of colored pencils
There are several different types of artist-grade colored pencils available to artists. These include soft, firm, and oil-based versions. Oil-based ones are harder and require less sharpening.
Wax-based pencils are the most common and widely available and are the most common. These come in two grades, the artist grade and the student grade. In this article, we will discuss artist-grade pencils.
All the various pencils I discuss in this article are excellent for artists. These include the most widely used brands like Prismacolor and Faber Castell. Listed below are the benefits of each type of pencil.
The Best Pastel Pencils On The Market
Now, let’s get to the good stuff – the best pastel pencils out there. As with any art supply, the “best” can be somewhat subjective, depending on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your project. But based on quality, performance, and user reviews, here are some top contenders:
- Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils: [Link to Product] These aren’t technically pastel pencils, but they are renowned for their soft, creamy cores that allow for smooth color laydown and excellent blending – much like pastel pencils. Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils are highly pigmented and come in a wide range of colors, making them a favorite among many artists.
- Derwent Pastel Pencils: [Link to Product] Derwent is a well-respected name in the art world, and their pastel pencils do not disappoint. These pencils combine the pure pigment of a pastel with the convenience and control of a pencil. Plus, they’re water soluble pencils, so you can use them dry or mix them with water for a watercolor effect.
- Stabilo CarbOthello Pastel Pencil: [Link to Product] These pencils are highly pigmented and have a lovely, chalky texture that blends beautifully. They’re also partially water soluble, so they can be used dry or with water.
- Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils: [Link to Product] These pencils are loved for their bright colors and smooth application. They have a high concentration of pigment and are very blendable.
- Caran d’Ache Pastel Pencils: [Link to Product] These are on the higher end of the price spectrum, but many artists say they’re worth every penny. They have a high pigment concentration and a creamy texture, much like Prismacolor Premier Soft Core pencils.
In the end, the best way to choose your pastel pencils is to try a few and see which ones you prefer. Every artist is different, and what works for one may not work for another. So, have fun, experiment.
Are Wax Pencils Good?
Wax pencils come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. They all contain wax as the major binding substance in the core, making them more widely accessible than oil-based pencils.
The degree of pigmentation can be comparable to that of oil-based pencils, although it may differ from brand to brand.
Wax pencils are also somewhat softer than oil-based pencils in general, allowing colors to combine more rapidly and burnishing methods to be used more quickly.
They won’t last as long and require more frequent sharpening and replacement. They can also have a pastel appearance when covered in a thick layer of paper.
On average, wax-based pencils are considerably less expensive.
Wax pencils are messier than oil-based pencils and more prone to breakage, so they require a bit greater pressure when drawn with wax pencils for them not to shatter.
While wax-based colored pencils are less expensive, many artists still favor them. Their texture is softer and smoother than wax-based pencils but still erasable. The best type for you depends on your needs. For beginners, wax-based pencils are easier to use. They can be applied in many ways, including blending and highlighting.
Are Oil Pencils good?
Oil-based colored pencils: These are more expensive but require more practice. However, they are superior to wax-based pencils in terms of blending. They provide more vibrant colors and blend well.
They are also easier to store and apply to a surface. But be aware that wax-based colored pencils are not as opaque as oil-based pencils. It is important to understand the difference between these types of pencils before choosing a type of colored pencil.
There are several different types of oil pencils, but all of them contain oil as the main binder. They tend to be hard pencils but are very high-quality pencils.
These pencils are more expensive because of their high grade, intended for artists who need a superior option. However, if you are a beginner, they are also awesome to use!
Oil pencils have greater color control and are more durable than wax pencils, making burnishing techniques simpler to execute.
The leads also last longer, allowing for greater detail accuracy.
They’re also wonderful for layering and can be utilized with various media.
Although wax bloom may still occur with these pencils, it is less likely to do so than with wax pencils, but you can wipe away the bloom with a damp cloth if it happens!
Although a wax pencil may seem to be an easier option, oil pencils last longer and may be used with solvents and fixatives to simulate the look of oil paint.
Oil pencils are lightfast and transparent, meaning they won’t fade as quickly, and the colors will remain vivid and clear to look at for decades.
What Are Erasable Colored Pencils?
Erasable colored pencils are a perfect blend of creativity and flexibility. As the name suggests, these colored pencils can be erased, providing you the freedom to fix a misstep or make changes to your artwork on the fly.
Why Erasable Colored Pencils?
Erasable colored pencils are a boon for both beginners who are just getting started and seasoned artists who appreciate some leeway in their work. They add an element of forgiveness to your artistic process, allowing you to try different hues, adjust the intensity of colors, or erase lines that didn’t quite turn out the way you envisioned.
The Best Erasable Colored Pencils On The Market
Let’s turn our attention to some of the best erasable colored pencils available. Keep in mind that the “best” can be subjective, varying from artist to artist, but here are a few options that have garnered high praise:
- Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils: Crayola is a household name in the art world, and their erasable colored pencils are a fantastic choice for budding artists or those practicing their craft. These pencils offer a good range of color choices and, importantly, they truly are erasable. Plus, they’re quite budget-friendly, making them a great entry point into the world of erasable colored pencils.
- Prismacolor Col-Erase Pencils: For those seeking a step up, Prismacolor’s Col-Erase pencils offer more vibrant color and stronger erasability. These pencils are well-loved by many artists for their quality and range of colors.
- Faber-Castell Erasable Colored Pencils: Faber-Castell is another esteemed brand in the artistic community. Their erasable colored pencils are praised for their vivid pigments, smooth application, and impressive erasability.
