Imagine a world without vibrant hues, where your drawings and paintings are stuck in shades of gray. Colored pencils bring that magic to life! They’re a fantastic tool for artists of all ages, letting you blend, shade, and create stunning works of art. But stepping into the world of colored pencils can feel a little overwhelming, right?
With so many brands, types, and price points out there, it’s easy to get confused. Do you choose wax-based or oil-based? Artist-grade or student-grade? These questions can make finding the perfect set feel like a treasure hunt with no map. You want pencils that lay down color smoothly, blend beautifully, and last, but figuring out which ones do that best is the tricky part.
This post is here to be your guide! We’ll break down what makes a colored pencil great for artists. You’ll learn about the different kinds of pencils available and discover what features matter most. By the end, you’ll feel confident picking out colored pencils that will help your artwork shine. Let’s dive in and unlock your colorful potential!
Our Top 5 Colored Pencils For Artists Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Colored Pencils For Artists Detailed Reviews
1. KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books
Rating: 8.6/10
Unleash your creativity with the KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils! This set is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves to color, draw, or sketch. Whether you’re diving into a new adult coloring book, working on school projects, or just enjoying a relaxing art session, these pencils offer a wonderful spectrum of colors and a smooth coloring experience. They are designed for both adults and kids, making them a versatile addition to any art supply collection.
What We Like:
- Vibrant Colors: You get a generous 72 colors, giving you plenty of options to bring your art to life.
- Smooth and Pigmented: The soft core lays down rich, vivid color that’s perfect for blending and shading.
- Easy to Use: Each pencil has a number and color name, so finding the right shade is a breeze.
- Quality Material: Made from high-quality basswood, these pencils are easy to sharpen and built to last.
- Safe for All Ages: They are non-toxic and meet safety standards, making them suitable for kids aged 5 and up.
- Great for Beginners: The ease of use and quality make them ideal for those just starting out in art.
What Could Be Improved:
- No Case Included: While the pencils are great, a storage case would make organizing and transporting them even easier.
- Soft Core Sensitivity: The soft core, while good for blending, might require a bit more care when sharpening to avoid breakage.
This KALOUR colored pencil set is a delightful choice for anyone looking to add color and detail to their artwork. It’s a thoughtful gift that encourages creativity and provides hours of artistic enjoyment.
2. PRINA Art Supplies 120 Colors Colored Pencils Set for Adults Coloring Books with Sketchbook
Rating: 8.9/10
Unleash your inner artist with the PRINA Art Supplies 120 Colors Colored Pencils Set. This vibrant collection offers everything you need to bring your drawings and coloring pages to life. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, these pencils provide a fantastic way to explore your creativity.
What We Like:
- Premium Colored Pencils: The colors are super bright and bold. They glide smoothly onto the paper, giving you rich, beautiful pigment.
- Professional Sketch Art Kit: You get a sketchbook with three different types of paper, perfect for trying out colors. The pencils are already sharpened and ready to go.
- Portable Zipper Case: Everything stays neat and tidy in the strong zipper case. It’s easy to take with you anywhere, making it great for travel or as a gift.
- Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly: These pencils are safe for everyone, including kids. They meet important safety standards.
- Comprehensive Drawing Tutorial: A helpful guide shows you how to draw a parrot step-by-step, which is perfect for beginners.
- Quality Materials: The pencils have a soft, oil-based core that’s thick. This makes them great for layering colors and creating smooth blends and shades.
What Could Be Improved:
- The sketchbook paper, while versatile, might not be ideal for very heavy applications of certain mediums.
- While the tutorial is great for beginners, more advanced artists might wish for more complex subjects.
This set is a wonderful choice for anyone looking to dive into the world of colored pencils. It offers a complete package for artistic exploration and enjoyment.
