Unleash your inner artist and discover a world of vibrant expression with the ultimate guide to the best colored pencils. Whether you’re a seasoned professional seeking unparalleled pigment intensity and blendability, or a beginner eager to explore the joy of coloring, this comprehensive review and buying guide is your essential companion. We’ve scoured the market, tested a dazzling array of options, and distilled our findings to help you navigate the exciting landscape of colored pencils and find the perfect set to bring your creative visions to life.
Choosing the right colored pencils can elevate your artwork from good to truly exceptional, impacting everything from smooth gradients to crisp, detailed lines. This article dives deep into what makes a colored pencil stand out, examining factors like wax-based versus oil-based cores, lightfastness, shade range, and ergonomic comfort. Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery, armed with the knowledge to select the best colored pencils that will inspire your creativity and stand the test of time.
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A Vibrant World: Understanding Colored Pencils
Colored pencils are a beloved art medium that bridges the gap between drawing and painting. Unlike traditional graphite pencils, colored pencils contain a core composed of pigment mixed with a binder, typically wax or oil. This composition allows for a wide spectrum of hues and varying degrees of opacity and blendability, making them incredibly versatile for artists of all levels.
The history of colored pencils can be traced back centuries, with early versions using chalk and natural pigments. However, modern colored pencils began to emerge in the 20th century with advancements in pigment technology and binder formulations. This evolution led to the creation of the artist-grade colored pencils we know today, celebrated for their lightfastness and rich color saturation.
One of the key advantages of colored pencils is their portability and ease of use. They don’t require water or solvents, making them ideal for on-the-go sketching or detailed studio work. The ability to layer colors, blend them smoothly, and create subtle gradients opens up a vast array of creative possibilities, from realistic portraits to abstract masterpieces.
Whether you’re a beginner exploring your artistic side or a seasoned professional seeking the perfect tools for your next project, understanding the nuances of colored pencils is key. For those looking for the best colored pencils, exploring different brands and types will reveal the diverse range of qualities available, each offering a unique experience and contributing to the vibrant world of art.
The Best Colored Pencils
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, 150 Count
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils are a staple for artists of all levels, and for good reason. Their signature creamy, soft core allows for incredibly smooth blending and layering, making it easy to achieve rich, vibrant colors and subtle transitions. The pigment quality is exceptional, offering a vast spectrum of hues with excellent lightfastness, ensuring your artwork will stand the test of time. Whether you’re a beginner experimenting with techniques or a seasoned professional seeking reliable performance, these pencils deliver a satisfying and high-quality artistic experience.
The wide array of 150 colors provides an unparalleled palette to bring any vision to life. From deep, saturated tones to delicate pastels, the color range is comprehensive and inspiring. The pencils themselves are well-made, with sturdy wood casings that sharpen evenly. While they can be a bit pricier, the investment is justified by the superior blending capabilities and the sheer beauty of the colors they produce. They are particularly well-suited for portraiture, realistic rendering, and any project where smooth color application is paramount.
Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils, 120 Count
Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils are renowned for their artist-grade quality and consistent performance. Their oil-based core offers a slightly firmer feel than some competitors, which allows for incredible detail work and sharp, precise lines without sacrificing vibrancy. The pigment saturation is outstanding, providing intense color payoff that can be built up in multiple layers for complex shading and depth. These pencils are a favorite among illustrators and fine artists who demand precision and durability.
The lightfastness of Polychromos pencils is among the best in the industry, meaning your artwork will resist fading even when exposed to light over extended periods. The breakage resistance is also impressive, allowing for aggressive sharpening without losing precious pigment. The 120-color set offers a fantastic selection of colors, with many unique and nuanced shades that are perfect for a wide range of subjects and styles. While they also represent a significant investment, their longevity and the sheer quality of the artistic results make them a worthwhile choice for serious art creation.
Derwent Lightfast Colored Pencils, 48 Count
Derwent Lightfast Colored Pencils are specifically engineered for artists who prioritize archival quality and extreme lightfastness. Their unique formula ensures that colors will remain vibrant and true for up to 100 years, making them an ideal choice for commissions, gallery pieces, and any artwork intended for longevity. The texture is smooth and buttery, allowing for effortless blending and smooth application of color.
