Top 5 Best Colored Pencils for Artists
There are a lot of great choices when it comes to colored pencils - some people might even say too many! With so many different brands and types of colored pencils on the market, it can be tough to determine which ones are better for you. In this post, I'll share my top 5 picks for the best colored pencils for artists. Whether you're just starting out with art, drawing for years, or unsure what to gift an artist. these pencils will help you create beautiful pieces of work!
The color pencils reviewed:
So, without further ado, here are my top five picks for the best colored pencils for artists:
Types of colored pencils
Waxed-based colored pencils
Waxed-based colored pencils are a popular choice due to their durability and smooth color laydown. They have a creamy, waxy feel and can be sharpened to a fine point for detailed work.
Oil based colored pencils
Oil based colored pencils offer smoother blending capabilities and greater lightfastness than wax based pencils.
Watercolor pencils
Watercolor colored pencils offer less color saturation than wax or oil based pencils but see a great option when used with water color paint.
Do professional artists use colored pencils?
Absolutely! Professional artists use a variety of media to create their artwork and colored pencils are certainly one of them. Colored pencils are great for adding detail, texture, and color to sketches, illustrations, and mixed media pieces.
They come in an array of colors and can be blended together to create almost any shade imaginable. Professional artists often combine colored pencils with other mediums like paint or ink for an interesting effect.
No matter what type of art you create, colored pencils are a great addition to any artist's toolkit!
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils
These pencils are some of the most popular on the market and for good reason! They're extremely pigmented and easy to blend, making them great for creating detailed and vibrant artwork.
They are a little bit cheaper than the other pencils on the list but widely used by a professional artist. There's a pencil set for every budget and you can also purchase individual pencils in most major art stores.
Prismacolor pencils allow you to create multiple layers and blend well for smooth shading. Their largest colored pencil sets have all the colors you'll need to create beautiful artwork. For a more in-depth review, click here.
Pros
They are fairly inexpensive
They are available in a variety of art stores.
Their quality is consistent.
The colors are bright and vibrant.
They blend well.
They come in a variety of rich colors.
Cons
They usually produce a waxy bloom.
The lead is so soft that it is prone to breaking.
Because there are no individual pencil holders in the tin, it is not much use as a carry case.
Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils
Another great option for artists, these pencils are known for their high-quality pigments and smooth texture. These are high quality colored pencils with an oil based binder. They are one of the more expensive brands out there but great if you like to draw realistic detailed drawings.
They're perfect for creating both detailed and bold drawings. These artist-grade pencils can be found in most art supplies stores and are of great quality. To learn more, click here.
Pros
The colors are vibrant and blend well.
They come in a wide range of colors and in individual pencil tins.
The lead is firm and does not break easily.
They have excellent lightfastness ratings for superior archival quality artwork.
Cons
They are more expensive than most colored pencils.
The colors are not as bright as some of the other pencils on the market.
The square shape can be uncomfortable to hold for long periods of time.
Caran d'Ache Luminance Colored Pencils
These pencils are some of the most lightfast on the market, meaning they won't fade over time. They're also extremely pigmented and have a beautiful creamy texture.
These artist grade colored pencils provide a sharp point so less breakage and sharpening. I recommend these for professional quality artwork an no so much for adult coloring books because of their price.
Pros
They have an excellent lightfast rating.
They are very smooth.
They are wonderful at blending.
The wood casing is quite nice.
Individual pencil slots are included in the carrying case.
Cons
On the expensive side.
They're composed of wax, so they may produce a waxy bloom.
Derwent Inktense Colored Pencils
These water-soluble pencils are perfect for creating unique effects in your drawings. Add water to them and watch as the colors come to life! These are perfect for adding fine details to watercolor paintings or other mixed media artworks.
A downside is there aren't as many colors as some of the other pencils listed. Overall, they are a great option for the professional artist or the hobbyist wanting a versatile pencil for adult coloring books.
Pros
They're excellent dry and even better wet.
They can be used on a variety of materials, not just paper.
Pencils have clear markings.
They are extremely saturated and bright.
Cons
Not all the colors available are considered to be lightfast.
They are offered in just 72 different colors.
LYRA Rembrandt Polycolor Art Pencils
These are high-quality, oil-based colored pencils designed for professional artists. These pencils would make an excellent gift for any artist friend. The price range is most likely not appropriate for novices or more casual artists but can be a great colored pencil for all levels. These are hard pencils but soft enough to blend beautiful smooth transitions between colors. A downside is the color range is limited to 72 pencils.
Pros
They come in a metal (tin) case with pencil holder trays.
They have lovely cedar casings that hold the lead.
They have a high lightfast rating.
They're all well-made pencils.
Cons
They are in the mid-high range of pricing.
The internal trays are somewhat flimsy.
Colored Pencil Tools and Accessories
I highly recommend investing in a few basic tools and accessories to help with your drawings and make them more successful. Here are a few of my favorites:
Pencil Sharpener
A good quality sharpener is essential for any colored pencil artist. It will help keep your pencils well-pointed, allowing you to achieve intricate details in your drawings.
Blending Stumps
Blending stumps are an essential tool for any colored pencil artist. They provide a smooth surface that allows you to blend colors together without leaving behind harsh lines or streaks.
Erasers
Erasers are great for making small corrections and adjustments to your artwork. A kneaded eraser works well if you need to make only small adjustments, while a vinyl eraser is better for larger clean-ups.
Pencil Extenders
Pencil extenders are great for protecting the tips of your pencils and allowing you to work with them for longer periods of time without having to stop and sharpen them continuously.
Pencil Cases
A pencil case is a great way to store all your colored pencils in one place. This will help keep them organized and make them easier to find when you need them. Look for a case with individual pencil slots so that each pencil has its own space. This will also help keep your colors organized, making it easier to mix colors or find the exact hue of a color you're looking for.
Which one would I choose?
It really depends on what type of drawings you're going to be doing, your colored pencil skills and how much you plan on spending. In general, I would suggest trying out a few different types of colored pencils before investing in a large colored pencil set. If you are looking for something that works well with watercolor paintings or mixed media artworks, then the Derwent Inktense pencils are a good option.
If you're looking for something more affordable, then Prismacolor's Premier colored pencils will provide a better value. If you can spend a little more and want great quality, then Polychromos or Luminance pencils are great options. If you want an oil based led pencil but do not want to spend a lot, then LYRA's Rembrandt Polycolor pencils are a great choice. Colored pencil art has become increasingly popular due to color pencils' portability and ease of use.
I hope this list was helpful in finding the perfect colored pencils for you. Whether you are creating super detailed drawings or just having fun coloring adult coloring books, these are all great artist-grade colored pencils. If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave a comment below. Happy drawing!
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