3. Amazon Basics Colored Pencils for Coloring and Drawing
Rating: 8.9/10
Unleash your creativity with the Amazon Basics Colored Pencils! This 24-count set is perfect for students heading back to school or anyone who loves to color and draw. They offer a fantastic way to add vibrant color to your projects.
What We Like:
- Premium Quality: These pencils are made for detailed work. You can sketch, shade, and layer colors easily.
- Soft and Smooth Application: The artist-quality lead glides smoothly across the paper. The colors are rich and saturated.
- Time-Saving Pre-Sharpening: The pencils come ready to use. They are also easy to sharpen when needed, saving you time.
- Durability: The thick lead cores resist breaking. This means the pencils last longer.
- Convenient Storage Case: The set includes a tin case with a lid that detaches. A built-in tray keeps everything neat and protected.
What Could Be Improved:
- The color selection, while good for a basic set, might be limited for advanced artists seeking very specific shades.
- While durable, extreme pressure could still cause breakage, as with any colored pencil.
This Amazon Basics colored pencil set is a solid choice for everyday coloring and drawing. It provides good quality and convenience for a great price.
4. Castle Art Supplies 120 Colored Pencils with Zipper
Rating: 9.1/10
Unleash your inner artist with the Castle Art Supplies 120 Colored Pencils! This set is designed for everyone, from beginners to seasoned pros. It comes in a handy zipper pouch, making it easy to take your art supplies anywhere. The pencils are organized by color, so finding the perfect shade is a breeze.
What We Like:
- A huge range of 120 colors, all neatly organized by color families.
- The pencils are easy to find because they are named and numbered.
- The soft, buttery leads glide smoothly onto paper, giving rich, creamy color.
- They are strong and don’t crumble easily, and they hold a sharp point.
- You can blend, layer, and burnish colors to create amazing effects.
- They work on many surfaces, like paper, canvas, and wood.
- A cool tutorial is included to help you improve your drawing skills.
- The set is built to last and comes with a money-back guarantee.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the zipper pouch is convenient, some users might prefer a more rigid case for extra protection.
- For very advanced artists, the “softness” might be a matter of personal preference, though they are described as “quality soft.”
This set offers an incredible value for its price. It’s a fantastic way to explore your creativity and build your artistic talents.
5. Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books
Rating: 9.5/10
Unleash your inner artist with the Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencil Set! This vibrant collection is perfect for anyone who loves to color, draw, or sketch. Whether you’re diving into an adult coloring book, creating a masterpiece for school, or looking for a fun gift, these pencils deliver. They come neatly organized in a handy box, making it super easy to find the exact shade you need.
What We Like:
- Rich Variety: You get 72 individual colors! This means endless possibilities for your artwork.
- Smooth Coloring: The soft leads create smooth, beautiful colors. Blending and shading are a breeze.
- Durable Leads: These pencils are built to last. The leads are strong and resist breaking, cracking, or crumbling.
- Easy to Sharpen: Keeping your pencils ready for action is simple with easy sharpening.
- Safe to Use: The materials are odorless and have a safety certificate (EN71), so you can create with peace of mind.
- Great Organization: The included pencil box keeps all your colors visible and tidy.
What Could Be Improved:
- Age Restriction: Due to small parts, these pencils are not suitable for children under 3 years old.
This Soucolor pencil set offers a fantastic way to explore your creativity. It’s a wonderful gift for teens and kids, providing hours of colorful fun and artistic expression.
Choosing the Right Colored Pencils for Your Art
Colored pencils are amazing tools for artists. They let you add vibrant color and subtle shading to your drawings. But with so many options, how do you pick the best ones? This guide will help you find the perfect colored pencils for your artistic journey.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for colored pencils, keep these important features in mind:
- Pigment Quality: This is super important! High-quality pigments mean your colors will be bright, rich, and true to what you see on the pencil. Cheaper pencils often have less pigment, making colors look dull.
- Lightfastness: This tells you how well the color will resist fading when exposed to light. Pencils with good lightfastness keep your artwork looking beautiful for a long time.