The 48-color set, while smaller than some other premium brands, focuses on a well-curated range of essential and beautiful hues. The pencils sharpen to a fine point and hold up well under pressure, making them suitable for both broad strokes and intricate detail. The depth and luminosity of the colors are truly remarkable, and the ability to layer and blend them is a testament to their high-quality formulation. If your primary concern is the permanence of your artwork, Derwent Lightfast pencils are an exceptional option.
Arteza Expert Colored Pencils, 120 Count
Arteza Expert Colored Pencils offer a fantastic balance of quality and affordability, making them an excellent choice for students, hobbyists, and artists looking for a high-performance set without the premium price tag. These pencils feature a soft, blendable core that lays down rich, vibrant color with ease. They are capable of achieving smooth gradients and layering, allowing for a good degree of control over your artwork.
The 120-color set provides an extensive palette, ensuring you have a wide selection of shades to choose from for any project. The pencils are well-constructed, with comfortable casings that feel good in the hand. While they may not possess the absolute highest archival ratings of some professional brands, their pigment quality is still very good, and they perform admirably for most artistic applications. For those seeking a generous color selection and excellent blending capabilities at a accessible price point, Arteza Expert pencils are a strong contender.
Marco Renoir Colored Pencils, 72 Count
Marco Renoir Colored Pencils are a popular choice for their impressive pigment load and creamy texture, offering a highly satisfying drawing experience. Their soft core allows for rich color saturation and excellent blending, enabling artists to achieve smooth transitions and build up color intensity effectively. The pencils themselves are comfortable to hold and sharpen well, providing a consistent and enjoyable creative process.
The 72-color set offers a well-rounded selection of vibrant and nuanced shades, suitable for a wide variety of artistic endeavors, from still life to portraiture. The affordability of the Marco Renoir pencils makes them particularly appealing to students and aspiring artists who want to explore their creativity with a good quality set of colored pencils without breaking the bank. They provide a solid foundation for learning and practicing colored pencil techniques, delivering bright and appealing results.
The Indispensable World of Colored Pencils
Colored pencils are far more than just a childhood pastime; they are essential tools for a surprisingly diverse range of individuals and activities. At their core, they offer a tactile and accessible way to express creativity, making them a cornerstone for aspiring artists, hobbyists, and even professionals seeking a specific artistic medium. The ability to blend, layer, and control subtle tonal shifts allows for nuanced and detailed artwork, from intricate illustrations to vibrant landscapes, bringing imagination to life in a tangible form.
Beyond artistic pursuits, colored pencils serve crucial practical functions. In educational settings, they are invaluable for teaching color theory, illustrating concepts, and engaging young minds in hands-on learning. Students use them to highlight important information in textbooks, create visual aids for presentations, and simply make learning more enjoyable and memorable. The immediate visual feedback provided by colored pencils helps solidify understanding and fosters a deeper connection with the material.
Furthermore, colored pencils are employed in various professional fields. Architects and designers use them for sketching preliminary ideas and adding color to blueprints, allowing for quick visualization of concepts. Colorists in animation and graphic design might use them for initial color studies or mood boards. Even in fields like forensics, specialized colored pencils can be used for detailed evidence documentation and analysis, demonstrating their surprising versatility beyond pure art.
Ultimately, the need to buy colored pencils stems from their unparalleled combination of accessibility, versatility, and expressive potential. Whether you’re looking to create a masterpiece, study a scientific diagram, or simply add a splash of color to your day, there’s a set of colored pencils waiting to be discovered. Finding the best colored pencils for your needs can open up a world of creative possibilities, making them an indispensable addition to any creative toolkit.
Understanding Different Colored Pencil Types
The world of colored pencils is surprisingly diverse, with various formulations catering to different artistic needs and preferences. Broadly, colored pencils can be categorized into two main types: wax-based and oil-based. Wax-based pencils are the most common and offer a creamy, blendable laydown. They excel at layering and creating soft transitions, making them a favorite for many artists, especially beginners.
Oil-based pencils, on the other hand, tend to be harder and more brittle, with a smoother, waxy feel that doesn’t build up as intensely as wax-based options. This characteristic makes them ideal for fine detail work and achieving crisp lines. They are also known for their lightfastness, meaning the colors are less likely to fade over time when exposed to light.
Beyond these primary classifications, you’ll also encounter water-soluble colored pencils. These offer a unique dual functionality. You can use them dry, just like traditional colored pencils, or dip them in water or use a wet brush to activate the pigment. This allows for watercolor-like effects, washes, and blending, opening up a whole new realm of creative possibilities.
