Artists around the world have been using colored pencils for years to create stunning works of art. Colored pencils offer an excellent combination of precision, control, and flexibility that makes them a popular medium for both beginner and professional artists alike. Whether you’re creating a portrait, a landscape, or an abstract piece, colored pencils offer a wide range of possibilities.
However, not all colored pencils are created equal. There are many different brands and sets available, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages. Some colored pencils are better suited for certain styles of artwork, while others may be more affordable or easier to work with.
Choosing the best colored pencils for your artwork can be a daunting task. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of the seven best colored pencils for artists! So whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, read on to discover the best colored pencils available on the market today.
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils are a popular choice among artists. They have a soft wax core that allows for smooth and even coloring, making them perfect for blending and layering. They come in a wide range of colors, including metallic and neon shades. The colors are vibrant, and they have excellent lightfastness, so your artwork won’t fade over time. Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils also have a sturdy design, so they won’t break easily.
Product Highlights:
- Soft wax core for smooth and even coloring
- Wide range of colors, including metallic and neon shades
- Vibrant colors with excellent lightfastness
- Sturdy design
Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils
Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils are another popular choice among artists. They have a hard oil-based core that allows for precise coloring and fine details, the colors are rich and vibrant, and they have excellent lightfastness! Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils are also arranged in color families, named, numbered, and color-coded for unerring selection. Wondering how they take to paper? They have a buttery laydown that also defies crumbling under pressure and holds their point, so you’ll be able to use these without worry!
Product Highlights:
- Hard oil-based core for precise coloring and fine details
- Rich and vibrant colors with excellent lightfastness
- Pencils hold their point under pressure
Caran d’Ache Luminance Colored Pencils
Caran d’Ache Luminance Colored Pencils are a high-end option for artists, but they’re well worth the price tag if you’re looking for a quality product that will last you! They are swiss made and have a soft, creamy core that allows for smooth and even coloring. They can also be blended and layered for various effects, with their pigments being chosen for purity, intensity, and resistance to UV. They’re definitely on the pricier side, but they’re often regarded as some of the best colored pencils in the world and being very much worth the cost.
Product Highlights:
- Colors can be blended, burnished, and layered on a variety of surfaces.
- The casing is made of California Cedar from managed forests.
- High lightfastness and smoothness.
Derwent Coloursoft Colored Pencils
Derwent Coloursoft Colored Pencils are a popular choice for artists who want a balance between softness and precision. They have a soft, round, 4mm core that allows for easy blending and layering, but they also have a sharp point for fine details. The colors are vibrant and have good lightfastness, and the consistency is ideal for building up color quickly so you can easily create dynamic and bold drawings. Derwent Coloursoft Colored Pencils also have a sturdy design that is resistant to breakage and allow you to sharpen them to a fine point.
Product Highlights:
- Soft 4mm core for easy blending and layering.
- Can be sharpened to a fine point for details.
- Wide range of vibrant colors with good lightfastness.
- Sturdy design that is resistant to breakage.
Arteza Professional Colored Pencils
Arteza Professional Colored Pencils are a great and affordable option for artists who are looking for a quality product that will stand the test of time. They have a soft, break-resistant core made from lightfast pigment that won’t fade over use, and they also allow for easy blending and layering to add depth and drama to your artwork! Made by artists, for artists, no detail has gone unnoticed in this set – from the sturdy tin to store them that is portable to the range of shades that will exceed your expectations, this is a high-quality colored pencil set for adults that will make an incredible addition to any artists toolbox.
Product Highlights:
- High quality at an affordable price.
- Vibrant colors with a wide shade range and good lightfastness.
- Created by artists, for artists.
Final Thoughts
There are so many colored pencil options available for artists, each with their own pros and cons. All of the sets we listed above are excellent choices depending on your budget, style, and preferences. No matter which set you choose, having the right colored pencils can take your artwork to the next level!
FAQ’S
What is the difference between wax-based and oil-based colored pencils?
Wax-based colored pencils have a softer texture and are ideal for creating smooth, blended effects. They are also easier to layer and are better suited for creating detailed artwork. Oil-based colored pencils, on the other hand, have a harder texture and are ideal for creating bold, vibrant colors. They are also more resistant to fading and smudging.
What does “lightfastness” mean when it comes to colored pencils?
Lightfastness refers to how resistant a colored pencil is to fading when exposed to light. This is an important factor to consider when choosing colored pencils for art because artwork that fades over time can lose its vibrancy and quality. Look for colored pencils with a high lightfastness rating to ensure that your artwork will last for years to come.
How many colors do I need in a set of colored pencils?
The number of colors you need in a set of colored pencils depends on your personal preference and the type of artwork you create. A set of 24 to 36 colors is generally sufficient for most artists, but if you create highly detailed or intricate artwork, you may want a set with more colors.
What is the best paper to use with colored pencils?
The best paper for colored pencils is a heavyweight paper with a smooth surface. This allows the colored pencils to glide smoothly across the paper and blend easily. Look for paper with a weight of at least 80 lb (120 gsm) and a smooth surface texture.
How much should I expect to spend on a set of colored pencils?
The cost of colored pencils varies depending on the brand and the number of pencils in the set. A basic set of colored pencils can be purchased for as little as $10, while a high-end set can cost over $100. It’s important to choose a set that fits your budget and artistic needs, but keep in mind that investing in high-quality colored pencils can make a big difference in the final quality of your artwork.