- Binder Type: The binder holds the pigment together. There are two main types: wax-based and oil-based.
- Core Hardness: This affects how easily the pencil lays down color and how sharp you can keep the point.
- Set Size: Do you need a small set for sketching or a large one for a wide range of colors?
Important Materials and What They Mean
The materials used in colored pencils greatly affect their performance:
Wax-Based Pencils
These are the most common type. They use wax as the binder.
- Pros: They are great for layering colors and blending. You can build up rich tones. They tend to be more affordable.
- Cons: They can sometimes create a waxy build-up on the paper.
Oil-Based Pencils
These pencils use oil as the binder.
- Pros: They offer smooth laydown and blend beautifully. They don’t usually leave a waxy residue. They are excellent for detailed work.
- Cons: They can be a bit harder to blend than wax-based pencils for some artists.
Wood Casing
The wood around the pencil core is usually cedar. Good quality wood helps prevent breakage and sharpens easily.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a big difference in how good your colored pencils are:
- Pigment Concentration: More pigment means stronger, brighter colors.
- Binder Quality: A good binder helps the pigment stick to the paper and blend smoothly.
- Manufacturing Process: Skilled manufacturing ensures the core is centered and unbroken.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known art supply brands often use better materials and have stricter quality control.
On the flip side, poor quality pencils might have:
- Low pigment content, leading to weak colors.
- Cheap binders that make blending difficult.
- Prone to breaking cores.
- Inconsistent color across different pencils.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your colored pencils depends on your style and what you want to create:
- Beginners: Start with a mid-range set. These offer good color and blendability without costing a fortune. They are great for practicing basic techniques.
- Hobbyists: You might want a larger set with a wider color selection for more creative freedom. Look for good lightfastness to preserve your work.
- Professional Artists: Professionals often invest in high-end pencils with superior pigments and lightfastness. They may also use specific brands for their unique qualities.
- Sketching and Doodling: A smaller set or even a few favorite colors work well.
- Detailed Illustrations: Oil-based pencils or softer wax-based pencils with fine points are excellent for this.
- Blending and Shading: Softer cores and good quality binders are key. You can use blending tools or other pencils to create smooth transitions.
Experimentation is your best friend! Try different brands and types to see what feels right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colored Pencils
Q: What’s the difference between wax-based and oil-based colored pencils?
A: Wax-based pencils use wax as a binder, which makes them great for layering and blending. Oil-based pencils use oil, offering a smoother laydown and less waxy build-up.
Q: How important is lightfastness?
A: Lightfastness is very important if you want your artwork to last. It means the colors won’t fade when exposed to light over time.
Q: Should I buy a large set or a small set of colored pencils?
A: It depends on your needs. Beginners might start with a smaller set, while artists who need a wide range of colors will benefit from a larger set.
Q: What does “core hardness” mean?
A: Core hardness refers to how soft or hard the pencil lead is. Softer leads lay down more color and blend easily, while harder leads hold a sharp point longer.
Q: Can I blend colored pencils?
A: Yes! You can blend colored pencils using other pencils, blending tools, or even solvents like rubbing alcohol.
Q: Are expensive colored pencils always better?
A: Not always, but generally, higher-priced pencils use better quality pigments and binders, which improves their performance.
Q: How can I prevent my colored pencils from breaking?
A: Use a good sharpener, avoid dropping them, and don’t press too hard when drawing. Quality pencils with good wood casings are less likely to break.
Q: What kind of paper works best with colored pencils?
A: Paper with a bit of tooth (texture) is usually best. It helps the pencil pigment grip the paper.
Q: Can I use colored pencils for realistic portraits?
A: Absolutely! With good quality pencils and blending techniques, you can create incredibly realistic portraits.
Q: Where can I find good colored pencils?
A: You can find them at art supply stores, online retailers, and sometimes in larger craft stores.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.