Mastering Colored Pencil Techniques
Once you have your chosen colored pencils, understanding how to best utilize them is crucial for achieving stunning artwork. One of the most fundamental techniques is layering, where you gradually build up color by applying multiple thin coats. This allows for rich depth, subtle color shifts, and smooth blending. Patience is key here; avoid pressing too hard with initial layers to prevent wax bloom.
Blending is another essential technique that helps create seamless transitions between colors. This can be achieved in several ways. You can use lighter colors to blend darker ones, or utilize a colorless blender pencil specifically designed for this purpose. Another effective method is the “burnishing” technique, where you apply firm pressure with a light-colored pencil (like white or cream) over existing layers to smooth and blend them together, creating a satiny finish.
For achieving specific textures and effects, artists employ various marks and strokes. Hatching and cross-hatching, using parallel or intersecting lines, can create shading and form. Scribbling or circular motions are excellent for filling in larger areas and creating softer textures. Experimenting with pressure, stroke direction, and pencil angle will reveal a vast spectrum of expressive possibilities.
Choosing the Right Colored Pencils for Your Skill Level
The “best” colored pencils often depend on your current artistic journey. For beginners, a good quality, affordable set is often the most sensible starting point. These pencils typically offer a decent range of colors and reasonable blendability, allowing you to practice fundamental techniques without a significant financial investment. Look for sets that are readily available and well-reviewed for their beginner-friendliness.
As your skills develop and you gain more confidence, you might want to invest in artist-grade colored pencils. These pencils are formulated with higher concentrations of pigment, leading to more vibrant colors, better lightfastness, and superior blendability. They are often softer, making layering and achieving smooth gradients easier. While they come at a higher price point, the quality and performance are usually worth the investment.
Consider your primary artistic goals when making your selection. If you are drawn to detailed illustration and precise lines, oil-based pencils or those known for their firmness might be a better fit. If you enjoy soft blending and impressionistic styles, wax-based pencils with creamy cores will likely be more appealing. Don’t be afraid to try out smaller sets or individual pencils from different brands to discover what resonates with your personal style and needs.
Caring for Your Colored Pencils and Supplies
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your colored pencils, proper care and maintenance of your supplies are essential. Always store your pencils in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Overheating can cause the wax binder to melt, leading to soft cores and potential damage. Keeping them in their original packaging or a designated pencil case or tin helps protect them from dust and breakage.
Sharpening is a crucial aspect of colored pencil care. Use a high-quality sharpener that is designed for colored pencils, as they have a softer core and are more prone to breaking than graphite pencils. Manual sharpeners with adjustable blades or electric sharpeners specifically made for colored pencils are excellent choices. Avoid over-sharpening, as this can unnecessarily shorten the lifespan of your pencils and increase the risk of breakage.
Beyond the pencils themselves, consider the other tools in your arsenal. Keep erasers clean and free from dust, as smudges can transfer to your paper. If you use blending stumps or tortillons, clean them regularly to avoid muddying your colors. For water-soluble pencils, ensure your brushes are also well-maintained and that any water used is clean to prevent color contamination. A clean workspace is also paramount for protecting your artwork and supplies.
The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best Colored Pencils for Your Artistic Journey
Choosing the right colored pencils can feel overwhelming with the sheer variety available on the market. Whether you’re a seasoned artist looking to elevate your creations or a beginner eager to explore the vibrant world of color, understanding the key factors that differentiate various brands and types of colored pencils is crucial. This guide will walk you through the essential considerations to help you make an informed decision and find the perfect set that will bring your artistic visions to life.
Understanding the Core Components: Pigment and Binder
At the heart of every colored pencil lies its core, a blend of pigment and binder. The quality and type of these components significantly impact the pencil’s performance, from its vibrancy and blendability to its lightfastness and how it feels to use. Pigments are the substances that give color. In high-quality colored pencils, these pigments are finely ground and pure, resulting in rich, saturated hues. The binder is what holds the pigment particles together and allows them to adhere to the paper. Different binders create different textures and effects.
The ratio of pigment to binder is also critical. Pencils with a higher pigment concentration will produce more intense colors and require less pressure to achieve opacity. Conversely, pencils with a greater proportion of binder might be harder and less vibrant, often falling into the category of student-grade pencils. Understanding this fundamental relationship between pigment and binder will help you appreciate why some pencils cost more and perform better than others, guiding you toward the best colored pencils for your specific needs.