- Staedtler Mars Erasable Colored Pencils: These pencils by Staedtler are known for their robust erasability without sacrificing the intensity of color. They glide smoothly on paper and offer a good balance between quality and price.
Remember, the key to choosing the right erasable colored pencils is to consider your needs, budget, and personal preferences. You might want to try a few different brands to see which one feels right for your artistic style. Happy drawing!
Paper for Color Pencil Art
When it comes to colored pencil drawing, the paper you choose can significantly impact your final result. The paper’s texture, weight, and color can affect how your colored pencils behave, so it’s worth taking some time to pick the right one for your project.
Texture
The texture of your paper, often referred to as its ‘tooth’, is one of the most important factors to consider. The tooth of the paper is what grabs onto the pencil pigment. Papers with more texture or ‘tooth’ can hold more layers of colored pencil and are great for techniques like layering and blending.
Smooth papers can be used for colored pencil drawing as well, especially if you’re looking to create fine details. However, they might not hold as many layers of color.
Weight
Paper weight refers to its thickness and sturdiness. Heavier, thicker papers are generally better for colored pencil drawing because they can withstand repeated erasing and layering without tearing or wearing through.
Color
Most artists start out drawing on white paper, but colored paper can be a great choice for colored pencil drawing too. A mid-tone paper can provide a good base for your drawing and allow lighter colors to stand out more.
Specific Types of Paper
- Bristol Paper: Bristol paper is a high-quality paper known for its smooth surface and heavyweight. It’s great for fine detail work but can also handle multiple layers of colored pencil.
- Stonehenge Paper: This paper has a slightly more textured surface, which is great for layering and blending colors. It also comes in a variety of colors, giving you more options for your artwork.
- Strathmore Colored Pencil Pads: Strathmore makes paper specifically designed for colored pencil work. These papers have a fine tooth surface designed to hold the color on the top surface and make your colors pop.
- Canson Mi-Teintes: This paper has a high rag content, making it extremely durable and able to withstand heavy layering and burnishing without tearing. It comes in a wide range of colors.
- Hot Press Watercolor Paper: This paper is smooth, like Bristol, but much heavier. This makes it great for heavy layering and mixed media work.
Remember, the best way to find out what paper works for you is to try out a few different kinds. Each artist is different, and what works best for you will depend on your specific style and the techniques you like to use. Happy drawing!
Paper Size for Colored Pencil Drawing
Let’s talk about the size of the paper you might want to choose for your colored pencil drawing. The size of the paper you use can be just as important as the texture and weight because it directly impacts the scale and detail of your artwork.
Small Sizes
Starting with smaller sizes like 5″x7″ or 8″x10″ can be beneficial, especially if you’re a beginner or if you’re working on a more intricate piece. Smaller sizes allow you to finish a piece more quickly and can be less intimidating if you’re starting out. They’re also great for creating artwork for greeting cards or small frames.
Medium Sizes
Medium sizes like 9″x12″ or 11″x14″ are standard for many colored pencil artists. These sizes offer enough room to work on details without being too large and time-consuming. They’re also a nice size for displaying in your home or in galleries.
Large Sizes
Larger sizes like 18″x24″ or larger are typically used by more experienced artists or for pieces that will be displayed in large spaces. Larger paper sizes allow for more detailed and expansive artwork but also require more time and patience. If you’re looking to make a big impression and have the time to dedicate, go for it!
Custom Sizes
Remember, you’re not restricted to standard paper sizes. If you want a long, skinny piece or a perfectly square piece, cut your paper to any size that suits your project. Art is all about creativity, including the size and shape of your canvas!
Consider the End Goal
Finally, consider the end goal of your piece. If you plan on framing it, ensure you choose a size that fits standard frame sizes to save yourself the hassle and expense of custom framing. If it’s for a competition or exhibition, check if there are size requirements you need to adhere to.
Paper for Colored Pencils that I recommend:
Strathmore 400 Series Colored Pencil Pad
The 400 Series Colored Pencil Paper from Strathmore is a toothy, clean surface great for colored pencil techniques.
It’s a versatile, easy-to-use product that lends itself to smooth, uniform application and the application of many layers of color.
The durable surface also stands up to repeated erasures and reworking.
Canson Universal Sketch Pad
This heavy 65 lb (96 gsm) weight acid-free paper is ideal for colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, pen, and light wash.
The paper used in this notebook is Crobart, which comes from France and has incredibly high-quality standards. A double wire binds all 100-sheet pads along the long edge.
Derwent Lightfast Paper Pads
Derwent Lightfast Paper Pads are available in a Natural White hot press finish, making them perfect for use with oil-based colored pencils.
These sheets are made from 100 percent cotton on a conventional cylinder mould machine and have been surface-sized for strength and resistance to moisture, feathering, and bleed-through.
Acid-free, archival quality, and free of optical brighteners for excellent color retention.
You can also check out my article on the Best Mixed Media Sketchbook!
Conclusion
n conclusion, the best colored pencils for artists are truly a matter of personal preference. Each artist has unique needs and styles, and what works best for one person might not work as well for another. We’ve explored a variety of options, each with its own strengths and ideal uses, from the vibrant Prismacolor Premier Soft Core pencils to the versatile Faber-Castell Polychromos, and the kid-friendly Crayola.
But remember, the brand of the pencil is not as important as what you do with it. The true magic lies in your hands – in your ability to blend colors, create textures, and breathe life into your art. So go ahead, pick up those pencils and let your creativity flow. After all, every masterpiece begins with a simple stroke of color.
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The Ultimate Guide for Drawing on Black Paper with Colored Pencil