Exploring Different Types: Oil-Based vs. Wax-Based
Colored pencils generally fall into two main categories based on their binder: wax-based and oil-based. This distinction is perhaps the most significant factor influencing their behavior and the resulting artwork. Wax-based pencils, often referred to as “traditional” colored pencils, utilize a wax binder. They are known for their smooth laydown and ability to build up layers gradually. They often have a slightly waxy feel, and with heavy application, can produce a “wax bloom” effect, which can be buffed away or incorporated into the artwork.
Oil-based pencils, on the other hand, use an oil-based binder. These pencils tend to be harder and are excellent for achieving sharp details and precise lines. They are also less prone to wax bloom and can be layered extensively without becoming muddy. Many artists find oil-based pencils to offer a creamier, more buttery texture that blends exceptionally well. The choice between oil-based and wax-based often comes down to personal preference and the desired artistic outcome, with many artists incorporating both types into their toolkits.
The Importance of Lightfastness: Preserving Your Art
Lightfastness refers to a colored pencil’s resistance to fading when exposed to light, particularly sunlight. For artists who intend for their work to be displayed or sold, lightfastness is a paramount concern. Pencils with high lightfastness ratings will retain their original color for decades, even centuries, ensuring that your artwork remains as vibrant as the day you created it. Lower lightfastness ratings mean the colors are more susceptible to fading over time, diminishing the impact and longevity of your piece.
Manufacturers typically indicate lightfastness ratings using standardized systems, such as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) ratings (e.g., I for excellent, II for good) or the Blue Wool Scale (BWS) ratings (e.g., 8 for excellent, 7 for very good). When choosing colored pencils, especially if you’re investing in a professional set, pay close attention to these ratings. Opting for pencils with consistently high lightfastness ratings will give you peace of mind and ensure your masterpieces stand the test of time.
Shade Range and Pigment Quality: The Palette’s Potential
The breadth of the shade range in a colored pencil set directly influences the complexity and nuance you can achieve in your artwork. A wider range of colors, including subtle variations in hue, saturation, and value, opens up a universe of blending possibilities and allows for more sophisticated color mixing. Beyond the sheer number of colors, the quality of the pigments used is equally critical. High-quality pigments are finely ground, ensuring smooth application and vibrant, true-to-hue results without muddiness or chalkiness.
Consider the types of colors included in a set. Do they offer a good selection of primaries and secondaries, as well as a variety of earth tones, skin tones, and specialty colors like metallics or pastels? For portraiture or botanical illustration, specific palettes might be more advantageous. Furthermore, the intensity and saturation of the pigments are key. Pencils with superior pigment quality will deliver rich, deep colors with minimal pressure, and their colors will blend seamlessly, allowing for smooth transitions and gradients.
Application and Blending Capabilities: How They Feel and Behave
The way colored pencils apply to paper and how they blend with each other is a crucial aspect of the artistic experience. Some pencils lay down color smoothly and evenly with minimal pressure, creating a velvety texture. Others might be harder and require more pressure to achieve opacity, which can lead to hand fatigue during long drawing sessions. The blendability of pencils is often a highly sought-after characteristic, allowing artists to create soft transitions, subtle gradients, and a painterly effect.
Consider how the pencils interact with different blending techniques. Do they layer well without becoming waxy or muddy? Can they be blended with a colorless blender, a solvent, or simply with other pencils to create new shades? Some pencils are renowned for their ability to be layered extensively, allowing for the creation of deep, rich colors and complex textures. Others might have a softer, waxier application that excels at smooth, buttery blending. Testing different brands and types can help you discover which application and blending characteristics best suit your personal drawing style.
Durability and Construction: Built to Last
The physical construction and durability of colored pencils are important considerations, especially for artists who use their pencils frequently or carry them to different locations. The quality of the wood casing, how well the lead is secured within the casing, and the strength of the lead itself all contribute to the pencil’s longevity and user experience. Pencils with poorly constructed casings can splinter or crack, making them difficult to sharpen. A strong, well-centered lead is less likely to break during sharpening or drawing, saving you frustration and wasted product.
Professional-grade colored pencils often feature high-quality wood that sharpens cleanly and evenly, and their leads are typically bonded securely to prevent breakage. The diameter of the lead can also play a role; thicker leads are more durable for general coloring and shading, while finer leads are better suited for detailed work. Ultimately, investing in pencils that are well-made and durable ensures that your tools will remain reliable companions on your artistic journey, allowing you to focus on your creativity rather than on the limitations of your supplies.
FAQs
What are the best colored pencils for beginners?
For beginners, it’s recommended to start with artist-grade colored pencils that offer good pigmentation and blendability without breaking the bank. Brands like Prismacolor Premier, Faber-Castell Polychromos, and Arteza Expert offer excellent value and a satisfying user experience, allowing you to experiment and develop your skills.
These pencils typically have a softer wax or oil-based core that allows for smooth application and easy layering, making them forgiving for those new to the medium. Look for sets with a decent range of colors to explore different effects and learn color mixing.
How do I choose between wax-based and oil-based colored pencils?
Wax-based colored pencils are generally softer, allowing for vibrant, opaque coverage and smooth blending. They are excellent for layering and creating rich, saturated colors. However, they can be prone to “wax bloom” if too many layers are applied, which is a whitish film that can obscure underlying colors.
Oil-based colored pencils tend to be harder, offering more control and precision, making them ideal for detailed work and sharp lines. They blend smoothly and are less likely to develop wax bloom, but they may require more layers to achieve deep saturation. The choice often comes down to personal preference and the type of artwork you aim to create.
What is the difference between student-grade and artist-grade colored pencils?
Student-grade colored pencils are designed for educational purposes and offer a good entry point into the world of colored pencils. They are typically more affordable and provide decent color payoff and blendability, making them suitable for practice and casual use.
Artist-grade colored pencils, on the other hand, are crafted with higher quality pigments, binders, and cores. This translates to superior lightfastness (resistance to fading), richer and more consistent color, and improved blending capabilities. While more expensive, they are preferred by professionals and serious hobbyists for their performance and longevity.
What is lightfastness and why is it important?
Lightfastness refers to a pigment’s ability to resist fading or changing color when exposed to light over time. Colored pencils with high lightfastness ratings are crucial for artists who want their work to last and retain its vibrancy for years to come.
When choosing colored pencils, especially for finished pieces or commissions, look for information on their lightfastness ratings, often indicated by an ASTM rating or an artist-grade label. This ensures that your artwork will remain as intended, preserving the integrity of your creative vision.
How can I improve my colored pencil blending techniques?
Effective blending is key to creating smooth transitions and realistic effects with colored pencils. One common technique is “layering,” where you apply light, thin layers of color, building up intensity gradually. This allows colors to mix optically on the paper.
Another popular method is “burnishing,” which involves using a colorless blender pencil or a lighter shade of the same color to press down and meld the pigment layers together. You can also experiment with various tools like tortillons, stumps, or even cotton swabs for softer blends, depending on the desired effect.
What surfaces are best for using colored pencils?
The surface you choose significantly impacts the way colored pencils perform. Paper specifically designed for colored pencils, often referred to as “toothy” or “textured” paper, is ideal as it provides a good grip for the pigment, allowing for multiple layers and better blending.
While smooth paper can be used, it might make layering and achieving opacity more challenging. Other surfaces like Bristol board, watercolor paper, or even certain prepared canvases can also be used, but it’s always best to test your chosen pencils on a small section of the surface first to see how they behave.
How do I properly care for and store my colored pencils?
To ensure the longevity of your colored pencils, it’s essential to store them properly. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can cause the pigments to fade. Storing them in their original cases, a pencil organizer, or a dedicated art box will protect them from damage and dust.
Additionally, keep the pencils sharpened and avoid dropping them, as this can break the lead core, making them prone to further breakage during sharpening. Gently cleaning any dust or debris from the pencils before storing them will also help maintain their condition.
Final Words
Choosing the right set of colored pencils can profoundly elevate your artistic journey, transforming creative visions into vibrant realities. We’ve explored a spectrum of options, from budget-friendly choices that offer excellent value to professional-grade sets renowned for their pigment quality and blending capabilities. Remember, the “best colored pencils” are ultimately the ones that resonate with your artistic style, budget, and specific project needs. By considering factors like pigment saturation, wax or oil-based composition, and portability, you can confidently select a set that will inspire countless hours of creative expression and deliver the results you desire.
Investing in quality art supplies is an investment in your passion. Whether you’re a seasoned artist seeking to expand your palette or a beginner eager to embark on a colorful adventure, this guide empowers you to make an informed decision. Trust your instincts, experiment with different brands and types, and discover the perfect colored pencils that will unlock your full creative potential. Happy drawing, and may your art be as vivid and compelling as the colors you choose.